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.
Excellence in Human Development and Family Science
- A Most Focused College for Human Development & Family Studies in the Plains States Region (College Factual,
2022)
- Top 15%: Most Popular Colleges for Human Development & Family Studies (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in human development and family science
Graduate students in the University of Central Missouri’s Master of Science degree
in Human Development and Family Science program learn both in and outside the classroom.
You’ll have many opportunities to conduct research, engage with faculty and connect
with other students:
- Faculty advising and mentoring: Regularly meet one-on-one with your faculty advisor to ensure you’re meeting your
program competencies to prepare for your desired career.
- Graduate research: Participate in research projects with faculty and your peers to gain a deeper understanding
of processes and procedures so you’re ready to lead your own studies in the future.
- Student organizations: Network with peers when you join a student organization such as the Council of Human
Development and Family Science. Participate in professional development and service
events on campus or in nearby Kansas City while building your resume and gaining experience
for your future career.
What can you do with a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science from
UCM?
The University of Central Missouri’s HDFS degree helps you gain practical skills such
as observation, communication, problem-solving and working with others to support
individuals and groups across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Use these skills
to advance your career or prepare for a doctoral degree. In fact, 96% of our graduates
are employed in the field or enrolled in advanced education within six months of graduation.
Many of our graduates build successful careers in organizations such as:
- Assisted living centers
- Colleges and universities
- County extension offices
- Domestic violence shelters
- Early childhood centers
- Emergency shelters/crisis centers
- Family advocacy agencies
- Foster care agencies
- Public policy and government agencies
Career opportunities for students in our Human Development graduate program
Use the interactive tool below to explore potential career paths with your HDFS degree.
Find related job titles, average salaries and projected employment growth in the field.
Financial assistance options for your Human Development and Family Science degree
The University of Central Missouri provides exceptional value to students by delivering
a high-quality education at an affordable cost. We keep education within reach by
offering low tuition and multiple options to finance your college education, including
scholarships, grants and awards. That’s why LendEDU has named UCM a top-ranked university
for low student debt.
In addition to scholarships offered by the university, additional funding may be available
through industry scholarships and fellowships, as well as through the UCM Alumni Foundation.
Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the .
Meet Dr. Jaimee Hartenstein
Certified Family Life Educator
Dr. Hartenstein’s area of expertise is in divorce and child custody, in which she
has conducted extensive research. She shares her knowledge with students in UCM’s
Human Development graduate program through the child development and family relationship
classes she teaches. In addition to her role as a faculty member, she is also the
program coordinator.
Face-to-face and online options
A flexible program to fit your schedule
Graduate students in UCM’s HDFS degree program come from a variety of backgrounds
and have diverse needs. Our in-person classes meet just two nights a week, and many
courses are available online. This flexibility allows you to complete your master’s
degree on your schedule.
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