• Description of Program
• Degree Requirements
• Special Opportunities
• Careers

Description of Program

The program in human development and family studies involves the study of human behavior from two perspectives: how we develop over the life span from conception through aging, and how we function within the context of the family and other environmental influences. This multidisciplinary major prepares students for careers in the growing field of human and social services.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 35 graduate credit hours is required for the human development and family studies program.  A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. A minimum grade of C– is required in each course. All electives for completing the degree must be approved by the advisor.

Complete each of the following courses (9 cr.):

• HPER-C 589 Models and Theories of Health Behavior (3 cr.)
• HPER-C 591 Public Health Statistics (3 cr.)
• HPER-F 654 Conceptual Frameworks in Human Development and Family Studies (3 cr.)

Complete two of the following courses (6 cr.):

• HPER-F 531 Human Development I: Preconception through Age 6 (3 cr.)
• HPER-F 532 Human Development II: Ages 6-19 (3 cr.)
• HPER-F 533 Human Development III: Adulthood (3 cr.)
• HPER-F 541 Effects of Divorce on Children (3 cr.)
• HPER-F 544 Parent and Child Relationships: Theoretical, Research, and Practical Aspects (3 cr.)
• HPER-F 546 Issues in Human Development and Family Studies (3 cr.) (Can be taken for up to 6 cr., if topics differ)

Complete two of the following courses (6 cr.):

• HPER-F 510 African American and Latino Families
• HPER-F 517 Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies (3 cr.) (Can be taken for up to 6 cr., if topics differ)
• HPER-F 557 Stress and Resilience in the Family and Community (3 cr.)
• HPER-F 559 Special Problems: Human Development and Family Studies (1-3 cr.)
• HPER-F 560 Grief in a Family Context (3 cr.) P: 6 credit hours of social science courses.
• HPER-F 656 Families and Health (3 cr.)

Complete one of the following courses (3 cr.):

• HPER-F 542 Internship in Human Development and Family Studies (3 cr.) (Prerequisite: graduate GPA of at least 3.0)
• HPER-F 543 Family Life Education (3 cr.)
• HPER-F 553 Teaching Sex Education (3 cr.)
• HPER-F 555 Leading Family Process Discussion Groups (3 cr.)
• HPER-F 558 Workshop in Human Development and Family Studies (1-3 cr.)
• HPER-F 640 Research in Human Development and Family Studies (cr. arr.) (Prerequisite:GPA of at least 3.0)
• HPER-F 641 Readings in Human Development and Family Studies (cr. arr.) (Prerequisite: GPA of at least 3.0)
• HPER-H 517 Workshop in Health Education (3 cr.)
• HPER-H 540 Practicum in College Sex Education (3 cr.)

Research Requirement (6-8 cr.)
Complete one of the following two-course combinations:

(Thesis Option: 8 credits)

• HPER-T 590 Introduction to Research in Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation (3 cr.)
• HPER-H 599 Master's Thesis (5 cr.)

--or--

(Non-Thesis Option: 6 credits)

• HPER-T 590 Introduction to Research in Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation (3 cr.)
• HPER-F 598 Non-thesis Project in Human Development and Family Studies (3 cr.)

Complete remaining graduate level credits with any free electives (3 – 5 cr.)

• 3 graduate level elective credits are required for thesis option
• 5 graduate level credits required for non-thesis option

Special Opportunities

Graduate students in human development and family studies have the opportunity to work on research projects with faculty members and, in selected cases, to take on a more substantial role in designing and conducting research. Limited research funding is available on a competitive basis.

Careers

Graduates with a master's degree can work in community colleges, in research facilities, and in management positions in a variety of human service fields, including community services for children, youth, and women; mental health agencies; and agencies serving people who are aging and those with disabilities. Graduates can be employed in hospitals, schools, group homes, or nonprofit organizations. They can also work in human resources, customer service, and consumer relations for businesses.