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H.D.F.S. Degree Programs 

Master of

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Science (M.

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S.) 

The master’s Master of Science degree (M.AS.)   in applied human development and family science is designed to meet the goals of individuals who seek to work in applied settings (such as service agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (N.G.O.s)) in which a broad background in human development and family science, administrative skills, and an appreciation for increasingly diverse client communities are important. The hallmark of our M.A. is that it offers broad training in the theory and methodology of lifespan human development and family science, training in skills critical for working in administrative or other roles in service delivery agencies, a specialized focus on topics offered through elective coursework, and the opportunity to work in an applied setting with special populations that represent growing sectors of our communities both in national and international settings.

The program requires the completion of 30 credits of coursework including a 3-credit hour project experience. Students may choose to focus their studies in a variety of areas in the H.D.F.S. field such as early childhood, gerontology, issues faced by immigrant and refugee children and families, H.D.F.S. data analytics, program administration, community and youth development, etc. All students must complete the core course requirements. Depending on their interests, students can use elective coursework to focus their studies on specific areas of human development (e.g., early childhood education, youth development, gerontology, children and families in medical settings), on the development of expertise in particular skills, or in specific areas or populations of the global community. Finally, in this students are required to complete a project either in a local context or an international (see the Graduate Manual for details).

The M.A. program prepares students to work directly with children, youth, and families in various educational, familial, or community settings in both regional and international settings. Courses and training emphasize multicultural perspectives in development and family relationships as well as diverse research methodologies and scholarship. 

The degree may be completed through full-time or part-time study. Students who are interested in an accelerated degree, may complete the required coursework and project during a single academic year (including summers).  

Core Course Requirements (18 credits): 

Required coursework provides students with both the theoretical and practical skills that are the basis for work with children and families.

• HFS 621 - Statistical Concepts I 3 credit(s)
• HFS 686 - Family Life Education 3 credit(s)
• HFS 653 - Child and Family Development Across the Life Cycle 3 credit(s)
• SWK 775 - Program Evaluation 3 credit(s)
• HFS 996 - Masters Project 3 credit(s)and either
• HFS 667 - Chld&Fam Crss/Cltrl Persp  3 credit(s)

• or

• HFS 682 - Development in Immigrant & Refugee Families 3 credit(s)

Students complete a project (HFS 996) working with an agency either in a local or international context.

Elective Course Requirements (12 credits): 

Elective coursework, chosen in consultation with the student’s academic advisor, can be focused on the needs of the individual student, allowing the student to focus on particular areas or issues of concern in the field. For example, through elective coursework students may choose to pursue training in data analytics, in working with non-governmental organizations or organizational management, in human development, family science, and related disciplines.

Independent Study:

M.A. students may take up to 3 credits as “Independent Study.” An independent study may include research projects, literature reviews, or other scholarly activities beyond those involved in standard coursework. All independent studies are conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Students must complete the “Independent Study Form.” The independent study must be completed in the semester when it is undertaken. 

Master’s Project (3 credits – HFS 996):

In addition to their coursework, M.A. students must complete a “master’s project.” Students are expected to work in service or agency settings on projects approved by their faculty committees. Students must communicate with the HDFS Internship Coordinator 4-6 weeks prior to the start of the semester to secure a placement agency. Applied work can include assisting an agency to plan and/or implement a program for families/children at a human service agency or related program on the local, national, or international level. Projects have been conducted in agencies such as the Children’s Defense Fund, Head Start, and local childcare programs. 

Master’s Project Committee and Proposal: All projects must be approved by the student’s Master’s project committee. The committee is comprised of your advisor (who will serve as committee chair) and one other faculty member from the Department of Human Development and Family Science. Only H.D.F.S. tenured and tenure track faculty, and Professors of Practice may chair a Master’s project committee. H.D.F.S. Internship Coordinators may serve as a committee member, but they may not serve as committee chair. Students are required to schedule three (3) meetings per semester with the HDFS Internship Coordinator to discuss progress, issues and other matters related to their practicum placement.

The proposal must be submitted to the committee for evaluation. The committee will determine if the proposal is of sufficient quality to progress to the proposal defense. At the time of the proposal defense, the student will present the proposed project and address any questions or concerns raised by the committee. The committee will determine whether the proposal is coherent, well developed, of sufficient importance, and feasible within a given timeframe. Students whose project proposals are deemed “unsatisfactory” will be required to re-defend their proposal. 

Students must submit their proposal to their committee members no less than 4 weeks prior to the date of the proposal defense. The proposal should include: 

• A description of the project 
• Importance of the project 
• Procedures to be used to conduct the project
• Letter from the site supervisor agreeing for the student to complete the project at the site
• Timeline for completion 

Master’s Project Defense:

When the project is completed, the student must provide a written report to his/her faculty advisor who will ascertain the quality of the project and provide feedback. After the faculty advisor has given his/her approval of the document, the student should submit a copy of the project to the other members of the committee (3-4 weeks). After all committee members have approved the document, the student can set the final defense date. M.A. students are not required to complete a Request for Examination form. Students should follow the American Psychological Association (A.P.A.) guidelines. Students are responsible for properly tracking their practicum hours (90 per semester) via the timesheets provided by the HDFS Internship Coordinator.

