The College of Human Ecology was established in 1963 as the first 4-year College of Home Economics in Korea. It began with three department: Clothing and Textiles, Foods and Nutrition, and Housing & Interior Design. The Department of Child & Family Studies was added in December, 1972. Since 1996, the university system has been changed from a department-based system to a division-based system, and students can select their majors among five disciplines: Clothing & Textiles, Foods & Nutrition, Housing & Interior Design, Child & Family Studies, and Human Environment & Design.

Graduate level courses have been offered since 1972. From 1977 all four departments have been offering programs leading to master's degrees and doctoral programs have been offered since 1979. In 1989, the decision was made to change the name of the college to "The College of Human Ecology" in order to reflect the broader philosophy embodied in the changing nature of the college and of society. The College of Human Ecology combines theoretical and applied approaches to address various human concerns. Selected physical and behavioral sciences in conjunction with liberal and creative arts are used to study how people interact with each other and their environments. Five research institutes are associated with the College of Human Ecology. These are the Human Ecology Research Institute, Research Institute of Foods & Nutritional Sciences, and Research Institute of Clothing & Textile Sciences. The College has close ties-with the Child Development Research Institute, Institute of Millennium Environmental Design and Research affiliated with the University. Graduates from the College of Human Ecology receive a Bachelor of Science degree. Students in Food & Nutrition are eligible to become a certified dietitian, and students in Child & Family Studies who take the requisite education courses qualify for teaching in kindergartens and nursery schools.