Program Overview

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Family and Human Development, MS

The Master of Science program in Family and Human Development is designed for practitioner-oriented professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of relationships and developmental dynamics. This program focuses on the factors that promote successful relationships and positive outcomes for individuals, families, and communities across the life span.

Program Description

In this program, students learn how to effectively evaluate and consume research, translate research into best practices, and apply these principles at work. They acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate healthy development of individuals and families. The online format provides easy access to rigorous and valuable information that informs best practices in improving the lives of families and family members. The program also includes a customizable culminating experience that enables students to focus their training in their areas of interest and work.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

Degree Requirements

• 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (FAS 588)
• Required Core (6 credit hours)
  • CDE 531 Theoretical Issues in Child Development (3)
  • FAS 586 or SOC 586 Masters Professional Development (3)
• Electives (15 credit hours)
  • Diversity course (3)
  • Other elective coursework (12)
• Other Requirements (6 credit hours)
  • FAS 500 Research Methods (3)
  • CDE 501 Social Statistics (3)
• Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
  • FAS 588 Capstone Culminating Experience (3)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00="A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• All applicants must submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
  • Current resume or curriculum vitae
  • Personal statement of goals relevant to the master's degree program
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals with professional or academic backgrounds
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: Session A/C, Online, 07/25, Final
• Spring: Session A/C, Online, 12/16, Final
• Summer: Session A/C, Online, 04/18, Final

Career Opportunities

Graduates often pursue careers in human, social, and government agencies that involve working with children, youth, and adults in positions such as:

• Caseworker
• Children, youth, and family services worker
• Community engagement specialist
• Community support program official
• Family support specialist
• Human service specialist
• Manager
• Nonprofit organization administrator
• Outreach coordinator

Although the instruction students receive in this program can be beneficial to therapists and counselors, this degree does not enable students to seek licensure as a professional counselor or marriage and family therapist; the completion of an additional program or degree is required for those positions.