Graduate Programs
Programs of Study
There are four programs of study in the the Department of Human and Community Development. They are each briefly below.
If you are interested in frequently asked questions about selecting graduate schools, applying for graduate school, and financial aid see our frequently asked questions (FAQ) about applying to graduate school.
Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS)
The program in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) focuses on positive development and resilience of children, youth, and family in everyday life contexts. Regarding children and youth, our faculty emphasize social and emotional development, in family, community, and other settings. Regarding family, our faculty emphasize parent-child and other family relationships, gender/sexuality, race/ethnicity, and resilient family processes, in family and community contexts (e.g., neighborhoods, workplaces, the legal system, and social service settings). The HDFS applied concentration allows students to obtain additional skills in outreach, program development, and program evaluation. Our faculty are methodologically diverse including expertise in both quantitative and qualitative approaches. More information about this program.
Community Studies and Outreach (CSO)—Ph.D. Program
The Community Studies and Outreach program focuses on how community institutions structure differential opportunities that shape people's lives in rural and urban settings, and on how people and groups develop the capacities to influence these institutions. Specifically, we study communities as a context that affect people especially youth, community as a unit of analysis, and community leadership relevant to educating and organizing for social change. More information about this program.
Marriage and Family Services—M.S. degree & M.S.W. degree
The Department of Human and Community Development and the School of Social Work offer a dual Master's degree program in Marriage and Family Services. Students who complete the program earn a Master's of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree from the School of Social Work, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and an M.S. degree in Human Development and Family Studies. The dual focus of the program enables students to acquire theoretical knowledge related to the development and functioning of family systems, research competence, knowledge of social policies and programs that affect families, and practical skills in family-focused prevention and intervention. A unique feature of the program is its emphasis on understanding and working with families from a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. More information about the program The School of Social Work also provides information about the M.S.W. degree.
Agricultural Education (AgEd)—Master's Program
The Agricultural Education program is a professional degree program for students who have completed the requirements of a four-year curriculum in agricultural education or allied fields of study. Areas of concentration include program planning, curriculum development, teaching methodologies, instructional technologies and youth development. Students in the program complete course work in both education and agriculture for professional development to become high school or community college instructors of agriculture programs, extension agents or other related work areas. More information about this program.