Academic Catalog

Human Development and Family Sciences (MA, PhD)

The Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) offers two graduate degrees: Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Students completing an HDFS graduate degree are predominantly pursuing a research-based degree, thus a research-focused M.A. (described by the Graduate School as the Plan A option) is the expectation. The M.A. degree prepares students to pursue a Ph.D. or work in non-profit organizations, foundations, state, local, or federal government, hospitals, and private corporations. The Ph.D. prepares students for research and teaching careers in human development, family sciences, and related fields such as psychology, education, sociology, anthropology, and social work or in leadership positions with non-profit organizations, private foundations, and local, state, or federal government agencies. The M.A. and Ph.D. degrees offer students the opportunity to focus on one of the following areas: Couple Relationships, Gerontology, Parenthood and Parent-Child Relationships, Health and Well Being, Prevention and Early Intervention.