MA 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
Students seeking an online-only MA choose between the Family and Community Services or Youth Development emphasis area (both 36 credit hours). Degree Requirements are specific to the emphasis and can be found on those catalog pages.
On-campus MA students may seek a dual MA or MS/JD (approximately 113 hours). Degree requirements specific to this program can be found on those catalog pages.
Terminal on-campus MA students will complete the following 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 |
| H_D_FS 8972 | Internship in Human Development and Family Science | 3-6 |
| Or any advisor-approved graduate level course | ||
| Independent Effort | ||
| H_D_FS 8090 | Research in Human Development and Family Science | 3 |
Independent Effort
Master of Arts students will complete a project, (H_D_FS 8090), for three credit hours. The project option is no less scholarly than a thesis, but usually has an applied focus. For instance, a project may involve designing a program and developing curriculum materials (e.g., instructional videotapes, websites, resource manuals). For more detailed information, please refer to the HDFS Graduate Handbook found on the HDFS website (http://hdfs.missouri.edu/).
Accelerated BS to MA in Human Development and Family Science
An accelerated option is available for the BS in Human Development and Family Science to MA in Human Development and Family Science. Refer to the Graduate School's webpage on Accelerated Programs for more information. For general information on how accelerated options work at MU, and for guidance on participation, refer to Accelerated Options in the catalog.
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.
Background Checks, Health Screenings and Other Required Elements
It is essential that HDFS students develop professional relationships with vulnerable populations, thus during the course of the degree program and prior to beginning any practical or clinical education experience, students may be required to:
- pass multiple criminal background checks
- pass mandatory drug screens
- pass other qualification checks required by the practical or clinical education sites
- provide proof of health insurance coverage
- provide proof of required immunizations
- provide proof of student professional liability insurance coverage
The student is responsible for all costs incurred with these requirements. Failure to provide appropriate documentation, or pass required checks prior to the beginning of practical or clinical experiences may result in dismissal from the degree program in HDFS.
Admission Criteria
Admission for Campus Programs:
Fall deadline: January 1
Minimum TOEFL scores:
| Internet-based test (iBT) | Paper-based test (PBT) |
|---|---|
| 61 | 500 |
| Effective July 1, 2015 must have score of 80 | Effective July 1, 2015 must have score of 550 |
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 for last 60 hours
- Required Application Materials for Campus Programs (submitted online via the online application system)
- Application form
- 3 letters of recommendation from people who can speak to applicant’s potential to do graduate work (e.g., professors, advisors).
- TOEFL score for international applicants
- Personal statement
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial Transcripts
Admission for Online Programs:
- No Admission Deadlines (We guarantee processing of complete applications received at least two months prior to the beginning of the expected term of admission. This will give admitted students adequate time to enroll in coursework.)
-
Minimum GPA: 3.0 for last 60 hours
Required Application Materials for Online Programs
submit online via the online application system
- Application form
- 3 letters of recommendation from people who can speak to applicant’s potential to do graduate work (e.g., professors, advisors).
- Personal statement
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial Transcripts
- TOEFL score for international applicants
Admission Contact Information:
Ashlie Lester hdfsgrad@missouri.edu
106C Gwynn; Columbia, MO 65211
573-882-1301