Graduate programs take a multidisciplinary approach, preparing students for college and university teaching and research as well as development, administration, and evaluation of programs serving individuals and families across the lifespan. Graduate programs are offered in four areas. Family studies presents basic knowledge about families with specific focus in relationship development, family stress and crisis, family policy, family structure, and intergenerational family relationships. Early childhood education integrates child development theory with educational programming to facilitate the development of young children. Gerontology, the study of aging, is offered as a minor area.
Research is a very important focus of the graduate program in human development and family studies.
For more information contact Graduate Program in Human Development and Family Studies, College of Home Economics and Education, OSU, Corvallis, OR 97331-5102. Gerontology A concentration in adult development and aging is available to students majoring in human development in the College of Home Economics and Education. In addition, an integrated minor in gerontology is available to graduate students from throughout the University. The minor requires 18 to 36 credits, including HDFS 514 Social Gerontology or the equivalent. The balance of the course work is selected from graduate gerontology courses, field study, and research.