Human Development and Family Studies
Department Head: Dr. Michael Newman
Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Tommy Phillips
201B Lloyd Ricks Watson Building
Box 9745
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Telephone: 662-325-0655
E-mail: tom.phillips@msstate.edu
The School of Human Sciences offers both the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS). Contact the Graduate Coordinator for more information regarding admission requirements and curriculum.
Human Development and Family Studies is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of individual and family development in a variety of contexts across the lifespan, from conception to later life. It encompasses specialty areas in infant and child studies, youth studies, family studies, family resource management, and gerontology.
Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies
Admission Requirements
An applicant for the Master of Science degree must meet the following requirements.
- Meet all MSU Graduate School requirements for admission
- Have earned a baccalaureate degree in HDFS or a related field
- Submit a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score competitive with other applicants
- Submit three letters of recommendation, with at least two letters from individuals familiar with applicant’s academic work
- Submit a sole-authored writing sample (see instructions below)
- Submit a personal statement (500-1,000 words) describing the applicant's purpose for undertaking graduate student, including professional plans, career goals, and detailed research interests
For international, non-native speakers of English, a TOEFL or IELTS score indicative of ability to successfully complete graduate work is required. See English-Language Requirements in the Admission section of this publication for more information.
An overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 is preferred. Students admitted provisionally must fulfill Graduate School provisional admission requirements found in this publication. Qualified applicants for the HDFS grade program are expected to have interests and goals that are consistent with the department's faculty expertise and interests, as well as course offerings. Admission decisions are based on a holistic consideration of the applicant's credentials.
Instructions for Writing Sample: Applicants to the master's program are asked to submit a sole-authored writing sample in English so that the admissions committee may assess the candidate's ability as a writer, potential success in the masters program, and ability to do research and present it in written form. The minimum length of the sample is five pages, but the same should not exceed 25 pages. The sample should be presented in APA style (title page, headers, references, etc.). Examples of possible writing samples include, but are not limited to, papers from past courses, journal articles, or some written work product, such as a manual or technical report.
Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development & Family Studies
Admission Requirements
An applicant for the Doctor of Philosophy degree must meet the following requirements.
- Meet all MSU Graduate School requirements for admission
- Have earned a baccalaureate degree in HDFS or a related field
- Have completed the following courses or their equivalents
- Meet all MSU Graduate School requirements for admission
- Have earned a baccalaureate degree in HDFS or a related field
- Have completed a minimum of 30 hours of master's level coursework in HDFS or a related field
- Have completed the following courses or their equivalents: AIS 8803 Research Methods; HS 8823 Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations; 3 hours of graduate-level statistics; and HS 8813 Seminar in HDFS (contingent acceptance may be granted for students to complete requires courses within one calendar year)
- Have earned a grade point average of 3.00 on all previous graduate coursework
- Submit a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score competitive with other applicants
- Submit three letters of recommendation, with at least two of the letters coming from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic work
- Submit a sole-authored writing sample (see instructions below)
- Submit a personal statement (500-1,000 words) describing the applicant’s purpose for undertaking graduate study, professional plans, career goals, and detailed research interests
- Complete an interview with members of the HDFS graduate faculty
For international, non-native speakers of English, a TOEFL score indicative of ability to successfully complete graduate work is required. See English Language Test Score Requirements in the Admission section of this publication for more information.
Qualified applicants for the HDFS graduate program are expected to have interests and goals that are consistent with the department's faculty expertise and interests as well as course offerings. Once all application materials have been submitted, applicants should contact the HDFS graduate coordinator at 662-325-0655 or tom.phillips@msstate.edu to schedule an interview with members of the HDFS graduate faculty. To accommodate international applicants, interviews can be conducted using distance technology. Admission decisions are based on a holistic consideration of the applicant's credentials.
Admission to the master's program does not automatically mean that a student will enter the doctoral program; a student completing the master’s degree must reapply through the Office of the Graduate School for admission to the doctoral program.
Instructions for Writing Sample: Applicants to the doctoral program are required to submit a sole-authored writing sample in English so that the admissions committee may assess the candidate's ability as a writer, potential success in the doctoral program, and ability to do research and present it in written form. The minimum length of the writing sample is five pages, but the sample should not exceed 25 pages. The sample should be presented in APA style (title page, headers, references, etc.). Examples of possible writing samples include, but are not limited to, papers from past courses, journal articles, or some written work product, such as a manual or technical report.
Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies (Infant and Child Focus) - Thesis
| Requirements | ||
| HS 8813 | Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 8823 | Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations | 3 |
| EPY 6214 | Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8803 | Applying Research Methods to Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| AELC 8503 | Program Planning and Development in Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| AELC 8000 | Thesis Research/Thesis in Agricultural and Extension Education | 6 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 8113 | Trends in Infant and Child Development | 3 |
| Select 6 hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Risk, Resilience and Preventive Interventions | ||
| Counseling Children | ||
| Research Practicum in Early Childhood Education | ||
| Cognitive and Affective Development | ||
| Development and Administration of Child Service Programs | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
| Language and Thought | ||
| Assistive Technology in Special Education | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
A thesis committee, consisting of the student’s major professor and two other graduate faculty members, must be established. A thesis defense before the committee is required.
Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies (Infant and Child Focus) - Non-Thesis
| Requirements | ||
| HS 8813 | Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 8823 | Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations | 3 |
| EPY 6214 | Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8703 | Evaluation of Agricultural and Extension Education Programs | 3 |
| AELC 8503 | Program Planning and Development in Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| HDFS 7000 | Directed Individual Study in Human Development and Family Science | 6 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 8113 | Trends in Infant and Child Development | 3 |
| Select 6 hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Risk, Resilience and Preventive Interventions | ||
| Counseling Children | ||
| Research Practicum in Early Childhood Education | ||
| Cognitive and Affective Development | ||
| Development and Administration of Child Service Programs | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
| Language and Thought | ||
| Assistive Technology in Special Education | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
The student’s major professor and two other graduate faculty members will comprise the graduate committee. A final comprehensive oral examination is required.
Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies (Youth Focus) - Thesis
| Requirements | ||
| HS 8813 | Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 8823 | Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations | 3 |
| EPY 6214 | Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8803 | Applying Research Methods to Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| AELC 8503 | Program Planning and Development in Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| AELC 8000 | Thesis Research/Thesis in Agricultural and Extension Education | 6 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 8313 | Contemporary Youth Issues | 3 |
| Select 6 hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Risk, Resilience and Preventive Interventions | ||
| Positive Youth Development | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
| Juvenile Delinquency | ||
| Sociology of Sport | ||
| Development of Youth Programs | ||
Great Plains Consortium courses 1 | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
| 1 | http://www.gpidea.org. See Transfer Credit in General Master’s Degree Requirements section of this publication. |
A thesis committee, consisting of the student’s major professor and two other graduate faculty members, must be established. A thesis defense before the committee is required.
Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies (Youth Focus) - Non-Thesis
| Requirements | ||
| HS 8813 | Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 8823 | Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations | 3 |
| EPY 6214 | Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8703 | Evaluation of Agricultural and Extension Education Programs | 3 |
| AELC 8503 | Program Planning and Development in Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| HDFS 7000 | Directed Individual Study in Human Development and Family Science | 6 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 8813 | Seminar in Human Development and Family Science | 3 |
| Select 6 hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Risk, Resilience and Preventive Interventions | ||
| Positive Youth Development | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
| Juvenile Delinquency | ||
| Sociology of Sport | ||
| Development of Youth Programs | ||
Great Plains Consortium courses 1 | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
The student’s major professor and two other graduate faculty members will comprise the graduate committee. A final comprehensive oral examination is required.
Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies (Family Focus) - Thesis
| Requirements | ||
| HS 8813 | Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 8823 | Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations | 3 |
| EPY 6214 | Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8803 | Applying Research Methods to Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| AELC 8503 | Program Planning and Development in Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| AELC 8000 | Thesis Research/Thesis in Agricultural and Extension Education | 6 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 8413 | Issues in Family Studies | 3 |
| Select 6 hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Development in Intimate Relationships | ||
| Family Counseling Theory | ||
| Family Resource Management | ||
| Families, Legislation and Public Policy | ||
| Introduction to Gerontology | ||
| Parenting | ||
| Adult Development: The Middle Years | ||
| Family Interaction | ||
| The Family: A Human Ecological Perspective | ||
| Risk, Resilience and Preventive Interventions | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
| Comparative Family Systems | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
A thesis committee, consisting of the student’s major professor and two other graduate faculty members, must be established. A thesis defense before the committee is required.
Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies (Family Focus) - Non-Thesis
| Requirements | ||
| HS 8813 | Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 8823 | Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations | 3 |
| EPY 6214 | Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8703 | Evaluation of Agricultural and Extension Education Programs | 3 |
| AELC 8503 | Program Planning and Development in Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| HDFS 7000 | Directed Individual Study in Human Development and Family Science | 6 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 8413 | Issues in Family Studies | 3 |
| Select 6 hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Development in Intimate Relationships | ||
| Family Counseling Theory | ||
| Family Resource Management | ||
| Families, Legislation and Public Policy | ||
| Introduction to Gerontology | ||
| Parenting | ||
| Adult Development: The Middle Years | ||
| Family Interaction | ||
| The Family: A Human Ecological Perspective | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
| Comparative Family Systems | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
The student’s major professor and two other graduate faculty members will comprise the graduate committee. A final comprehensive oral examination is required.
Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies (Family Resource Management Focus) - Thesis
| Requirements | ||
| HS 8813 | Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 8823 | Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations | 3 |
| EPY 6214 | Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8803 | Applying Research Methods to Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| AELC 8503 | Program Planning and Development in Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| AELC 8000 | Thesis Research/Thesis in Agricultural and Extension Education | 6 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 6313 | Family Resource Management | 3 |
| Select 6 hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Families, Legislation and Public Policy | ||
| Consumer Aspects of Aging | ||
| Consumer Issues and Policy | ||
| Current Housing Problems of Families | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
Great Plains Consortium courses 1 | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
A thesis committee, consisting of the student’s major professor and two other graduate faculty members, must be established. A thesis defense before the committee is required.
Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies (Family Resource Management Focus) - Non-Thesis
| Requirements | ||
| HS 8813 | Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 8823 | Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations | 3 |
| EPY 6214 | Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8703 | Evaluation of Agricultural and Extension Education Programs | 3 |
| AELC 8503 | Program Planning and Development in Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| HDFS 7000 | Directed Individual Study in Human Development and Family Science | 6 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 6313 | Family Resource Management | 3 |
| Select 6 hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Families, Legislation and Public Policy | ||
| Consumer Aspects of Aging | ||
| Consumer Issues and Policy | ||
| Current Housing Problems of Families | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
Great Plains Consortium courses 1 | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
The student’s major professor and two other graduate faculty members will comprise the graduate committee. A final comprehensive oral examination is required.
Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies (Gerontology Focus) - Thesis
| Requirements | ||
| HS 8813 | Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 8823 | Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations | 3 |
| EPY 6214 | Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8803 | Applying Research Methods to Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| AELC 8503 | Program Planning and Development in Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| AELC 8000 | Thesis Research/Thesis in Agricultural and Extension Education | 6 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 6403 | Introduction to Gerontology | 3 |
| Select 6 hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Psychology of Aging | ||
| Consumer Aspects of Aging | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
| Aging and Retirement in American Society | ||
| Issues in Aging | ||
| Counseling Elderly Clients | ||
| Sociology of Death and Dying | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
A thesis committee, consisting of the student’s major professor and two other graduate faculty members, must be established. A thesis defense before the committee is required.
Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies (Gerontology Focus) - Non-Thesis
| Requirements | ||
| HS 8813 | Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 8823 | Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations | 3 |
| EPY 6214 | Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8703 | Evaluation of Agricultural and Extension Education Programs | 3 |
| AELC 8503 | Program Planning and Development in Agricultural and Extension Education | 3 |
| AELC 7000 | Directed Individual Study in Agricultural and Extension Education | 6 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 6403 | Introduction to Gerontology | 3 |
| Select 6 hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Psychology of Aging | ||
| Consumer Aspects of Aging | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
| Aging and Retirement in American Society | ||
| Issues in Aging | ||
| Counseling Elderly Clients | ||
| Sociology of Death and Dying | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
The student’s major professor and two other graduate faculty members will comprise the graduate committee. A final comprehensive oral examination is required.
Note: Courses may be substituted depending on student interest area and course availability. Advisor approval will be required in advance. At least 12 hours in the degree program, exclusive of thesis credits, must be at the 8000 level. Approved HDFS 7000 Directed Individual Study (DIS) credit hours count toward 8000-level requirements. No more than 6 semester hours of graduate credit may be earned in DIS courses. Students may transfer up to 6 semester hours of courses from other accredited degree programs.
Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development & Family Studies (Infant and Child Focus)
| Requirements | ||
| EPY 8214 | Advanced Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8703 | Evaluation of Agricultural and Extension Education Programs | 3 |
| EPY 9213 | Advanced Analysis in Educational Research | 3 |
| or AELC 9583 | Analysis and Interpretation of Data in Agricultural and Extension Education Research | |
| Statistics course | 3 | |
| HDFS 8833 | Foundations of Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| AIS 8523 | Teaching Out-of-School Groups in Agricultural Information Science and Education | 3 |
| HDFS 6843 | Family Interaction | 3 |
| HDFS 8853 | Current Issues in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 9000 | Research and Dissertation in Human Development and Family Science | 20 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 8113 | Trends in Infant and Child Development | 3 |
| Select 12 additional hours from the following: | 12 | |
| Risk, Resilience and Preventive Interventions | ||
| Counseling Children | ||
| Research Practicum in Early Childhood Education | ||
| Cognitive and Affective Development | ||
| Development and Administration of Child Service Programs | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
| Language and Thought | ||
| Assistive Technology in Special Education | ||
| Total Hours | 60 | |
The student must pass a written comprehensive exam prior to being admitted to candidacy. A dissertation committee, consisting of the student’s major professor and three other graduate faculty members, must be established. A dissertation defense before the committee is required.
Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development & Family Studies (Youth Focus)
| Requirements | ||
| EPY 8214 | Advanced Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8703 | Evaluation of Agricultural and Extension Education Programs | 3 |
| EPY 9213 | Advanced Analysis in Educational Research | 3 |
| or AELC 9583 | Analysis and Interpretation of Data in Agricultural and Extension Education Research | |
| Statistics course | 3 | |
| HDFS 8833 | Foundations of Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| AIS 8523 | Teaching Out-of-School Groups in Agricultural Information Science and Education | 3 |
| HDFS 6843 | Family Interaction | 3 |
| HDFS 8853 | Current Issues in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 9000 | Research and Dissertation in Human Development and Family Science | 20 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 8313 | Contemporary Youth Issues | 3 |
| Select 12 additional hours from the following: | 12 | |
| Risk, Resilience and Preventive Interventions | ||
| Positive Youth Development | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
| Juvenile Delinquency | ||
| Sociology of Sport | ||
| Introduction to Gerontology | ||
| Total Hours | 60 | |
The student must pass a written comprehensive exam prior to being admitted to candidacy. A dissertation committee, consisting of the student’s major professor and three other graduate faculty members, must be established. A dissertation defense before the committee is required.
Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development & Family Studies (Family Focus)
| Requirements | ||
| EPY 8214 | Advanced Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8703 | Evaluation of Agricultural and Extension Education Programs | 3 |
| EPY 9213 | Advanced Analysis in Educational Research | 3 |
| or AELC 9583 | Analysis and Interpretation of Data in Agricultural and Extension Education Research | |
| Statistics course | 3 | |
| HDFS 8833 | Foundations of Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| AIS 8523 | Teaching Out-of-School Groups in Agricultural Information Science and Education | 3 |
| HDFS 6843 | Family Interaction | 3 |
| HDFS 8853 | Current Issues in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 9000 | Research and Dissertation in Human Development and Family Science | 20 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 8413 | Issues in Family Studies | 3 |
| Select 12 hours from the following: | 12 | |
| Development in Intimate Relationships | ||
| Family Counseling Theory | ||
| Family Resource Management | ||
| Families, Legislation and Public Policy | ||
| Introduction to Gerontology | ||
| Parenting | ||
| Adult Development: The Middle Years | ||
| The Family: A Human Ecological Perspective | ||
| Risk, Resilience and Preventive Interventions | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
| Comparative Family Systems | ||
| Total Hours | 60 | |
The student must pass a written comprehensive exam prior to being admitted to candidacy. A dissertation committee, consisting of the student’s major professor and three other graduate faculty members, must be established. A dissertation defense before the committee is required.
Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development & Family Studies (Family Resource Management Focus)
| Requirements | ||
| EPY 8214 | Advanced Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8703 | Evaluation of Agricultural and Extension Education Programs | 3 |
| EPY 9213 | Advanced Analysis in Educational Research | 3 |
| or AELC 9583 | Analysis and Interpretation of Data in Agricultural and Extension Education Research | |
| Statistics course | 3 | |
| HDFS 8833 | Foundations of Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| AIS 8523 | Teaching Out-of-School Groups in Agricultural Information Science and Education | 3 |
| HDFS 6843 | Family Interaction | 3 |
| HDFS 8853 | Current Issues in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 9000 | Research and Dissertation in Human Development and Family Science | 20 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 6313 | Family Resource Management | 3 |
| Select 12 hours from the following: | 12 | |
| Families, Legislation and Public Policy | ||
| Consumer Aspects of Aging | ||
| Consumer Issues and Policy | ||
| Current Housing Problems of Families | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
Courses from Great Plains Consortium 2 | ||
| Total Hours | 60 | |
The student must pass a written comprehensive exam prior to being admitted to candidacy. A dissertation committee, consisting of the student’s major professor and three other graduate faculty members, must be established. A dissertation defense before the committee is required.
Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development & Family Studies (Gerontology Focus)
| Requirements | ||
| EPY 8214 | Advanced Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| AELC 8703 | Evaluation of Agricultural and Extension Education Programs | 3 |
| EPY 9213 | Advanced Analysis in Educational Research | 3 |
| or AELC 9583 | Analysis and Interpretation of Data in Agricultural and Extension Education Research | |
| Statistics course | 3 | |
| HDFS 8833 | Foundations of Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| AIS 8523 | Teaching Out-of-School Groups in Agricultural Information Science and Education | 3 |
| HDFS 6843 | Family Interaction | 3 |
| HDFS 8853 | Current Issues in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 9000 | Research and Dissertation in Human Development and Family Science | 20 |
| Focus Courses | ||
| HDFS 6403 | Introduction to Gerontology | 3 |
| Select 12 hours from the following: | 12 | |
| Psychology of Aging | ||
| Consumer Aspects of Aging | ||
| The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families | ||
| Aging and Retirement in American Society | ||
| Issues in Aging | ||
| Counseling Elderly Clients | ||
| Sociology of Death and Dying | ||
| Total Hours | 60 | |
The student must pass a written comprehensive exam prior to being admitted to candidacy. A dissertation committee, consisting of the student’s major professor and three other graduate faculty members, must be established. A dissertation defense before the committee is required.
Note: Courses may be substituted depending on student interest area and course availability. Major professor approval will be required in advance. At least 12 hours of the course work in the degree program exclusive of dissertation credits, must be at the 8000 level. No more than 6 semester hours of graduate credit may be earned in Directed Individual Study courses. Students may transfer up to 9 semester hours of courses from other accredited degree programs.
The School of Human Sciences graduate courses may be used for a minor or for selected certificates in Human Sciences in cooperation with other degree programs. Areas of emphasis are available in the following program areas in Human Sciences: apparel, textiles and merchandising, and human development and family studies. The School also participates in the graduate Gender Studies Certificate by offering HDFS 6313, HDFS 6403, and HS 6513 and the Gerontology Certificate by offering HDFS 6403, HDFS 6813, and HDFS 6863.
For additional information about graduate offerings in the School of Human Sciences, contact Dr. Tommy Phillips.
HDFS 6313 Family Resource Management: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Decision-making in the family and operation of the household as affected by family values, philosophies, resources, and socio-economic conditions
HDFS 6333 Families, Legislation and Public Policy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior/senior writing or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An examination of the impact of legislation and public policy on the well being of the family with emphasis on policy and family change
HDFS 6403 Introduction to Gerontology: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. An introduction to the dynamics of the aging process and strategies for maximizing life satisfaction during aging
HDFS 6424 Teaching Methods in Agricultural and Human Sciences: 4 hours.
