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Masters in Human Development and Family Studies

The Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies immerses students in the study of lifespan development, family systems, social policy, and the research process. The program is very flexible, allowing students to select from among a number of specialization areas for in-depth study. Students may elect to do an internship in administration, program evaluation, or social policy to complement their courseowrk with hands-on experience. A highlight of the program is the completion of a Masters Thesis. The program prepares graduates for leadership positions in the fields of human service, early-childhood-program administration, policy development, and program evaluation.

The Professional Portfolio

Background
The curriculum is designed around a set of competencies or learning outcomes that students document through the preparation of a Professional Portfolio.

Click here to see the complete list of learning outcomes and examples of evidence for each outcome.

Program Structure (41 credits)

The program provides a set of common courses to all students as well as courses specific to each student's professional interests. In addition, students have the opportunity to work with a diverse faculty, conduct independent studies, complete a policy or administrative internship, and complete a master's thesis. Click here (PDF) for the program worksheet.

Core Courses (17 credits)

The program includes 17 credits of core courses required for all students. These core courses provide a conceptual background in human development and family studies, a strong sequence in research methods and data analysis, an introduction to family policy, and a professional seminar which helps to create a learning community for first and second year students.

  • HDF 500: Human Development Seminar (3 credits)
  • HDF 530: Advanced Family Studies or
    HDF 535: Family and Stress (3 credits)
  • HDF 570: Research Methods in HDF (3 credits)
  • Second research course focusing on data analysis and interpretation e.g. STA 409, PSY 533 or EDC 625
  • HDF 533: Family Policy and Program Evaluation (3 credits)
  • HDF 580/581: Professional seminar (2 credits)

Specialization Courses (12 credits)

In addition to the core, students select a specialization from among four general areas: lifespan (including early childhood education, child development, or adulthood/gerontology), public policy/administration, family studies, and family finance/counseling. Under special circumstances, students can design their own specialization with the guidance of their advisor. The specialization will require 12 credits, two of which will be courses covering specific periods of human development.

Developmental Courses (6 credits required)
Students take at least 2 developmental courses out of the 4 courses listed below.

  • HDF 511: Seminar in Infancy and Early Childhood (3 credits)
  • HDF 512: Seminar in Middle Childhood and Adolescence (3 credits)
  • HDF 514: Seminar in Older Adulthood (3 credits)

Area of Specialization (6 credits required)

The remaining specialization courses are selected by the student, with input from his or her advisor, from a broad list of specialization courses (PDF).

Internship (HDF 583, HDF 584)

Students may elect to take up to 6 credits of internship. For those with extensive professional experience in human service agencies, additional course work or research experience may be used to replace the internship requirement.

Internships as well as other research opportunities are available through affiliated programs and state agencies including:

Thesis Research (HDF 599, 6 credits)

All students will be expected to conduct a Masters' thesis. A maximum of 6 credits of thesis will count toward the 41 credit-hour program.

The Masters' thesis is typically conducted under the close supervision of a faculty member. Click here for examples of past thesis research.

Plan of Study

The program can be completed by full-time students in four semesters or on a part-time basis.

Sample plan of study for a full-time student

 

Fall

Spring

Year 1
  • 3 Core courses
  • Professional Seminar
  • 1 Core course
  • 1 Developmental course
  • 2 Specialization courses
  • Professional Seminar

Year 2
  • Thesis research
  • 1 Specialization course
  • 1 Core course
  • Professional Seminar
  • Thesis research
  • Internship
  • Professional Seminar

For more information about this program, click onto - Graduate Handbook

Faculty in Masters of Human Development and Family Studies

Jerome Adams
Sue Adams
Joan Gray Anderson
Phillip Clark
Jaime Dice
Laurie Harper
Karen McCurdy,Graduate Program Coordinator
Barbara Newman
Jing Jian Xiao


The Application Process (PDF)


NOTE: THIS PROGRAM ONLY ADMITS FOR THE FALL

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR STUDENTS WISHING TO COMMENCE STUDIES IN THE FALL IS MARCH 1st

Disclaimer: The official rules, regulations and admissions qualifications are published in the URI Bulletin. This website does not supercede the Bulletin.

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS


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