Why HSD?
The Department of Human Sciences and Design (HSD) offers six different academic majors with the common characteristics among all of our programs including a caring and knowledgeable faculty, outstanding academic and technological resources, and instruction on the latest trends from the industry. Additionally, our students have access to numerous professional opportunities through internships, field work, guest speakers, and HDS professional connections.
Here are a few great reasons to attend Baylor for a major in Apparel Merchandising, Apparel and Product Development, Child and Family Studies, general Family and Consumer Sciences, Interior Design, or Nutrition Sciences:
Access to Great Academic Resources and Hands-On Learning Opportunities
We are one of the few schools in the country to have a fabric printer that uses the technology of nano-inks, allowing our students to experience all stages of the design process. We also produce a fashion show each spring, which has grown significantly over the years. We offer students access to the Piper Center for Family Studies and Child Development, the Parker Design Center with a CAD lab, a food science lab, and an interior design product library and technology center.
Great Placement Rates for Jobs or Graduate Programs
Our curriculum and other learning experiences make our graduates fit for graduate school or the work force. Students have knowledge of the latest trends and research in their field of study as well as some great experiences for their resume.
A Caring and Knowledgeable Faculty
We offer more than just an "open door policy." In our department, it's an "open door culture." Small class sizes allow for individual attention, and faculty are always accessible. We are committed to providing you with a comprehensive and thorough education in a supportive environment. Additionally, our faculty are active scholars, conducting research and engaging in other scholarly activity to make sure that what goes on in the classroom is the most up-to-date knowledge in the profession.
"Inspiring Leaders....Improving Lives”
The future looks bright, but as growth occurs, needs for the department increase. The department’s ambitious plans include:
- Our Expanding Human Sciences and Design facilities include both the Mary Gibbs Jones Building and the Goebel Building. The Mary Gibbs Jones Building houses lecture classrooms and labs for Nutrition Sciences, Child and Family Studies, and Apparel Design. Bringing the Parker Design Center to the Mary Gibbs Jones Building has greatly helped design students with their projects. Plans to renovate the Goebel Building are moving forward in phases. Spaces are being updated to accommodate growth in faculty numbers, research labs, and technological applications. As program growth continues, space design has become critical as has technology innovations with "smart" classrooms and equipment.
- Students in our child development classes have the unique opportunity to study at The Piper Center for Family Studies and Child Development. The Piper Center, which serves children (and parents) in the Baylor and Waco community, would benefit from expansion. Due to the growth of the Child & Family Studies program and increasing need for early childhood education in the Waco community, it would be valuable to expand this exemplary learning environment.
- As we strive to provide our students with the best-possible education, we have expanded our degree offerings to include a master’s degree in Nutrition Sciences and accompanying research-focused faculty to support this program.
- Endowed scholarships put Baylor within financial reach of more families and allow us to reward excellent students. Endowing a scholarship leaves a permanent legacy for the Human Sciences and Design education of current and future students.
As the Department of Human Sciences and Design continues to grow in numbers and productivity, we encourage you to become a vital part of the process. Gifts to our excellence fund enable us to purchase needed equipment and technology, support student scholarships, and more. You may make a gift online through Baylor’s secure website:
We need your help to expand our efforts and continue to prepare our students to be successful professionals, family members, and community leaders of tomorrow.