2026-2027 Academic Catalog

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Human Development (HD)

HD 1004 - Childhood and Adolescence (3 credits) 
Basic concepts related to human development. Emphasis on developmental theories and principles of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth, development, and behavior of children, individually and within families and cultures, from conception through adolescence. Designed as a general survey course for majors and non-majors.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 1014 - Introduction to Human Development & Family Science First Year Experience (1 credit) 
Introduction to the Human Development and Family Science Department: majors, minors, and curriculum requirements and options. Introduction to academic skills and career exploration. Exploration of University programs and services that support students and promote student development.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
HD 1034 - The Connection Project (1 credit) 
Discussion of key components of making meaningful connections. Engagement in activities and dialogue that highlight what brings people together, what keeps people apart, and how these things manifest in VT’s social culture. Focus on current research on the social, biological, emotional, and cognitive impacts of human connection. Apply various communication styles and conflict resolution strategies, and further consider how variations in communication can impact social interactions, connection, and sense of self.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
HD 1134 - Introduction to Disability Studies (3 credits) 
Introduction to concepts related to physical, intellectual, cognitive, and emotional disability, with a focus on disability as a social construct and lived experiences of people with disabilities across the lifespan. Exploration of texts, videos, and other created artifacts to evaluate concepts and models of disability. Attention to policy, culture, and ethical issues.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 2 Critical Thinking Humanities, 7 Identity & Equity in U.S., 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 1434 - Introduction to Human Services (3 credits) 
Introduction to Human Development and Family Science. Exploration of common problems affecting human development and family functioning. Emphasis on prevention, education, intervention, and advocacy strategies to promote growth and development across the life span and within family systems. Attention to theory, research, and ethics.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 1984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 1984C - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 2004 - Adulthood and Aging (3 credits) 
Introduction to adult development and aging (gerontology). Basic concepts, principles, theories, research methods and social issues of development from emerging adulthood through the end of life. Biopsychosocial analysis of issues affecting aging processes, including family dynamics. Consideration of social, economic, political and ethical issues in aging. Attention to multicultural perspectives and significant global challenges and opportunities related to aging around the world.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 2014 - Integrative Practices for Health, Wellbeing, and Resilience (3 credits) 
Theories of integrative (mind-body) health and wellbeing. Examination of multidimensional factors, including stress, personality, relationships, and social environment, as well as issues of identity and equity that influence health across the lifespan. Engagement in contemplative and evidence-based integrative health practices used for promoting health, wellbeing, and resilience. Attention given to ethical use and teaching of practice methods.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 7 Identity & Equity in U.S., 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 2304 - Family Relationships (3 credits) 
Overview of basic concepts, principles, theories, and issues of development and change in family relationships. Topics include families in historical and contextual perspective, structural and relational diversity in families, and processes of relational development, maintenance, and dissolution in families.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 2314 - Human Sexuality (3 credits) 
Explores the diversity of human sexuality using global perspectives. Biological, historical, developmental, psychological, sociological and self-reflexive approaches. Interdisciplinary examination of the social constructions of sexuality and gender; the historical and contemporary theoretical perspectives and research on sex; the interactions of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and nationality in shaping sexuality and family formation; the international commercialization of sex; the impact of violence and sexual coercion; the debates surrounding sexual ethics, unintended pregnancy, sex education, and biotechnology; the application of the scientific method, study designs, and methods of observation; the promotion of sexual and reproductive health across the lifespan; and the development of sexual practices, rituals, mythologies, belief systems and other cultural contexts for sexuality across time and around the world.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 2434 - Skills in Human Services (3 credits) 
Advanced topics in the application of human development and family science. Exploration of how to use human development and family science theory and research to promote growth and development of individuals across the life span and within families. Includes focus on skills and practices related to: individual and family evaluation, case management, intervention, and ethics; with attention to a range of family backgrounds, needs, and resources.
