The University of Delaware Department of Human Development and Family Studies
The University of Delaware Department of Human Development and Family Studies is an interdisciplinary, applied academic unit that prepares undergraduates for practice or graduate studies in early childhood education, family studies, and human services, broadly defined. The Department educates graduate students to be scholarly and professional leaders who study critical child, youth, and family issues in the community, and build quality institutions of higher education that support college student learning. Faculty and students integrate theory, research, practice, policy and service into all our work. The Department values diversity, inclusion and the promotion of positive human development within the rapidly changing global context in which we live.
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Delaware offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees, conducts research in the areas of human development, family studies and counseling, and provides service throughout the region, country and world.
The Department offers undergraduate degrees in Human Services and Early Childhood Education with many opportunities for hands on experiences working with children, youth, adults and families. Graduate programs (including: M.S. Human Development and Family Studies, M.A. College Counseling and Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education) provide applied instruction in counseling, human services management and leadership, youth development, and early childhood education. A Ph.D. program focuses on young children and youth within the context of their families
Center for Disabilities Studies
Located at the University of Delaware, the Center for Disabilities Studies is one of over sixty University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities in the country. CDS is active in five kinds of activities designed to expand and improve services available to Delawareans with disabilities and their families, including: University education, community education, technical assistance and program evaluation, research and demonstration, and dissemination.
The mission of the Center for Disabilities Studies is to enhance the lives of individuals and families in Delaware through education, prevention, service, and research related to disabilities. The Center promotes independence and productivity so individuals and families can fully participate in the life of the community.
CDS is a member of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). AUCD is a national network of interdisciplinary centers advancing policy and practice through research, education, leadership and services for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families and communities.