Program Overview

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Human Ecology: Human Ecology, MS

The Master of Science in Human Ecology offers multi-disciplinary coursework that focuses on current theories and strategies for creating, managing, and evaluating settings that promote human and community development. Students are exposed to current research and practice that integrates the promotion of human and family development with perspectives on building effective organizations and sustainable communities. Students create their own master's specialization through elective courses and the completion of a real-world capstone project. Specializations are designed so that students can name their expertise to prospective employees.

This program is intended as a terminal, applied degree. Students interested in a PhD, MFA, or other graduate degrees in the School of Human Ecology may apply separately to these programs.

The master's program is geared toward students who are both new to the field and those who have had some direct practice, applied research, educational or advocacy experience. This MS degree can be completed in three semesters of full-time study or four or more semesters if students are part-time. The program prepares students for careers working in a wide range of settings, including:

• Community-based organizations (family support, youth work, community organizing, social justice, intervention and prevention programs, consumer and financial coaching)
• Intermediary and backbone organizations (technical assistance providers, philanthropic foundations, applied research and evaluation organizations, capacity building providers, community-based economic development)
• Government agencies (child and family services, public health, legislative support)
• University outreach (Cooperative Extension, community partnerships and coalitions, public service, multicultural offices, academic support, and education)

Admissions

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree programs admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the programs website.

• Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s).
• Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.

Graduate Admissions Requirements

• Fall Deadline: December 1
• Spring Deadline: The program does not admit in the spring.
• Summer Deadline: The program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required.
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Requirements for Admission policy.
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): n/a
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

The Human Ecology Graduate Program reviews applications once per year after the admissions deadline. The faculty admissions committee reviews all complete applications using holistic admissions criteria. Those selected for an interview will be contacted by email. All admitted students will be invited to attend the Human Ecology Graduate Programs Admitted Student Visit Day held each spring.

Funding

Graduate School Resources

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

Funding opportunities for Human Ecology graduate students are available and made possible, in large part, by generous donations to SoHE. Every year, these funds are used to fund teaching or project assistantships, award academic excellence scholarships, and provide students doing their master's or doctoral research or final MFA project with conference travel scholarships and graduate research scholarships.

Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Review the Graduate School minimum degree requirements and policies, in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Named Option Requirements

Mode of Instruction

• Mode of Instruction: Face to Face
• Definitions:
  • Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.
  • Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UWMadison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.
  • Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
  • Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.
  • Online: These programs are offered 100% online.

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 32 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 16 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 16 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required.
• Other Grade Requirements: n/a
• Assessments and Examinations: No additional assessments and examinations.
• Language Requirements: No language requirements.

Required Courses

• Understanding and Translating Research: 3 credits
• Content and Theory: 8 credits
• Area of Specialization: 9 credits
• Professional Skills: 9 credits
• Capstone Project: 3 credits
• Total Credits: 32

Policies

Graduate School Policies

The Graduate Schools Academic Policies and Procedures serve as the official document of record for Graduate School academic and administrative policies and procedures and are updated continuously.

Named Option-Specific Policies

Prior Coursework

• Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions: With program approval, students are allowed to transfer up to 9 credits of graduate coursework taken at other institutions.
• Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison: Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
• Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers): Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
• Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UWMadison: With program approval, students are allowed to transfer up to 9 credits of graduate coursework taken as a University Special student numbered 300 or above.

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

Refer to the Graduate School: Advisor and Graduate School: Committees (Doctoral/Masters/MFA) policies.

Credits Per Term Allowed

15 credit maximum. Refer to the Graduate School: Maximum Credit Loads and Overload Requests policy.

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

The School of Human Ecology Graduate Program Handbook outlines the conduct expectations and grievance process.

Professional Development

Graduate School Resources

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.

Program Resources

The School of Human Ecology Graduate Program values the professional development of graduate students and provides financial awards to those who are invited to present at professional conferences/exhibits. The purpose of the support is to encourage participation in professional development, scholarly research, and/or creative endeavor and to help cover expenses not covered by other sources. Students may receive a maximum award of $650 for travel ($750 for international travel) to support conference participation in a single academic year.