(M.S.)

The Master of Science degree program in Human Development provides students with opportunities to pursue advanced study of the growth and development of individuals at various periods in the life span (e.g., early childhood, adolescence, adulthood), and of the family in its various forms and as a system of relationships. Current concern with issues such as child abuse, childcare, divorce, family financial resources, human sexuality, adolescent pregnancy, and family care of the elderly underscores the importance of study in this field. The program prepares students for careers in preventive and developmental family services, program planning and evaluation, and supervision of agencies serving children and families.

Although students accepted into this program have diverse backgrounds, most often they have an undergraduate degree in one of the social sciences and a basic understanding of research procedures. Course requirements are flexible. In consultation with faculty advisors, students develop a program of study based on their experience and research interests. A minimum of 30 credits hours of coursework, including six thesis credits, as well as one course in research methods and one in statistics is required to complete the degree. Students are encouraged to include relevant courses from related academic areas in their plan of study. The Child Development Learning Center provides the opportunity to work with young children. Numerous community agencies offer opportunities for selected students to work with adults and children in a variety of contexts.

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis each year. Students interested in an assistantship should send a letter to the Associate Dean, College of Education and Human Development, requesting to be considered.

Graduate Faculty

Sandra L. Caron, Ph.D. (Syracuse, 1986), Professor, Family Relations. Human sexuality, AIDS and families, sexuality education and curriculum development.

Julie N. DellaMattera, (University of Maine, 2006).  Assistant Professor of Early Child Education. Leadership in early education and policies affecting early education teachers.

Robert M. Milardo, Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State, 1982), Professor, Human Development. Family/domestic violence, social networks, friendship/kin relationships.

Gary Schilmoeller, Ph.D. (University of Kansas, 1977), Associate Professor, Human Development. Support for families with members with a disability.