Welcome from the Chair

Welcome to the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) at Michigan State University. Our department is made up of a vibrant community of scholars who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of families and communities. The mission of the HDFS Department is to engage in cutting edge applied translational research and inspired teaching, with the goal of improving the health and well-being of diverse individuals, families, children, and communities, locally, nationally, and globally. We aim for our science to transform the human experience and inspire leaders, especially when relevant to families and children. HDFS is comprised of interdisciplinary scholars who seek excellence in research, teaching, outreach, policy leadership, and the preparation of future scholars and leaders. Our graduates go on to work in a number of valued placements including social service agencies, therapy clinics, child development centers, and universities.

The Department includes two settings that serve the community and provide a context in which to conduct applied research: the Child Development Laboratory (CDL), and the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic (CFTC). The CDL offers full-day programs for children ages six weeks through five years, and it serves as a student teaching site for undergraduate and graduate education in early childhood teaching and administration. The CFTC offers clinical services to individuals, couples, and families from the university and surrounding community, and serves as a teaching site for advanced doctoral training in the highly ranked accredited Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) doctoral program.

As a department, our core values include equity, inclusivity, diversity, and social justice, and we aim to reflect these values in all we do. We work to create a climate in which people from diverse backgrounds are welcomed, represented, and respected. We are committed to working with diverse students through infusing our mentoring and teaching with our core values. 

We are living in difficult times—the COVID-19 pandemic, racism in our society, extreme political polarization—and many other challenges. These issues all intersect with the lives of individuals, couples, and families. We stand together to use our influence in the world for good and to make a meaningful difference.

As the chair of HDFS, I am open to meet with you to discuss any matters related to the department. It is easy to set up a meeting by clicking the following link: SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Finally, please stay up to date with the many activities of the department by following us on Twitter and Facebook.

Go Green!

Adrian Blow, PhD, LMFT
Department Chair and Professor