Prerequisite(s): HD 1004 and HD 1434 or HD 2335 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 2964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 2974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 2974H - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 2984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 2994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 3014 - Research Methods in Human Development (3 credits) 
Critical thinking and problem-solving involved in applying methods of scientific inquiry to the field of human development and family science. Analysis of individuals, families, and groups. Topics include method of data collection, basic methods for displaying and analyzing data, and writing reports.
Prerequisite(s): HD 2004 and HD 2304 and (SOC 2104 or STAT 2004 or STAT 3005 or STAT 3604 or STAT 3615) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 3024 - Community Analytics (3 credits) 
Application of data analytics concepts to community issues at local and global levels. Data sources, data quality, data representation and data ethics. Statistical analysis to improve community livability. Communication of data and statistics for community stakeholders. Evaluation of reports that use data. Sophomore standing or higher.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 5A Quant & Comp Thnk Adv., 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 3114 - Issues in Aging (3 credits) 
Investigates selected contemporary issues and measures potential solutions in adulthood and old age; family and friend relationships; work and retirement; political, legal, and economic issues; vulnerability related to gender.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 3214 - Infancy and Early Childhood (3 credits) 
Theories, principles, and patterns of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from conception to the early school years. Micro and macro environmental influences on development, including families and culture, are considered as they interact with genetic/biological determinants of development.
Prerequisite(s): HD 1004 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 3224 - Middle Childhood and Adolescence (3 credits) 
Theories, principles, and patterns of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from middle childhood to adolescence. Micro and macro environmental influences, including families and culture, on development as they interact with genetic/biological determinants of development.
Prerequisite(s): HD 1004 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 3234 - Lifespan Community Services (3 credits) 
Health and human service programs serving children, youth, and families to address life course development issues in the changing American family. Overview of child/youth care issues in areas such as poverty, health and healthcare, day-care services, school-based services, court services, child abuse and neglect, and children in residential settings. Methods of determining service eligibility, needs assessment techniques, translation of client data into a plan for community-based programs and services, and procedures for maintaining quality assurance.
Prerequisite(s): HD 1004 and HD 2304 and HD 2004 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 3254 - Curriculum in Early Childhood (3 credits) 
Supervised experience in planning and implementing emergent, play-based learning experiences for young children; examination of the role of the teacher; exploration of early childhood curricular design and materials suitable for addressing milestones of child development based on theory and research; utilization of approaches related to sharing child-specific information with families.
Prerequisite(s): HD 1004 and HD 3214 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 3434 - Advanced Helping Skills (3 credits) 
Helping skills used in professional helping relationships. Case management, ethical issues, evaluating crisis situations, listening/speaking skills, and approaches to individual and family assessment.
Prerequisite(s): (HD 1434 or HD 2335) and (HD 2434 or HD 2336) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 3764 - The Connection Project Training/Facilitation (1-3 credits) 
Development of group facilitation knowledge and skills. Emphasis on self-awareness and issues related to peer relationships and well-being. Examination of how to manage interpersonal differences and foster supportive community. Participation in The Connection Project and practice leading groups. First time the course is taken it must be for 3 credit hours. May be repeated up to 9 times with different content for a maximum of 12 credit hours. Pre: Enrollment in this course is restricted to TCP facilitators.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1-3 Lec, 1-3 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 12 credit hours 
HD 3900 - Bridge Experience (0 credits) 
Application of academic knowledge and skills to in a work-based experience aligned with post-graduation goals using research-based learning processes. Satisfactory completion of work-based experience often in the form of internship, undergraduate research, co-op, or study abroad; self-evaluation; reflection; and showcase of learning. Pre: Departmental approval of 3900 plan.
Instructional Contact Hours: (0 Crd) 
HD 3954 - Study Abroad (1-9 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1-9 Lec, 1-9 Crd) 
HD 3954C - Study Abroad (1-19 credits) 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 3954G - Study Abroad (1-19 credits) 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 7 Identity & Equity in U.S. 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 3964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 3984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 4324 - Family Challenges and Change (3 credits) 
Investigation of normative and non-normative challenges, transitions, and stress experienced by families over the life course; family diversity (intersection of characteristics) that shapes family change within socio-historical contexts; protective factors and resilience; coping strategies; prevention and intervention; public policies. Pre: Junior standing.
