1. Graduate Program Overview
  2. Areas of Specialization

Areas of Specialization

In the HDFS department, graduate students specialize in one of five areas of specialization based on their research interests and career goals.  Below are the specialization areas and some information about each.  A detailed description and a list of affiliated faculty can be found by clicking on the area of specialization.

two aged men sitting at table playing a game of chessAdulthood, Aging, and Gerontology

The health and wellbeing of adults, older adults, families, caregivers, and communities.

Child and Adolescent DevelopmentYoung boy writing in journal

Development during infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, and the transition to adulthood in the context of a range of social settings, including families, peers, schools, and culture.

family of five holding hands and going for a walk in the parkCouples, Parents, and Families

Relationships across the lifespan, including dating, marriage, and families of heterosexual and LGBTQ couples, in many social contexts including culture, socioeconomic status, and family structure.

Hispanic family of three surrounded by colorful flower displayDiversity and Culture

The quality of life for individuals of diverse social, cultural, and racial/ethnic backgrounds within and outside of the United States; gender and sexual identities; and disabilities/abilities.

young woman holding slice of watermelon in front of mouthHealth, Wellbeing, and Prevention

The processes that promote health and wellbeing, and how to prevent negative outcomes at the individual, familial, community, and societal levels so as to develop prevention and intervention policies and practices.

Quote from previous HDFS graduate student:

“Among the strengths of the UConn HDFS grad program are it's very supportive faculty members who are very student-oriented and have the best interests of the students in mind. Additionally, there were ample opportunities to get involved or explore professional interest (e.g. parenting, relationships, policy, health). One may easily become affiliated with different Centers within the department and across the university.”

-Alexander Reid, (Ph.D. ’18, Assistant Professor in the Department of Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies at California State University, Bakersfield)