(Prerequisite: CALS major and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Planning instruction; selecting teaching techniques; developing teaching plans; teaching agricultural/human sciences topics; using instructional technologies; and evaluating learner progress. Same as AELC 4424
HDFS 6803 Parenting: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: HDFS 1813 and junior/senior writing, or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Study of the child as a part of the family in a dynamic human ecological system
HDFS 6813 Adult Development: The Middle Years: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Theory and perspectives on adulthood in contemporary society, adjustment to internal and environmental changes, role structures, supportive networks and public policy issues
HDFS 6823 Development and Administration of Child Service Programs: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: HDFS 3813 or concurrent enrollment). Three hours lecture. Planning, administering, and evaluating the organizational structure of a variety of child service programs
HDFS 6833 The Hospitalized Child: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: HDFS 3803 and HDFS 3813 or concurrent enrollment, junior standing or permission of the instructor). Three hours lecture. A pre-practicum development approach to the special needs of the hospitalized infant, child and adolescent
HDFS 6843 Family Interaction: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Interaction within functional families; focus on the family as a system, on diversity and roles, and on effective interactions
HDFS 6853 The Family: A Human Ecological Perspective: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. The impact of internal and external factors on the development of individual and family relationships throughout the life cycle
HDFS 6863 Consumer Aspects of Aging: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Analysis of the decisions, issues and research related to the consumer aspects of aging from a global and national perspective
HDFS 6873 Positive Youth Development: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: HDFS 1813 and junior/senior writing class or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Examines theoretical and empirical foundations of the growing field of Positive Youth Development; examines school and community-based programs that foster PYD
HDFS 6883 Risk, Resilience and Preventive Interventions: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: HDFS 1813 and junior/senior writing; or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Theory and research relevant to understanding risk and resilience in human development and family studies application of risk/resilience framework to individual and family preventive interventions
HDFS 6990 Special Topics in Human Development and Family Science: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
HDFS 7000 Directed Individual Study in Human Development and Family Science: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
HDFS 8000 Research and Thesis in Human Development and Family Science: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
HDFS 8113 Trends in Infant and Child Development: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Overview of current research in infant and child development; implications for program development and advocacy
HDFS 8123 The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Exploration of the impact of poverty on children and families, identification of risk/protective factors, and development of family and child interventions to reduce risk
HDFS 8313 Contemporary Youth Issues: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Current topics in the areas of youth studies and adolescent development
HDFS 8413 Issues in Family Studies: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Exploration of current scholarship in relevant topics of interest in the study of families
HDFS 8423 Development in Intimate Relationships: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. A multidisciplinary investigation of how intimate relationships in contemporary U.S. society form, develop, maintain, and dissolve
HDFS 8813 Seminar in Human Development and Family Science: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. An introduction to the graduate program, faculty research, and policies and procedures. Skills in writing a literature review, grant writing, and giving professional presentations will be learned
HDFS 8823 Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Advanced study of theories of human development and family studies across the lifespan
HDFS 8833 Foundations of Human Development and Family Studies: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Examination of the philosophical and theoretical foundations of Human Development and Family Studies
HDFS 8853 Current Issues in Human Development and Family Studies: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. An in-depth examination of particular HDFS topics of current interest to faculty and students. Critical evaluation of current research
HDFS 9000 Research and Dissertation in Human Development and Family Science: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
HS 6323 Consumer Issues and Policy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite:HS 3303 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An assessment of policies and programs relating to information, product safety, and channels of appeal for the individual
HS 6513 Social-Psychological Aspects of Clothing: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: HS 3573 and three hours Sociology or Psychology and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Exploration of the sociological and psychological aspects of wearing apparel; man's response to and use of clothing as aspect of behavior at different life stages
HS 6593 Creative Design Techniques: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: HS 1533 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Application of techniques- dyeing, knitting, crochet, embroidery, beading, etc.- for creation and embellishment of garments and accessories. Also utilization of multicultural and historic design inspirations
HS 6683 Current Housing Problems of Families: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Three hours lecture. Analysis of current housing problems confronting families, their historical development, government policies and remedial measures
HS 6710 Study Tour: 1-3 hours.
Experiential learning through travel in the United States or abroad focusing on specialized areas of study in human sciences
HS 6883 Risk, Resilience and Preventive Interventions: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite:HS 1813 and junior/senior writing;or consent of instructor).Three hours lecture. Theory and research relevant to understanding risk and resilience in human development and family studies application of risk/resilience framework to individual and family preventive interventions
HS 8813 Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. An introduction to the graduate program, faculty research, and policies and procedures. Skills in writing a literature review, grant writing, and giving professional presentations will be learned
HS 8990 Special Topics in Human Sciences: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)