Prerequisite(s): HD 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 4324H - Family Challenges and Change (3 credits) 
Investigation of normative and non-normative challenges, transitions, and stress experienced by families over the life course; family diversity (intersection of characteristics) that shapes family change within socio-historical contexts; protective factors and resilience; coping strategies; prevention and intervention; public policies. Pre: Junior standing.
Prerequisite(s): HD 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 4334 - Addiction, Recovery, and Family Systems (3 credits) 
Intrapersonal and interpersonal dimensions of addictive/compulsive patterns manifested in the context of the family system. Physiological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, and systemic characteristics of substance use and other addictive/compulsive behaviors. Intergenerational patterns and interactions among family members and other systems. Strategies for intervention. Processes and implications of addictions, treatment, and recovery.
Prerequisite(s): HD 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 4714 - Senior Capstone Seminar (3 credits) 
Intensive learning experiences in critical thinking and analysis of human development and family science. Opportunities to demonstrate breadth of learning while developing leadership skills and honing professional competencies. Topics include leadership and team development, problem solving, grant writing, program evaluation, and electronic portfolios. Pre: Senior standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 4764 - ECDE Minor Field Experience (1 credit) 
Exploration of human services delivery by experiencing working in a professional childcare center under the mentorship of child development professionals. Translation of knowledge, skills, and values learned from the classroom into actual practice. Observation of professionals and clients in this service delivery system. Exploration of multiple aspects of working in child development, participation in work in this setting, application of child development knowledge and research, and reflection on their own role as a professional. Pre: Junior standing.
Prerequisite(s): HD 1004 and HD 3214 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
HD 4964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Prerequisite(s): HD 1004 and HD 2004 and (HD 2335 or HD 1434) and (HD 2336 or HD 2434) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 4974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 4974H - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 4984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 4994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 4994H - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 5005 - Theories in Human Development and Family Science (3 credits) 
HD 5005: Individual development and lifespan theories of human development, theory synthesis and construction, application to research. HD 5006: Family, community, and macro systems theories across the lifecourse, theory synthesis and construction, application to research. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 5006 - Theories in Human Development and Family Science (3 credits) 
HD 5005: Individual development and lifespan theories of human development, theory synthesis and construction, application to research. HD 5006: Family, community, and macro systems theories across the lifecourse, theory synthesis and construction, application to research. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 5104 - Adult Development and Aging (3 credits) 
Theory and research pertaining to biological/health/daily functioning, cognition, personality, emotional development, and social functioning in the context of diverse families across the life course and life span. Critical life events and supportive environments, policies, and programs. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 5224 - Child Development in the Family Context (3 credits) 
Theories of neurobiological, cognitive, emotional, social development, birth to adolescence, in context of families. Critical evaluation, theories and research methods. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 5244 - Sexual Health and Human Rights (3 credits) 
Sexual and reproductive health from human development, public health, and critical feminist perspectives, with special attention to human rights issues. Sexually transmitted infections; HIV/AIDS; unintended pregnancy; population policies; eugenics; sexual and reproductive rights; positive sexuality, sex education; and health promotion. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: PHS 5244, WGS 5244 
HD 5254 - Social Epidemiology (3 credits) 
Analyze social determinants of health through the life-course in relationship to public health. Interplay of social factors that influence health domestically and globally. Application of social epidemiology to a range of health outcomes. Informing effective community-engaged solutions and policies to address health issues. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: PHS 5254 
HD 5324 - Marriage and Family Relationships (3 credits) 
Theories in family science research. Family demographics and values. Intimate relationships. Sexuality and gender diversity. Race, ethnic, and social class diversity among families; intersectionality. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 5344 - Perspectives On Human Sexuality (3 credits) 
Interdisciplinary historical consideration of writings, research, theory, and application of knowledge related to human sexuality.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 5424 - Life Span Human Development (3 credits) 
