Graduate Programs M.S. in Child and Family Development

 

• Masters Program Handbook
• Department Application Forms
• Financial Aid

The goal of the Department of Child and Family Development's graduate program is to promote the integration of knowledge and professional practice in child development and family studies. To accomplish this goal, students achieve three objectives:

1. To develop competence in integrating and applying substantive and theoretical knowledge in child development and family relationships;
2. To learn skills for conducting research on individual and family development and individual and family behavior;
3. To develop skills for collaborating with individuals, families, and other professionals to solve problems and promote competence and well-being.

Program of Study

Core Courses
Pre-PhD: 14 Semester Hours
Professional: 14 Semester Hours
Minimum of 14 hours. These courses include child development, family relationships, and current research and issues in CFD.

Research Design and Development
Pre-PhD: 12-24 Semester Hours
Professional: 12-24 Semester Hours
Minimum of 12 hours. These courses include research methods, applied statistics, and research hours.

Area of Specialization
Pre-PhD: 9-12 Semester Hours
Using these courses,students can develop an area of interest in which they wish to have specific expertise. Six hours must be taken within the department; additional hours may be taken in other departments.

Professional Preparation
Professional: 13-16 Semester Hours
Using these courses,students can develop the professional expertise needed for professional employment following the Master's degree. A minimum of 4 hours must be in the preparation for and an internship.

TOTAL HOURS
Pre-PhD: 36-50 Semester Hours
Professional: 36-54 Semester Hours

Child Life Concentration: The Master of Science degree with a concentration in Child Life, including an internship, takes approximately 2 to 2-1/2 years to complete. Students are encouraged to complete the majority of their course work during the first year. By the end of the second year, students are expected to have completed and defended a master's thesis. The final requirement for graduation is a 10-16 week internship in a Child Life Program.