Table of Contents
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H.D.F.S. Degree Programs
Master of Arts (M.A.)
The master’s degree (M.A.) 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 (
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NGOs)) 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.
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The
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program requires the completion of 30
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Core Course Requirements (12 credits):
- HFS 621 Statistical Concepts I
- HFS 653 Child and Family Development Across the Life Cycle
- HFS 667 Child and Family in Cross Cultural Perspectives
- SWK 775 Program Evaluation
Elective Course Requirements (15 credits):
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credits of coursework including a 3-credit hour project experience. Students may choose to focus their studies in a variety of areas in the HDFS field such as early childhood, gerontology, issues faced by immigrant and refugee children and families, HDFS 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.,
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There are two possible areas of concentration. The suggested courses for each area are listed below:
Human Development in Immigrant and Refugee Families (15 credits)
- HFS 682 Development in Immigrant/Refugee Families and Children 3 credit(s)
- HFS 686 Family Life Education 3 credit(s)
- Approved Elective Courses 9 credit(s)
Youth and Community Development (15 credits)
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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).
All students must file a tentative program of study during their second semester of enrollment in the program. Students transferring courses from another institution must file a program of study prior to completing 12 credit hours at Syracuse University
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 (CFS 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.
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- HFS 621 Statistical Concepts I
- HFS 631 Research Methods for Human Development and Family Science I
- HFS 637 Theories, Interpretations, and Applications in Child Development
- 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.
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Comprehensive Examination
After completing coursework, students have two years to prepare for, and pass, the comprehensive examination. The exam is intended to assess students’ ability to integrate substantive knowledge within the broad field of Human Development and Family Science. Students are expected to synthesize, critically analyze, and evaluate the literature in the field and articulate this scientific information. Doctoral students must successfully complete the exam before they can advance to candidacy. Students enrolled in the M.S. and who have continued on to the Ph.D. program must have submitted their Master’s thesis prior to sitting for the comprehensive examinations.
Procedures and Guidelines:
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Evaluation and Notification of Results:
Students should notify the Graduate Director of their intents to complete their comprehensive examination requirement using the dates in Table 1. The Graduate Director shall appoint an Assessment Committee for the student’s comprehensive exam consisting of three faculty members including the student’s advisor and inform the student and the advisor of the composition of the Committee.
After notifying the Graduate Director of the intent to complete the comprehensive exam and the Director’s appointment of an Assessment Committee, the student shall develop a proposal outline for their comprehensive exam review outlining the topic, its significance, and the methods to be used in conducting the review (e.g., textual review, meta-analysis, etc.). The proposal outline also should include a preliminary list of at least 15 references from the last 10 years of research that will form the basis of the proposal. Students should assume that the Assessment Committee will need at least 3 weeks to review the proposal outline. The Assessment Committee will review the proposal outline to determine if the topic is appropriate to meet the requirements of the comprehensive examination. The Committee may determine that the proposal is adequate as submitted or may require a meeting with the student to discuss the proposal further. Following approval by the Assessment Committee, students will be allowed to take a semester to complete the review. Students may start the review at the beginning of either the fall or spring semester.
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