The graduate program aims to generate graduates who are well versed in relevant theories, research methods, and the conduct and dissemination of quality research so that they are able to understand the current body of literature in HDFS and are prepared to expand this knowledge base through research of their own.Our goal is to provide graduates who are prepared for roles in professions requiring:

• Knowledge of biological, cognitive, and socio-emotional characteristics of humans across the lifespan;

• Knowledge of family systems and family interactions;

• Knowledge of effective communication for working with individuals and families;

• Assessment and improvement of resources needed by individuals, families, and their communities;

• The ability to provide education about individual development and family life;

• The ability to combine elements of education, prevention, and early intervention; and

• The ability to work in an intergenerational context and with diverse families.

Before beginning the Masters program in HDFS, students are expected to have completed some credits in HDFS or related disciplines, including an introductory level course on lifespan development (similar to HDFS 201), an introductory course on families (similar to HDFS 202), and an undergraduate course in research methods or statistics (e.g., HDFS 391).

Students who are accepted into the program without these prerequisites will be required to complete coursework in the deficit area(s) prior to beginning official
graduate coursework. A plan for making up the deficit areas will be developed with the Director of Graduate Studies and the student’s initial advisor upon student admission to the program. Prerequisite course credits do not count toward completion of the M.S. degree.