School of Human Sciences

Website: https://twu.edu/human-sciences/

Director: Aaron Norton, PhD, LMFT-S
Location: Woodcock Hall, Room 115
Phone: 940-898-2685
E-mail: humansciences@twu.edu

The School of Human Sciences is committed to excellence in transformational learning, discovery, and service in a collaborative environment that embraces diversity and social justice. We prepare students for academic, clinical, and professional opportunities serving individuals, children, families, and communities. The school builds engaged leaders and global citizens, honoring the interconnectedness and individuality of all people.

Undergraduate Degrees Offered

Admissions

All applicants must meet the general undergraduate admission requirements.

Faculty

*BROWN, MELISSA MCINNIS, Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, B.A., University of Texas at Austin; M.A., University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa; PhD. University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

*BUCKLEY, RHONDA R., Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, B.A., Auburn University; M.A., Auburn University; Ph.D., Auburn University

*CANTRELL, KATHRYN, Associate Professor of Child Life, B.A., Austin College; M.A. Tufts University; Ph.D., University of Massachusetts-Boston

*DUTTON, CATHERINE L., Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, B.A., Utah State University; M.A.T., Texas Woman's University; Ph.D., Texas Woman's University

*GILLUM, NERISSA LEBLANC, Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, B.S., Ambassador University; M.S., University of North Texas; Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Greensboro

*GRUBBS, LISA G., Associate Professor of Counseling & Development, B.S., University of North Texas; M.S., Texas Woman's University; Ph.D., Sam Houston State University

*HUELETT-LYONS, BRITTANY, Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy, M.S., Loma Linda University; Ph.D., Loma Linda University

*HWANG, SHANN HWA, Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, B.A., Malone College; M.A., Ashland University; Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Knoxville

*JONES, ADAM, Associate Professor of Marriage & Family Therapy, B.S., Weber State University; M.S., Utah State University; Ph.D., Texas Tech University

*LAU, HOU, Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy, B.A. Abilene Christian University; M.F.T., Abilene Christian University; Ph.D., Texas Tech University

*LEE, SEONHWA, Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, M.A., Seoul Women's University; M.S., University of Rochester Medical Center; Ph.D., University of Georgia

*LUCERO JONES, REBECCA, Associate Professor of Marriage & Family Therapy, B.S., Brigham Young University; M.S., Texas Tech University; Ph.D., Texas Tech University

*MCCARROLL, ELIZABETH M., Professor of Child Life, B.S., University of Texas at Austin; M.S., Texas Tech University; Ph.D., Texas Tech University

*MURO, JOEL, Professor of Counseling & Development, B.A., Austin College; M.J., University of North Texas; Ph.D., University of North Texas

*MURO, LILIA LAMAR, Associate Professor of Counseling & Development, B.A., University of Texas at San Antonio; M.A., Southwest Texas State University; Ph.D., University of North Texas

*NORTON, AARON, Professor of Marriage & Family Therapy; Director of the School of Human Sciences, B.S., University of Utah; M.S., Kansas State University; Ph.D., Kansas State University

RODRIGUEZ, DIANA, Assistant Clinical Professor of Counseling and Development, B.S., University of Texas at Dallas; M.A., Northwestern University; Ph.D., Texas A&M University-Commerce

*ROSE, KATHERINE K., Professor of Child Life, B.S., Baylor University; M.S., Purdue University; M.S., University of North Texas; Ph.D., Purdue University

STANKOVIC-RAMIREZ, ZLATA, Assistant Professor of Human Development, Family Studies, and Counseling, M.S., Texas Woman's University; Ph.D., Texas Woman's University

*VADGAMA, DIMPLE, Assistant Clinical Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, M.S., University of Mumbai; Ph.D., Syracuse University

*VERDIN-PERALTA, AZUCENA, Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, B.A., Harvard University; M.Ed., Harvard University; Ph.D., University of North Texas

*VITTRUP, BRIGITTE M., Professor of Human Development and Family Studies; Dean of the College of Professional Education, B.A., Texas State University; B.S., University of Texas at Austin; M.A., University of Texas at Austin; Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

Asterisk (*) denotes Graduate Faculty status.

Courses

Contact hours identified in the course descriptions are based on a 15-week term. Students who enroll in Summer or mini-terms are expected to meet the same total number of contact hours as a 15-week term.

