Program Overview

Human Development and Social Policy Master's Program

The Human Development and Social Policy Master's Degree, offered by the Family and Consumer Studies Department, involves research and study on important policies and issues in the family, community, and social life. The two-year master's program takes a broad perspective on human development as interdependent with social policies that address human well-being in family, economic, and community contexts. Only a few students are admitted each year, so that students can benefit from close association with faculty.

Areas of specialty for courses and faculty research typically span Human Development & Family Studies and Consumer & Community Studies.

Coursework and Requirements

Enrollment in 9 to 12 hours is required each semester for financially supported teaching or research assistants; 3-16 for other students.

Thesis Option

The master's thesis involves a research study enabling students to gain in-depth understanding of researching methods and how research can benefit society.

• Thesis requirements
• Thesis example schedule

Project Option

The master's project option involves a project that could be, but is not limited to, an analysis of the literature on a specific topic, an internship culminating in a project, designing a program, developing curriculum materials, a community-based project, or completion of a graduate certificate.

• Project requirements
• Project example schedule

Optional Graduate Certificates

Pair your degree with a certificate by completing additional requirements

• Gerontology certificate
• Child Health Care Track certificate

Admission Consideration

Applications must be completed by December 15 for admission consideration in the Fall semester of the following year.

Graduate Fellowships

The College of Social and Behavioral Science offers fellowships directly through the college.