Human Development and Family Science, MS (53-897) Human Development and Family Science Option (0020) (30 hours)

Human Development and Family Science Program Mission - The mission the Human Development and Family Science program is to provide the academic, clinical and professional training necessary for graduates to become lifelong learners, dedicated to service, with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed and lead in the region, state, nation and world in the field of health and human services, including but not limited to marriage and family therapy, community-based agencies, child and youth programs, and family life education.

Student Learning Outcomes - Students will graduate with a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science.

All Human Development and Family Science graduates will demonstrate competence in the following National Council on Family Relations’ competencies:

• Families and individuals in societal contexts: an understanding of families and their relationship to other institutions, such as educational, governmental, religious, and occupational institutions in society.
• Internal Dynamics of Families: an understanding of family strengths and weaknesses and how family members relate to each other.
• Human Growth and Development across the Lifespan: an understanding of the developmental changes of individuals in families throughout the lifespan.
• Human Sexuality: an understanding of the physiological, psychological, & social aspects of sexual development throughout the lifespan, to achieve healthy sexual adjustment.
• Interpersonal Relationships: An understanding of the development and maintenance of interpersonal relationships.
• Family Resource Management: An understanding of the decisions individuals and families make about developing and allocating resources including time, money, material assets, energy, friends, neighbors, and space, to meet their goals.
• Parent Education and Guidance: An understanding of how parents teach, guide and influence children and adolescents as well as the changing nature, dynamics and needs of the parent/child relationship across the lifespan.
• Family Law and Public Policy: An understanding of the legal issues, policies, and law influencing the well-being of families.
• Professional Ethics and Practice: An understanding of the character and quality of human social conduct, and the ability to critically examine ethical questions and issues as they relate to professional practice.
• Family Life Education Methodology: An understanding of the general philosophy and broad principles of family life education in conjunction with the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate such educational programs.

The degree in Human Development and Family Science consists of 30 credit hours. This program operates under the educational standards of the National Council on Family Relations and the Code of Ethics for Family Life Educators.

Admission requirements and process:  Applicants must possess an overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.50, or a 3.0 in their major. The undergraduate degree needs to be in Human Development and Family Science or a related field. Applicants must submit a resume, statement of purpose and three recommendation forms (link provides detailed information) through their Student Portal.  Students are able to apply for the fall, spring or summer semesters.