Human Development and Family Studies | Penn State College of Health and Human Development

David Almeida named Distinguished Professor

A scholar in the study of stress, health and aging, Almeida's research addresses everyday stressors and their impact on well-being across the lifespan. His innovative daily-diary methodology has transformed how researchers conceptualize and measure daily stress. Congratulations!

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Lecture to discuss how mobile "games" detect cognitive decline, dementia risk

Zita Oravecz, professor of human and development and family studies at Penn State, will present the 2026 Pattishall Research Lecture, “Extracting digital markers of cognitive decline from high-frequency mobile assessments,” on Wednesday, March 18.

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Events to commemorate National Black History Month

Penn State will host events throughout February in observance of National Black History Month, including a HHD celebration from 6–8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, in 110 Henderson Building. Hosted by the HHD Office for Diversity and Inclusion, the event features student-led celebrations of Black culture and history, including dance workshops and Penn State Black history trivia in collaboration with the NAACP and NPHC.

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Meet Ella and Emma!

See the HDFS major through the eyes of our Instagram Ambassadors. Follow them, comment on posts, ask questions, and even share your own experience with HDFS.

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Start your undergraduate journey

Improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Study developmental science and effective interventions, while preparing for careers in a variety of fields.

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Learn about graduate training

Discover how research and graduate training in HDFS provides students with the knowledge needed to contribute to the field of human development.

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Explore HDFS research areas

Understand the variety of research areas and current projects that push the boundaries of knowledge in the field.

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Engage in HDFS diversity initiatives

Learn how HDFS is encouraging and fostering an environment in which every member of the community can flourish.

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Social work is about helping people lead safer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. By becoming a social worker, you will make a meaningful difference for individuals, families, and communities in today’s ever-changing world.

Earn a Master of Social Work at Penn State

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A person reading a picture book to her two sleepy young children on a couch.

Routine helps children adjust to school, but harsh parenting may undo benefits

Penn State names 14 new distinguished professors for 2026

Older person sits on the edge of a bed with a hand on their back, indicating discomfort

Back pain linked to worse sleep years later in men over 65, according to study