Academic Programs Catalog

College of Social Science

Department of Human Development and Family Studies

Graduate Study
Child Development - Master of Science

The program focuses on the behavioral, psychological, biological, and contextual processes that promote positive developmental outcomes in infants and young children. Key contexts of development emphasized in the program include family, early childhood educational settings, and culture. Courses are available in areas such as development across cultures, infant development, language and literacy research and practices, social-emotional development, approaches to early education, parenting, intervention and prevention programs, and child and family policy. Laboratory experiences in early childhood education are available in the Child Development Laboratories, and research experiences are available through work with faculty mentors. Both thesis (Plan A) and non-thesis (Plan B) options are offered. Those pursuing Plan A are prepared for doctoral study in a variety of related fields. Two concentrations are available for Plan B: (i) Early Childhood Leadership, Administration, and Policy, which includes a transcriptable Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy, and (ii) Early Childhood Development and Practices.

Admission

Students must have:

  1. A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. 
  2. A grade-point average of 3.00 or better during the last two full years of undergraduate study. 
  3. A favorable evaluation by at least three professional references. 
  4. Academic records, references, and experiences that reflect strong qualifications for graduate study.
  5. International applicants must show language proficiency through a university-approved language exam.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Child Development

The Master of Science Degree in Child Development is available under Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30 credits is required for Plan A and Plan B. Plan B master's students may choose from two concentrations: Early Childhood Leadership, Administration, and Policy (30 credits) or Early Childhood Development and Practices (30 credits).

Requirements for Plan A
1. All of the following courses (9 credits):
HDFS 811 Child Development: Ecological Perspectives 3
HDFS 880 Research Design and Measurement 3
HDFS 881 Quantitative Methods in Human Development 3
Another course in quantitative methods may be used to fulfill either course.
2. One 3 credit course in diversity in human development and family studies selected in consultation with the student's adviser. Diversity is defined broadly and could include diversity in race or ethnicity, culture, developmental abilities, socioeconomic status, etc.
3. Four elective courses (12 credits) on topics such as child development, applied methods, child and family policy,  family diversity,  lifespan development, family studies; or related areas.  Course electives may include courses outside of the department.      
4. Complete 6 credits of HDFS 899 Master’s Thesis Research.

Requirements for Plan B
Early Childhood Leadership, Administration, and Policy (30 credits)
1. All of the following courses (6 credits): 
      HDFS  473 Administration of Early Childhood Programs 3
HDFS  811 Child Development: Ecological Perspectives 3
2. All of the following courses (12 credits):  
     These courses are to be taken through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA).  These courses are offered online only and may be taught by faculty at another university participating in the IDEA.
     HDFS  805 Early Childhood Education and Care Policy I: History, Child Development, and Equity 3
HDFS  806 Early Childhood Education and Care Policy II: Examining Practices, Policies, and Key Issues 3
      HDFS  807 Early Childhood Education and Care Policy III: Theory, Analysis and Research 3
      HDFS  808 Early Childhood Education and Care Policy IV: Policy Leadership and Policy Advocacy 3
3. Complete 12 credits of electives determined in consultation with the student's advisor, and may include courses offered outside of the department. Topics may include child development, parenting, early childhood education, applied methods, child and family policy, family diversity, lifespan development, assessment and evaluation, or related areas. 
Early Childhood Development and Practices (30 credits)
1. All of the following courses (9 credits): 
      HDFS  473 Administration of Early Childhood Programs     3
HDFS  811 Child Development: Ecological Perspectives 3
      HDFS  825 Families with Special Needs Children: An Ecological Perspective 3
       With permission of the student's advisor, HDFS 449 may be used in lieu of HDFS 825.
2. Complete 21 credits of 800-level electives determined in consultation with the student's advisor, and may include courses offered outside of the department. Topics may include from 800-level courses on topics such as child development, parenting, early childhood education, applied methods,  child and family policy, family diversity, lifespan development, assessment and evaluation, or related areas.