Our new Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) serves as a launchpad for students who are passionate about improving lives through a research-based understanding of human development and family dynamics. “There is a science to help children grow and develop,” said Dr. Andrea Ettekal, an associate professor and coordinator of the program. “Our role is to take that science and help families use it to improve their quality of life.”
Students in the HDFS program explore family processes and human development, then apply those concepts in real-world settings through internships and field experiences. To make these experiences more meaningful, the program is building partnerships with local organizations, including governmental and non-governmental programs. This allows students to gain hands-on experience while helping make a difference in the community.
“When I learned about HDFS, it all clicked. I could work with youth without needing a teaching certification, and I could make a real difference.”
Kelly Kazsuk ’27
Current student
Kelly Kazsuk ’27 changed majors to join the program after realizing she loved working with kids, but that teaching was not for her. “When I learned about HDFS, it all clicked,” she said. “I could work with youth without needing a teaching certification, and I could make a real difference.”
Kazsuk gained hands-on experience at the Becky Gates Children’s Center, where she applied what she learned in the classroom to early childhood development. “It’s eye-opening to see how structured environments can dramatically impact a child’s growth,” she said.
Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue careers in social services, youth development, healthcare, education and more. HDFS also provides a strong foundation for graduate studies in counseling and therapy.
Ettekal hopes more people recognize the scientific rigor of the program and its impact on communities. “We’re preparing future decision-makers who will shape the field and improve services based on science,” she said.
The HDFS program is housed in our Department of Educational Psychology.