COUN 4003. Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Overview of counseling theories, dynamics of client change processes, and basic techniques in counseling and psychotherapy. Historic and contemporary trends in clinical mental health counseling. May include discussion on contemporary issues such as race, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, relationship status, gender identity, socioeconomic status, disability, health status, religious or spiritual belief, religious or spiritual affiliation, national origin, or other aspects of identity. Designed for upper-division undergraduates considering a helping profession. Prerequisite: HDFS 1513 or PSY 1603. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 1001. Seminar in Family Sciences. Introduction to the field of family sciences, including its historical development, disciplinary scope, areas of specialization, and career pathways. Emphasis on professionalism and the role of family sciences within related disciplines. One lecture hour a week. Credit: One hour.

HDFS 1513. Human Development. Development from infancy through old age; familial and societal influences; varied theoretical perspectives. Includes 15-hour observation experience. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 1603. Child in the Family and Community. (TCCN TECA 1303) Examination of the roles of the family, school, and community in supporting children's development. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 2003. Diversity in Contemporary Families: A Global Perspective. Examination of diverse family systems and structures across global contexts, with attention to cultural, demographic, and historical influences. Analysis of differences and similarities in family form and practices. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 2403. Concept Development in Early Childhood. Examination of principles, methods, and materials for supporting young children's development of mathematics and science concepts through play- and discovery-based approaches. Emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices and anti-bias strategies, in accordance with the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Includes 15 hours of field observations. Prerequisite: HDFS 2513. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 2503. Development of Infants and Toddlers. Examination of prenatal, infant, and toddler development from birth to 36 months of age, including physical, biological, motor, cognitive, social, emotional, and gender domains. Emphasis on developmental theory and on factors influencing the care and guidance of infants and toddlers in a diverse society. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 2513. Early Childhood Development. (TCCN TECA 1354) Examination of physical, motor, cognitive, social, emotional, and gender development of children from ages three through eight years. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 2523. Wellness of the Young Child. (TCCN TECA 1318) Examination of factors influencing the health and well-being of the young children from birth through age eight years, including safety, nutrition, physical activity, and health practices. Emphasis on state and national standards, regulations, and policies relevant to early childhood settings. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 2563. Childhood Guidance. Patterns and theory of behavior and guidance in childhood, with attention to individual differences, including gender and cultural context. Includes 15 hours of observation in an early childhood program. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 2573. Creative Arts and Literature for Young Children. Exploration of theory, practice, and materials for teaching young children music, movement, visual arts, and literature through process-oriented experiences to support divergent thinking. Includes 15 hours of field observation. Prerequisite: HDFS 2513. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 3323. Separation and Loss. Systemic interactions in families dealing with loss and separation from a developmental perspective. Special focus on different types of loss (e.g., death, injury, divorce, deployment, incarceration, and sudden loss vs. anticipated loss) and the impact on the individual and the family. Interventions and strategies used by child development professionals to assist children, adolescents, and family members in dealing with loss and separation, ethical issues, self-care, and professional boundaries related to working with children and families throughout a loss. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 3423. Play and Development in Early Childhood. Theoretical and empirical bases for understanding the play of young children. Examination of the role of play in human development through multiple theoretical lenses and across multiple developmental domains (cognitive, social, emotional, and physical). Three hours of direct observations of young children's free play experiences. Prerequisite: HDFS 1513 or HDFS 2513. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 3513. Childhood and Adolescence. Examination of physical, motor, cognitive, social, emotional, and gender development from middle childhood through adolescence. Emphasis on developmental theory, contextual influences, and approaches to guidance. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 3523. The Care and Education of Children: A Global Perspective. Examination of how social, political, economic, geographic, and cultural contexts shape conceptions of children and influence the care and education of children across societies. Emphasis on childhood and educational practices across global contexts. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 3533. Research Methods in Family Sciences. Development of foundational knowledge of research methodologies used in the study of children and families, with emphasis on both quantitative and qualitative research designs. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 3613. Crisis in Contemporary Families. Examination of family stress and crisis from a systemic perspective, including everyday stressors, parenting challenges, addiction, illness, trauma, divorce, mental health, and other related contemporary issues. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 3633. Older Persons and the Family. Examination of aging within family systems, with emphasis on psychological, social, and developmental aspects of later life. Topics include normative aging processes, family relationships and intergenerational dynamics, independence and dependence, health and wellness, retirement and role transitions, end-of-life issues, and related legal and ethical concerns. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 3713. Family Housing. Housing needs and decision-making for contemporary families. Topics include principles of housing design and planning, basic construction systems and residential services, home financing and rental processes, and consumer issues in housing. Emphasis is placed on the social, cultural, and economic contexts of housing, as well as community planning factors such as location, zoning, and neighborhood resources. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 3733. Family Life and Consumer Education. Examination of the organization, planning, and implementation of family life education programs. Emphasis placed on curriculum development, instructional strategies, delivery methods, program resources, evaluation practices, and professional communication, and ethical responsibilities. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4013. Development of Psychopathology. Overview of psychopathology from a developmental perspective, including psychosocial and neurobiological processes in the development and maintenance of psychopathology. Examination of antecedents and treatment of a variety of mental disorders. Prerequisite: HDFS 1513 or PSY 1603. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4103. Issues and Trends in Family Sciences. Examination of contemporary issues and emerging trends in human development and family studies through analysis of scholarly research and professional literature. Emphasis on evaluating multiple perspectives, interpreting evidenced-based findings, and assessing implications for individuals, families, communities, and family science practice. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4233. Applied Design for Home and Family. Use of design principles and available materials to achieve physically, psychologically, and aesthetically beneficial home interiors for families across the lifespan. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4403. Child Life: Working With Hospitalized Children and Families. Mission, goals, value, and history of the Child Life profession; children and the healthcare environment; developmentally appropriate practice in a healthcare pediatric setting. This course covers the six competencies outlined by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) for certification eligibility and is taught by a CCLS credentialed instructor. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4523. Family Development. Examination of family development and relationships across the family life course, including processes of change and adaptation. Emphasis on theoretical perspectives and contextual factors influencing family functioning. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4533. Communication and the Family. Examination of communication processes within family systems, with emphasis on theoretical perspectives, interaction patterns, and contextual influences on family relationships. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4543. Developmental Sexuality. Examination of human sexuality across the lifespan, with emphasis on sexual development, sexual health, and sexuality education within family and community contexts. Topics include theoretical perspectives, gender and sexual diversity, reproductive anatomy, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted infections, and ethical issues in sexuality research and education. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4583. Parenting Issues and Education. Examination of contemporary issues in parenting, including evaluation of resources and educational materials related to parent education. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4603. Occupational Issues in Family Sciences. Examination of career pathways, labor market trends, and professional issues in family sciences. Emphasis on career development strategies, ethical considerations, and work-family interaction. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4703. Methods of Teaching in Family And Consumer Sciences. Examination of instructional methods and professional practices in family and consumer sciences education. Emphasis on curriculum design aligned with state standards and certification requirements, instructional delivery, assessment, classroom management, technology integration, leadership development, and professional ethics. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4713. Family Economics. Examination of the family as a consumer unit within economic systems. Emphasis on consumer decision-making, market processes, and policies related to consumer protection. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4733. Family Financial Planning. Personal finances for the family, including spending plans, credit, savings, insurance, taxes, and investments. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4773. Family Resource Management. Principles of organization and management; use of resources; decision-making; work simplification; time management; application of management principles to family problems; conflict management. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4803. Public Policy: Family Sciences Perspectives. Examination of the processes of public policy formation, implementation, and evaluation with attention to the relationship between public policy and family life. Analysis of the impact of public policies on families and consumers, and consideration of professional roles within policy contexts. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4903. Special Topics. In-depth examination of selected topics in human development and family studies not addressed in existing courses. Content varies by semester and may focus on emerging research, contemporary issues, or specialized areas of practice. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4911. Independent Study. Intensive study of a topic of individual or professional interest in human development and family studies. Credit: One hour.

HDFS 4913. Independent Study. Intensive study of a topic of individual or professional interest in human development and family studies. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4923. Professional Development in Family Sciences. Professional development issues in family sciences. Ethics and professional standards. Preparation for practicum. Prerequisites: HDFS 1001 and permission of department. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.

HDFS 4943. Practicum in Family Sciences. Supervised field experience in family sciences. Clinical and educational experiences working with children, families, and communities. Prerequisite: HDFS 4923 and permission of department advisor. 120 practicum hours. One lecture hour a week. Credit: Three hours.

MFT 4023. Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy. Overview of basic principles, history, theories, and techniques in marriage and family therapy. Major dynamics of family relationships and romantic relationships, including functional and dysfunctional patterns and interactions. Careers in marriage and family therapy. May include discussion on contemporary issues such as race, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, relationship status, gender identity, socioeconomic status, disability, health status, religious or spiritual belief, religious or spiritual affiliation, national origin, or other aspects of identity as it relates to family dynamics and family therapy. Prerequisite: HDFS 1513 or PSY 1603. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.