
Department of
Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science
Welcome to the Department of Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science (CHDFS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Our department promotes optimal development and holistic well-being across the lifespan through research and practice that honor the complexities of individuals, families, and communities. With guidance and support from our dedicated faculty and staff, our graduates pursue careers in family and human services, education, professional counseling, and counselor education.


Our Core Values
We value systemic and equity-oriented approaches that embrace the richness of human experiences. We pursue interdisciplinary rigor and excellence as we center relationships, integrity, humility, and co-creation in pursuit of our mission.

Undergraduate Students
Our programs prepare professionals to work alongside individuals, families, and communities to face the different challenges of today’s complex society. We offer an undergraduate major in human development and family science (HDFS) that leads to the certified family life educator credential alongside minors in HDFS , Counseling and Human Services, and Interpersonal Skills. Through applied and engaged experiences, graduates are well-equipped to bring these skills into diverse work settings or continue to graduate study.
Graduate Students
Our programs prepare professionals to work alongside individuals, families, and communities in pursuit of optimal development and well-being. Our CACREP-accredited master’s degree in counseling includes specialized practice areas in clinical mental health and school counseling. Our CACREP-accredited doctoral degree in counselor education prepares professional counselors for advanced roles in supervision, teaching, research, and leadership. Finally, our master’s and doctoral degrees in human development and family science prepare culturally responsive scientists who make significant contributions to society as scholars, educators, and professionals.

I am constantly amazed by the care and compassion that faculty and instructors demonstrate towards the students in our programs. They truly go above and beyond to ensure that students are receiving a quality education and that they are prepared to go out into the world and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and communities!
Spencer B. Olmstead
Professor & Associate Department Head

Our Research
Our faculty and students conduct high-quality scientific research that advances our disciplines and informs practice and policy.

Our Outreach and Engagement
Our faculty and students engage with campus and community partners to deliver culturally responsive services grounded in research and theory.
CHDFS News
Counseling Graduate Spotlight – Myia Makupson
My Journey to Counselor Education at the University of TennesseeI’m originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and after completing my master’s degree, I felt ready to begin…
Continue Reading Counseling Graduate Spotlight – Myia Makupson
Staff and Faculty Award Ceremony
The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences celebrated their faculty and staff two weeks ago at a ceremony to bestow awards on those who…
Cole Green Receives Yates Dissertation Fellowship 2025-2026
We are delighted to announce that Cole Green, one of our HDFS Ph.D. candidates, has been awarded the prestigious Yates Dissertation Fellowship. Established in June…
Continue Reading Cole Green Receives Yates Dissertation Fellowship 2025-2026