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What you will study

The graduate coursework for our master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science helps you deepen your understanding of the current issues facing children, youth and families. You’ll learn about a variety of topics, including family relationships, research and professional assessments — as well as how to develop culturally diverse services to address these needs. Gain competencies related to your interests and the communities you wish to serve with electives such as:

• Family Policy and Advocacy
• Health and Human Services
• Professional Issues in Sexuality Education
• Resilience in Children and Adolescents

Integrative Project
As a student in our Human Development and Family Science graduate program, you will develop a grant proposal as part of an integrative project. If you plan to work in human services after graduating with your HDFS degree, the integrative track provides the skills you need for success. As part of the project, you’ll select a public health topic of your choice and write a grant proposal to support it. During this process, you’ll learn program design and evaluation strategies, as well as grant-writing skills that you can apply in your future career.

Thesis Option
When you earn your Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science from UCM, you have the option to complete a thesis on a topic of your choice. If you plan to enroll in a doctoral program after graduation, opting to complete a thesis project provides research experience that will make you a more competitive candidate.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in human development and family science

Graduate students in the Å·ÃÀÊÓƵ’s Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science program learn both in and outside the classroom. You’ll have many opportunities to conduct research, engage with faculty and connect with other students:

• Faculty advising and mentoring: Regularly meet one-on-one with your faculty advisor to ensure you’re meeting your program competencies to prepare for your desired career.
• Graduate research: Participate in research projects with faculty and your peers to gain a deeper understanding of processes and procedures so you’re ready to lead your own studies in the future.
• Student organizations: Network with peers when you join a student organization such as the Council of Human Development and Family Science. Participate in professional development and service events on campus or in nearby Kansas City while building your resume and gaining experience for your future career.

 

What can you do with a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science from UCM?

The Å·ÃÀÊÓƵ’s HDFS degree helps you gain practical skills such as observation, communication, problem-solving and working with others to support individuals and groups across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Use these skills to advance your career or prepare for a doctoral degree. In fact, 96% of our graduates are employed in the field or enrolled in advanced education within six months of graduation.

Many of our graduates build successful careers in organizations such as:

• Assisted living centers
• Colleges and universities
• County extension offices
• Domestic violence shelters
• Early childhood centers
• Emergency shelters/crisis centers
• Family advocacy agencies
• Foster care agencies
• Public policy and government agencies

Career opportunities for students in our Human Development graduate program

Use the interactive tool below to explore potential career paths with your HDFS degree. Find related job titles, average salaries and projected employment growth in the field.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your Human Development and Family Science degree

The Å·ÃÀÊÓƵ provides exceptional value to students by delivering a high-quality education at an affordable cost. We keep education within reach by offering low tuition and multiple options to finance your college education, including scholarships, grants and awards. That’s why LendEDU has named UCM a top-ranked university for low student debt.

In addition to scholarships offered by the university, additional funding may be available through industry scholarships and fellowships, as well as through the UCM Alumni Foundation.

Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the .