MS in Human Development and Family Science
Programs are structured to provide students with an integration of theoretical perspectives, empirical research training, and practical experiences.
Degree Requirements
| Courses are selected from the following: | ||
| Statistics and Research Methods | 6 | |
| H_D_FS 8200 | Research Methods in Human Development and Family Science | 3 |
| Any advisor-approved statistics course 7000 level or above | ||
| Theory | 6 | |
| H_D_FS 8210 | Theories of Human Development | 3 |
| H_D_FS 8220 | Family Theories | 3 |
| Diversity (additional courses may be taken to fulfill electives requirement) | 6 | |
| H_D_FS 7200 | Latino Families and Youth | 3 |
| H_D_FS 7300 | Black Families | 3 |
| H_D_FS 7610 | Stress and Resilience in Families | 3 |
| H_D_FS 8087 | Seminar in Human Development and Family Science (Poverty) | 1-99 |
| H_D_FS 8300 | Advanced Seminar on Multicultural Families | 3 |
| Electives | 12-15 | |
| H_D_FS 7257 | Aging and the Family | 3 |
| H_D_FS 7640 | Interpersonal Relationships | 3 |
| H_D_FS 8012 | Family Dynamics and Intervention | 3 |
| H_D_FS 8420 | Cognitive Development | 3 |
| H_D_FS 8440 | Social and Emotional Development | 3 |
| H_D_FS 8450 | Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood | 3 |
| H_D_FS 8640 | Family Interaction | 3 |
| Or any advisor-approved graduate level course | ||
| Thesis | 3-6 | |
| H_D_FS 9090 | Research in Human Development and Family Science | 3-6 |
Thesis
Master’s of Science students must complete a thesis (H_D_FS 9090). Students who wish to pursue the thesis must petition the department’s graduate faculty for approval. The thesis requires testing a hypothesis or exploring a research question. Student will submit and orally defend the thesis to their committee. For more detailed information, please refer to the HDFS Graduate Handbook found on the HDFS website (http://hdfs.missouri.edu/).
Satisfactory Progress
Satisfactory progress is based on the student maintaining a sufficient GPA according to the student’s program or funding guidelines and completing all degree forms and milestones according to departmental timelines. For a detailed description of the department’s description of a satisfactory rate of academic progress, please refer to the HDFS Graduate Handbook found on the HDFS website (http://hdfs.missouri.edu/).
Time Limits for Masters’ Degree Completion
Students working toward the master’s degree have 5 years from the semester the first course is taken in which to complete all degree requirements. Extensions for one additional year to complete the degree may be granted with submission of a detailed plan for completion, including a timetable. Students must be making progress toward completion when they apply for the extension. A maximum of two extensions may be granted.
Admission Criteria for Campus Programs
Fall deadline: January 1
Minimum TOEFL scores:
| Internet-based test (iBT) | Paper-based test (PBT) |
|---|---|
| 61 Effective July 1, 2015 must have score of 80 | 500 Effective July 1, 2015 must have score of 550 |
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 for last 60 hours
- Application form
- 3 letters of recommendation
- TOEFL score for international applicants
- Personal statement
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- Unofficial transcripts
Admission Contact Information
Ashlie Lester, hdfsgrad@missouri.edu
106C Gwynn; Columbia, MO 65211
573-882-1301