About us
Mission Statement
The Department of Human Development and Family Science at Messiah University seeks to enhance the well-being of families in diverse societies through a) educating and advising students for graduate school and careers in family science; b) engaging in national and international conversations on family-related issues; c) conducting academic research; d) developing and delivering effective family life education programs; e) presenting ideas and solutions which reflect Christian faith and values; and f) pursuing lives of leadership, service (e.g. civic engagement), and reconciliation (e.g. ethical responsibility) locally, nationally, and globally.
1) Career, Community, and Family Connections:
- Students analyze family, community, and work interrelationships
- Students investigate career paths, including those in family and consumer sciences
- Students apply career decision-making and transitioning processes.
2) Students conduct, analyze and apply empirically based research.
3) Students reflect on how their personal attributes and Christian convictions impact their vocational pursuits.
4) Students gain field experience and practical application opportunities in a variety of school settings.
5) Students demonstrate their awareness and knowledge related to multicultural and diverse individual, couple and family experiences (e.g., socioeconomic, rural-urban, various family structures).
6) Consumer Economics and Family Resources: Students explain how resources in family and consumer sciences areas (resource management, consumer economics, financial literacy, living environments, and textiles and apparel) address the diverse needs and goals of individuals, families and communities.
7) Family and Human Development: Students apply principles of human development, interpersonal relationships, and family dynamics necessary to strengthen individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan in contexts such as parenting, caregiving, and the workplace.
8) Nutrition, Food, and Wellness: Students attain knowledge about nutrition, food, and wellness practices that enhance individual and family well-being across the lifespan and address related concerns in a global society.
9) Student Organization Integration: Students develop a plan to integrate the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America student organization into the program to foster students’ academic growth, application of family and consumer sciences content, leadership, service learning, and career development.
1) Students articulate foundational concepts and apply theory related to:
- Families in Society
- Internal Dynamics of Families
- Human Growth & Development over the Life Span
- Human Sexuality
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Family Resource Management
- Parent Education and Guidance
- Family Law & Public Policy
- Professional Ethics and Practice
- Family Life Education Methodology
2) Students conduct, analyze and apply empirically based research.
3) Students reflect on how their personal attributes and Christian convictions impact their vocational pursuits.
4) Students engage in experiential learning opportunities with individuals, couples and/or families.
5) Students demonstrate their awareness and knowledge related to multicultural and diverse individual, couple and family experiences (e.g., socioeconomic, rural-urban, various family structures).
"I had a great experience in the FCS Department and I feel well prepared for the future because of the oppurtunities and experiences the program provides." -2020 FCS graduate
"My experience as an HDFS major allowed me to strenghten my faith and discover my passion for helping people in my community by focusing on their health, which is an intergral part of one's well-being." -2018 HDFS graduate