Human Development & Family Studies
Students in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) receive the knowledge and skills needed to help individuals and families across the lifespan to flourish in a global society. The degree prepares students for a wide range of careers in diverse settings including community-based social services, prevention, advocacy, family intervention, case management, program development and evaluation, and nonprofit management. Core coursework focuses on development across the lifespan and understanding family relationships, the environments in which individuals live and learn, and the unique strengths and needs of diverse individuals and families. After completing the degree, you will not only make a living, but you will also make a difference in the world around you.
HDFS Testimonials
Bachelor’s Degree:
"The HDFS program helped me develop skills that lead me to feel comfortable and confident working in the field. The faculty are super friendly and always willing to help the students."
Summer Glenn, Class of 2016
“The HDFS program helped me to be well rounded in all ages of development so I was able to apply to a wide array of different career paths and find my niche as I moved along.”
Shauna Meredith, Class of 2014
“I had a wonderful experience! I felt like the classes prepared me for a career in social services. I also had great professors. They were all very knowledgeable and had a wealth of experience.”
Elena Moore, Class of 2014
Master’s Degree:
The faculty are amazing! Their strong commitment to the students through genuine care, scholarly activities, and teaching excellence provide a learning environment where students can thrive and be successful. The faulty really care about the students both professionally and personally. As a graduate of the HDFS Master's program, I discovered my passion, strengths, and voice and made lifelong friendships along the way. The knowledge and skills that I gained from the program provided a broad foundation for career opportunities and prepared me to transition into my professional life.
Nancy Woolverton, Class of 2015
News and Information
NEWS: KENT STATE STUDENTS ACCEPTED INTO THE SUMMER OHIO SCHOLARS IN AGING PROGRAM
Congratulations to Julia Cuglewski (Gerontology), Karin Himstedt (Nursing Home Administration), Karli McDonald (Nursing Home Administration), Ana Petrovska (Nursing Home Administration), Genna Sink (Nursing Home Administration), and Charity Stackhouse (Nursing Home Administration), who have all been accepted into the Summer 2016 cohort of the Ohio Scholars in Aging Program jointly sponsored by the Ohio Department of Aging and Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE).
For more information, please visit the Ohio Scholars in Aging Program page on the OAGE website.
NEWS: NEW MINORS IN HDFS AND NONPROFIT STUDIES
In an effort to better prepare students to meet the needs of area nonprofit and human service organizations the HDFS program offers minors in Human Development and Family Studies, Gerontology, and Nonprofit Studies. These minors are open to students from any major interested in contributing to the quality of life and well being of individuals and families across the lifespan. Please contact Dr. Kelly Cichy at kcichy@kent.edu or Kathy Bergh at kbergh@kent.edu for more information.
NEWS: 2015 EHHS HALL OF FAME RECENT ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT, MARY BEDDELL
Mary Beddell received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) from Kent State in 2006. Currently, she is the public relations director for Plain Local Schools in Canton and the chapter manager for the Ohio School Public Relations Association. In 2009, Mary founded the Josette Beddell Memorial Foundation to help the better the lives of families in Ohio affected by cancer by providing direct financial assistance to families in need. In addition to her other roles, Mary continues to actively give back to the HDFS program at Kent State. She frequently visits classes and shares her experiences with current HDFS students, while serving as a strong role model for all current and future EHHS students.
NEWS: HDFS PROGRAM WELCOMES NEW POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR
Drs. Greg Smith and Kelly Cichy received an internal award from the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs to support a full-time Post-doctoral Research Fellowship focused on research on stress, social support, and healthy aging. Drs. Smith and Cichy are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jeong Eun Lee (Jel) who joined their research team this fall as a Postdoctoral Scholar. Dr. Lee holds a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern University and Yonsei University, and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Yonsei University. Dr. Lee's research examines dyadic coping and social support between dyads in the context of chronic illness.
NEWS: STUDYING WELL-BEING OF CUSTODIAL GRANDMOTHERS & GRANDCHILDREN
University researchers in the College of Education, Health, and Human Services are engaged in a multimillion-dollar study of interventions for improving the psychological well-being of custodial grandmothers and the grandchildren for whom they provide full-time care.