Master of Science Degree
Our MS curriculum is designed to acquaint students with the field of HDFS and prepare them to do outreach, policy work, teaching, and research. All students take our HDFS Proseminar (664) as an introduction to our faculty and their work, the structure of the graduate program, and professional skills and issues. The MS program requires two courses in human development and family theory.
Methodology core requirements include one course in statistics and one course in research methods. If the student has not had a statistics course as an undergraduate, then two statistics courses must be taken. Students complete their course work by choosing courses from HDFS and other departments on campus. Finally, all students are required to complete a research thesis and defend it at their final oral examination.
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and complete a minimum of 30 credits. Each student has an advisory committee consisting of three faculty members, who guide the student through the thesis and final defense. For full-time students, the MS program can be completed in 2-3 years. Students complete most of their course work within the first year and a half, and devote the final year to their thesis research.
Transitioning from the HDFS Master’s Program to the PhD program
Transitioning to doctoral level work from our Master’s program is generally an easy and smooth process. You will find that you have already completed many of the course requirements for the PhD and are well on your way to a Doctorate in HDFS!
You do not need to reapply to the Graduate School and you do not need to go through our regular departmental admissions process. You do, however, need to complete a Doctoral Program Transition Application, be recommended for the program by your Masters Committee, have a willing advisor, and be approved by the GPC Chair and/or Committee.
