for the degree of Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies

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The Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) focuses on positive development and resilience of diverse children, youth, and families in everyday life contexts. Our doctoral concentration is interdisciplinary, drawing upon the canons of anthropology, economics, education, family studies, human development, psychology, and sociology. Further, we value qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies.

Students who enter the doctoral program without a master’s will complete one as the first part of their doctoral requirements.

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Admission
Admission is based upon both academic record and the applicant's fit with faculty research programs. We examine grade point average (GPA), letters of recommendation, writing sample, and a personal statement. GRE scores are optional. International applicants from non-English speaking countries must have an official paper Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 103 on the internet based test. We will not admit anyone with a GPA less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. All applicants are required to have previous coursework in a relevant area of social or behavioral sciences. Test scores should be taken no more than two years prior to application. Our application deadline is December 15 for possible admission the following fall semester. We admit students for fall enrollment only. Please refer to our department website for further information.

Graduate Teaching Experience
We do not require our students to teach but recognize the importance of teacher development for their future marketability. Thus, we make teaching assistantships available and encourage students to pursue a variety of teaching experiences as well as mentorship from experienced instructors. We also encourage our students to utilize the variety of teacher training resources that are available across campus.

Faculty Research Interests
Faculty information is available on our department website.

Centers, Programs, and Institutes
Child Care Resource Service 
Child Development Lab 
Pampered Chef Family Resiliency Program 
Family Resiliency Center
University of Illinois Extension 

Facilities and Resources
Bevier Hall
Child Development Lab
Doris Kelly Christopher Hall
Early Child Development Lab

Financial Aid
We are committed to funding all of our students who are making timely progress. The duration and amount of our commitment varies by program. Funding may include fellowships, research assistantships, and/or teaching assistantships. These opportunities typically include stipends and tuition waivers. In some cases, fees are also waived. All applicants are automatically considered for all department funding opportunities; there is no separate application process. Federal and state financial aid is completely separate from the support provided by our department. Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information regarding federal and state financial aid.

for the degree of Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies

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For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Program Information and the Graduate College Handbook.  

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Theory
HDFS 501	Human Development Theories	4
HDFS 521	Family Theories	4
Research Methods and Statistics		12
HDFS 590	Advanced Research Methods
HDFS 591	Qualitative Methods
HDFS 594	Intermed Statistical Analysis
HDFS 599	Thesis Research	12
Total Hours		32

Other Requirements

Grad Other Degree Requirements

Requirement	Description
Other requirements may overlap
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall:	12 (8 within the unit)
A doctoral student terminating our program early and without a master's thesis, must complete 36 hours rather than 32.
Minimum GPA:	2.75

for the degree of Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies

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HDFS Graduate Student Learning Outcomes

1. HDFS graduate students will demonstrate subject matter expertise, including theoretical and substantive expertise in a specialized area
   1. Recall key principles, theories, and concepts used in HDFS
   2. Apply key principles, theories, and concepts to the study of HDFS
   3. Critique current theories and empirical knowledge regarding HDFS
   4. Evaluate current knowledge in a specific substantive area using two distinct theories
   5. Identify knowledge gaps in a specific substantive area
   6. Pose questions to remedy said gap
2. HDFS graduate students will demonstrate social science methodology expertise
   1. Apply key principles, concepts and analytic strategies used in quantitative research
   2. Apply key principles, concepts and analytic strategies used in qualitative research
   3. Use data management and analysis software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, MAXQDA; HLM, R)
   4. Evaluate the methodological strengths and limitations of empirical studies
   5. Design and defend a complete research project 
   6. Complete an IRB application
   7. Complete an ethics certificate relevant to project
   8. Conduct a research project as per protocol and ethical standards
3. HDFS graduate students will demonstrate professional competence skills
   1. Identify career and professional goals
   2. Develop leadership skills (e.g., through formal positions; informal mentoring of undergraduates or new graduate students; representing the department; participation in class or lab teamwork)
   3. Develop professional network to support career and professional goals (e.g., relationships with mentors; participation in professional organizations)
   4. Create and maintain a CV and other job-related materials (e.g., cover letter; teaching philosophy; research statement)
   5. Exhibit professional and ethical behavior
   6. Make decisions and solve problems
   7. Collaborate to achieve group goals
4. HDFS graduate students will demonstrate scholarly communication skills in English
   1. Use effective written communication
      1. Use appropriate grammar and writing mechanics
      2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of APA style
      3. Respond to constructive criticism (e.g., revision process, peer review)
      4. Produce written work that is organized, logical, and fully developed
   2. Use effective oral communication
      1. Clearly and logically present ideas aloud through presentation to class or group
   3. Use effective visual communication
      1. Use clear and logical charts, graphs, and other visual displays to present ideas
5. HDFS graduate students will demonstrate a critical and reflexive orientation toward and sensitivity to issues of diversity and inclusion
   1. Critically examine one’s own beliefs, assumptions, values, attitudes, and biases regarding diverse individuals and families
   2. Reflect on one’s own interconnected positions, privileges, and disadvantages across multiple contexts
   3. Demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to issues of diversity and inclusion in one’s own work (written, oral, and visual communication)

for the degree of Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies

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Department of Human Development & Family Studies
Department Head: Ramona Faith Oswald
Director of Graduate Studies: Brian Ogolsky
Human Development & Family Studies website
Human Development & Family Studies faculty
222 Bevier Hall, 905 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-3790
Human Development & Family Studies email

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

Admissions
Graduate College Admissions & Requirements
ACES College Admissions & Requirements