Graduate Programs
Doctoral & master's Program Information
The Department of Human and Community Development's (HCD) graduate concentrations prepare students to rigorously analyze and constructively address contemporary social issues faced by diverse children, youth, families, and communities. Our four graduate concentrations are:
- Human and Development & Family Studies (HDFS)
- Community Studies & Outreach (CSO) (We are not admitting into CSO at this time)
- Marriage & Family Services
- Agricultural Education (Off-campus and On-campus programs)
Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about graduate school selection, application, and funding, can be found by clicking here.
Our Director of Graduate Programs is Dr. Ramona Faith Oswald (email: roswald@uiuc.edu). Please contact her with any questions or concerns after reviewing our website.
Listed below are the graduate programs offered by HCD, with a description of career possibilities for each.
DOCTORAL PROGRAMS
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT & FAMILY STUDIES. A doctoral concentration in Human Development and Family Studies prepares students for careers as researchers, educators, policy developers, or professionals who develop, evaluate, and implement programs for children, families, and communities. Many of the graduates from our HDFS program pursue careers in higher education. One strength of our HDFS program is our commitment to studying individuals and families within specific contexts (e.g., schools, neighborhoods, and communities). Students receive a background in both human development and family studies, and may choose to specialize in one area or use the overlap of both perspectives. More program information.
COMMUNITY STUDIES & OUTREACH. A doctoral concentration in Community Studies and Outreach prepares students for working within both academic and community settings. Students learn to assess, build, and mobilize the capacity of communities to deal with social, economic, and environmental problems. We have strength in dealing with these issues among rural and urban communities, by learning how communities work, and how community contexts shape family, adult, and child development, perception, and quality of life. More program information.
MASTER'S PROGRAMS
MARRIAGE & FAMILY SERVICES. We offer a dual Master's degree (M.S./M.S.W.) program with the School of Social Work that prepares students for a wide range of positions in agencies and institutions serving families (e.g., family intervention, family life and parent education programs, advocacy, and outreach). In addition, graduates may also work toward a career in marital and family therapy, and qualify for licensure and certification as professional social workers. More program information.
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MASTERS OF SCIENCE. A Master's degree in Agricultural Education prepares students for professional careers as educators in both school and non-school settings that develop and implement programs to prepare individuals for the agricultural industry and keep the general public literate of the importance of the agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources in our daily living. More program information.