• Defenses may be scheduled during the fall and spring semesters only. 

The final oral defense of a project may be waived if any of the following conditions are met. 

• Student has written up the specific project for a scientific journal and it has been published or is in press (as primary author) 
• Student has presented on the specific project at a national conference (as primary author) 
• Student’s grant proposal based on the project has been funded (as primary investigator) 

Following successful completion of the Master’s defense, the faculty advisor will send a memo of completion to the Graduate School. A final copy of the project must be provided to the H.D.F.S. Department. 

Sample Course Schedule M.A. Program: 

Fall Year 1

• HFS 621 Statistical Concepts I

• HFS Elective

• HFS Elective/SWK 775 Program Evaluation

Spring Year 1

• HFS 653 Child and Family Development Across Life Cycle

• HFS 667 Child and Family in Cross Cultural Perspectives

• HFS Elective/SWK 775 Program Evaluation

Fall Year 2

• Elective

• Elective

• Elective

Spring Year 2

• HFS 996 Master’s Project

Master of Science (M.S.) 

The Master of Science degree (M.S.) in Human Development and Family Science is a 30-credit degree program that aims to promote an understanding of human development across the lifespan. With an emphasis on the importance of social-cultural context, students gain broad knowledge of the study of childhood and family systems across various cultural and societal contexts. 

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a 30-credit degree program that aims to promote an understanding of human development across the lifespan. With an emphasis on the importance of social-cultural context, students gain broad knowledge of the study of childhood and family systems across various cultural and societal contexts. All M.S. students must complete the core course and elective course requirements. Courses and training emphasize multicultural perspectives in child and family relationships and diverse research methodologies and scholarship, spanning across the lifespan.

Students can personalize their education by selecting courses from additional HFS offerings as well as courses from various departments, including anthropology, biology, marriage and family therapy, psychology, education, sociology, social science, nutrition, special education, or women’s studies.

Students are required to complete either a master’s thesis or a master’s project (refer to the HDFS graduate handbook for details). M.S. programs prepare students to pursue careers in research, health services, and community agencies. Students completing a M.S. thesis can apply to the HDFS doctoral program. 

Substantive, Research Methodology, and Theory Requirements (15 credits): 

• HFS 621 Statistical Concepts I 
• HFS 631 Research Methods for Human Development and Family Science I 
• HFS 667 Child and Family in Cross Cultural Perspectives

Additionally, choose 2 out of 3 of the following courses:

• HFS 637 Theories, Interpretations, and Applications in Child Development 
• HFS 643 Aging in the Context of Family Life
• HFS 648 Family Theories: Interpretation and Application 
HFS 667 Child and Family in Cross Cultural Perspectives 

Elective Course Requirements (12 credits): 

At least 12 credits of elective coursework must be selected from the H.D.F.S. Department or related programs (e.g., Psychology, Education, Policy Studies, Sociology, Anthropology). Graduate courses are indicated by their course number (500 or above). Students should consult with their faculty advisor prior to selecting courses. Elective courses should be consistent with the student’s academic interests and goals, and form a coherent program of study. For a complete list of available courses, please consult the Syracuse University Course Catalog. 

Independent Study:

M.S. students may take up to 3 credits as “Independent Study.” An independent study may include research projects, literature reviews, or other scholarly activities beyond those involved in standard coursework. All independent studies are conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Students must complete the “Independent Study Form.” The independent study must be completed in the semester when it is undertaken. 

Master’s Project (3 credits, HFS 996):

This practical/applied option requires students to undertake an applied project or internship in real-world settings.

Master’s Thesis (3 credits, HFS 997):

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This theoretical/research-based option requires students to undertake a scholarly thesis with data analyses and is particularly suitable for those interested in a research career or a Ph.D. program.

Master’s Thesis Committee and Proposal:

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Sample Course Schedule M.S. Program: 

Fall Year 1

• HFS 621 Statistical Concepts I

• HFS 637 Theories, Interpretations, and Applications

• HFS 648 Family Theories: Interpretation and Application

Spring Year 1

• HFS 631 Research Methods for Child and Family Studies I

• HFS 667 Child and Family in Cross Cultural Perspectives

• HFS Elective

Fall Year 2

• Elective

• Elective

• Elective

Spring Year 2

• HFS 996 Master’s Project 

or

• HFS 997 Master’s Thesis

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 

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Sample Course Schedule Ph.D. Program:

Fall Year 1

• HFS 621 Statistical Concepts I
• HFS 637 Theories, Interpretations, and Applications
• HFS 667 Child and Family in Cross Cultural Perspectives (or HFS Elective)

Spring Year 1

• HFS 622 Statistical Concepts II
• HFS 631 Research Methods for Child and Family Studies I
• HFS 648 Family Theories: Interpretation and Application

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• Elective/HFS Directed Elective
• Elective

Fall Year 2

• HFS 667 Child and Family in Cross Cultural Perspectives (or HFS Elective)
• HFS 732 Research Methods for Child and Family Studies II
• Elective/ Methods or Stats Course

Spring Year 2

• Elective/ Methods or Stats Course
• HFS Directed Elective
• Elective/ HFS Directed Elective

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