Stages of individual development as they occur in the context of the family life course. Overview of current developmental theories. Impact of race, gender, and class on cultural views of developmental norms.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: EDCO 5424 
HD 5474 - Professional Seminar In Marriage and Family Therapy (3 credits) 
Focuses on the major ethical, legal, and professional issues faced by those in the field of marriage and family therapy.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 5484 - Clinical Marriage and Family Therapy IV (3 credits) 
Issues of treatment related to specialized content areas of family therapy. Focus on topics such as: sexual dysfunction, divorce counseling and mediation, the abusive/violent family, addicted family members, suicidal problems, ethical and professional issues in treating marriages and families.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 5514 - Research Methods (3 credits) 
Introductory course in research methodology for the social sciences: formulation of a research problem, design, sampling, data collection, measurement, data analysis, interpretation, and writing the research report.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 5524 - Qualitative Methods in HDFS (3 credits) 
Design, conduct, and evaluate qualitative research concerning human development and families. Examines diverse traditions of qualitative research and methods of data collection, interpretation, analysis, and representation, and ethical and practical complexities. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 5644 - Program Development and Evaluation in Human Development (3 credits) 
Methods of conducting program evaluations for prevention and intervention programs that promote public health and human development. Major dimensions of evaluation strategies, including process evaluation, impact assessment, and cost analysis. Pre: Graduate Standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 5654 - Grant Development and Administration in Human Development (3 credits) 
Overview of the methods and procedures for developing competitive grant proposals. Students learn basic grant writing skills that include identifying and seeking funding sources, preparing a fundable grant proposal, building a budget, and managing a funded project. Portfolio project: Development of actual grant proposal for an organization or special project.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 5714 - Current Topics in Human Development (3 credits) 
Advanced seminar on current topics in human development. May be repeated with different topic content for a maximum of 9 credits. Pre-requisite: Graduate Standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
HD 5754 - Internship (1-19 credits) 
May be repeated.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 5894 - Final Examination (3 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 5904 - Project and Report (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 5954 - Study Abroad (1-9 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1-9 Lec, 1-9 Crd) 
HD 5964 - Practicum (1-19 credits) 
Practicum experiences in departmental options under supervision. (Maximum 15 percent of students graduate program). Repeatable with different topics.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 5974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 5984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 5994 - Research And Thesis (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
HD 6004 - Prof Development Seminar (1 credit) 
Review and critique of professional issues in the field of human development related to research and scholarship, pedagogy, outreach, and service. May be repeated.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
HD 6414 - Advanced Traditional Models In Marriage and Family Therapy (3 credits) 
Advanced study and application of Systemic, Bowenian, and Narrative family therapy models within the profession of marriage and family therapy. Prior training in general systems theory, family therapy theories, and therapeutic experience in family therapy required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 6444 - Advanced Contemporary Marriage and Family Therapy (3 credits) 
Advanced study of the profession of marriage and family therapy. This course will rotate topics and cover two advanced practice areas such as feminist therapy, sex therapy, or therapy with families with substance abuse or violence.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 6464 - Clinical Supervision of Marriage and Family Therapy (3 credits) 
Underlying philosophy, theory, and principles of the process of supervising the practice of marriage and family therapy.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 6484 - Marriage and Family Therapy Research (3 credits) 
Comprehensive overview of the major empirical research of marriage and family therapy. Prior training in family therapy theories and therapeutic processes required. A basic knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 6514 - Adv Research Methods (3 credits) 
Advanced level research methodology; examination of current procedures for studying individual development and family relationships.
Prerequisite(s): HD 5514 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
HD 6524 - Current Topics in Advanced Research Methods (1-4 credits) 
Discussions on emergent techniques used in contemporary methodological literature. Training in modern software for implementation of complex research methodologies. May be repeated with different topic content for a maximum of 4 credits. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1-4 Lec, 1-4 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 4 credit hours 
HD 7994 - Research And Dissertation (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course