Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science University of Central Missouri, USA

Make a difference for children and families in your community with a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) from the University of Central Missouri. Our HDFS degree focuses on human development and the interrelationships of families in a culturally diverse world.

Through engaging coursework and the guidance of experienced faculty mentors, you’ll learn how to develop, manage and evaluate programs and services to meet the needs of children, youth and families. With UCM’s accelerated program, you’ll be ready to make an impact on your community in as little as 12 months. You’ll also have the flexibility to earn your master’s degree while taking all of your classes at our Warrensburg or some online classes. If you are looking for a course schedule with more flexibility, the HDFS degree can be completed part-time completely online in two years.

One degree with two options

Our Human Development and Family Science degree program offers two tracks. The HDFS track studies the dynamics of human development and family interaction in non-clinical settings. This track is ideal for students who want to engage in research, pursue advanced education, or work with children and families in non-clinical roles.

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.