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Department of Human Development and Family Science

Ambika Krishnakumar, Chair, 315-443-1715
144 White Hall

Faculty

Colleen Baish Cameron, D. Bruce Carter, Joseph P. Fanelli, Irene Kehres, Ambika Krishnakumar, Eunjoo Jung, Teresa MacDonald, Matthew Mulvaney, Kamala Ramadoss, Rachel Razza, Jaipaul L. Roopnarine

Graduate

Rachel Razza, Graduate Program Director; 315-443-7377

A unique aspect of the Department of Human Development and Family Science is the interdisciplinary training of the faculty who have advanced degrees in developmental psychology, sociology, education, and gerontology. The graduate programs (M.A., M.S., Ph.D.) integrate theory and practice from these fields to facilitate understanding of human development over the life span within and across diverse family and cultural settings. Supervised participation in early childhood education and research programs provide students with firsthand experiences in applying and integrating theory.

The department has a strong reputation for its pioneering work in infant development, parent education, child care, and parent-child relations in different cultures.

Facilities

The Bernice M. Wright Child Development Laboratory School provides opportunities for research, teacher training, and community service. Founded as a model of the parent cooperative movement in early childhood education, the school includes parent involvement at the center of its mission. The school is staffed by both graduate and undergraduate students and offers a strong inclusive component that embraces the developmental and cultural perspectives of its children and families. Limited enrollment is open to both the University and local communities.

The Jack Reilly Institute for Early Childhood and Provider Education was established through a generous gift from Syracuse University alumnus John D. Reilly III ‘69, G’70 and his wife, Patricia M. Reilly. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, the Institute’s mission is to conduct basic and applied research and to provide training to early childhood professionals on culturally and developmentally-appropriate early childhood education practices and issues pertaining to childhood safety.

Programs

• Child and Family Studies, MA
• Child and Family Studies, MS

• Child and Family Studies, PhD

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