Why Study Here?

Use your creativity, critical thinking and communication skills to help make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and families.

Prepare yourself for a rewarding career

When you study at the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, you become a part of a family of highly regarded faculty, researchers and undergraduate and graduate students who are dedicated to understanding human development as it relates to social interaction and behavior. You'll learn how to find solutions for major issues facing children, youth and families today.

Immerse yourself in engaging and topical courses such as:

Family and Human Development

Make a Difference
Human Development Through the Lifecourse
Marriage and Family Relationships
Early Childhood Intervention
Family Ethnic and Cultural Diversity

Sociology

Technology and Society
Gender and Society
The Sociology of Deviance
Violence and Society
Women and Health

You will also have the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom through experiences such as:

Become a research assistant

Work closely with our world-renowned faculty to answer important questions facing sociologists and developmentalists.

Work in our Child Development Lab

Sanford School students can choose to be trained in early childhood development and education and work as teacher's aides in our actual preschool classrooms on campus.

Volunteer with the Sanford Student Leaders Club

All Sanford Students are eligible to become members of our club and participate in organized volunteering events in our community once or twice per month.

Become an Intern

Once you earn 60 credits, you are eligible for an internship opportunity of your choice. Out internship coordinator for the Sanford School will help guide you through this valuable process.

Earn a Sanford School Scholarship or Fellowship

Sanford School students have access to several scholarships and fellowships that are limited to our students only and can be repeatedly earned each year you are a student.

Earn course credit by travelling through Study Abroad

15:1

student-to-faculty ratio

Top 3

National Leader in Child & Family Studies

#1

in Adolescence/Emerging Adulthood Studies

Elevate your education with co-curricular activities

We offer an array of co-curricular programs, clubs and organizations, and many other learning opportunities to ensure you get the most out of your college experience. From research opportunities to professional internships and beyond, there are countless ways to get involved with faculty and fellow students. Plus, you’ll graduate with relevant work experience which will give you a leg up on the competition. Explore all the great opportunities available when you study in the T. Denny Sanford School.

Join a student club

If you want to take a break from your studies and meet fellow Sun Devils, you should consider joining a student club or organization. You’ll expand your resume, develop new skills and gain practical experience.

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Learn outside the classroom

We offer many opportunities to gain real world experience that can be applied in the workforce while also earning college credit. If you want to enhance your resume with on-the-job experience, explore the options we offer to learn outside the classroom.

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Join a global research leader

Want to make a difference in the lives of others? If so, think about joining one of our research projects. We are committed to conducting research to improve the well-being and quality of life for children, youth, and families and to strengthen the social institutions that serve them.

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“With several professors' guidance, I have been able to learn in a classroom, participate in a research project, and engage with the community through an internship. I have also received two scholarships through the Sanford School. Without these generous donors, I do not know if I would be where I am today.”

Maggie Hardin

“It is impossible to say enough good things about this college and its faculty because against all odds, the faculty worked with me towards a second chance at my dreams. The faculty are the kind of people you call when you need anything because you know they'll be there for you!”

David Delgado

“Applying to scholarships is something that not enough Sanford students do. As students, we are always busy with class, projects, and homework. But, taking the time to work on scholarship applications is worth it. You should definitely consider applying, even if you don't think that your GPA is high enough, or that your extracurricular activities are innovative enough to make the cut. Each scholarship committee is looking for something different, and you might just have that "something" different!”

Charlie Blotner

“All the faculty here are here for you. Anytime you have a problem, you become their priority. Knowing you have this safety net is truly a gift.”

Connor Leshner

"Although classwork is a significant part of being successful in the Sanford school, what has truly prepared me for future endeavors has been my experience outside the classroom. The dynamic labs within the school have provided me with the contrasting experiences needed to have a diverse resumé - ultimately being the difference in admission to competitive doctoral programs."

Kenton Woods