Human Development and Family Studies | About | Department History

Department History

This circa 1935 postcard shows the Home Economics Building. The incription reads, "Home Economics Building, Woman's College, University of North Carolina Greensboro, N. C.

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies has a long history at UNC Greensboro.

The department was originally instated under the Department of Home Economics as an area of specialization in Child Development and Home Relationships in 1933.

From 1917-1991 (PDF)
From 1987-2011 (PDF)
1920 HDF Beginning

The first courses related to child and family development are introduced to the Department of Home Economics by Dean Blanche Shaffer.

1933

A Child Development Concentration becomes available through the Department of Home Economics

1936

Home Relationships and Child Development is one of seven specialized undergraduate curricula offered through the Department of Home Economics.

1949

The Department of Home Economics becomes the School of Home Economics.

1969

An official Child Development Major becomes available through the School of Home Economics.

1980

The Department of Child Development and Family Relations is established under the School of Home Economics.

1987

The School of Home Economics merges with the Department of Social Work to form the School of Human Environmental Sciences.

1991

The Department of Child Development and Family Relations becomes the Department Human Development and Family Studies.

2011

The department joins the School of Health and Human Sciences.