Introduction
The graduate program in Family Studies and Human Development is intended for individuals with a strong interest in the study of family and human development. The focus is on the development of the individual across the lifespan with an emphasis on family system processes and relationships. The degree offers flexibility in the elective courses so students can build a plan that is consistent with their own interests and career goals. The department offers coursework and faculty expertise in gerontology, work/family issues, family policy, family resource management, child and adolescent development, family stress and abuse, and program planning.
The following objectives drive the content and delivery of this degree:
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Provide career preparation by challenging and assisting students in developing innovation leadership skills in Family Studies and Human Development related careers.
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Increase the graduate student's capacity for independent action in scholarly and professional pursuits.
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Develop an in-depth knowledge built on undergraduate work and experience.
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Motivate students to survey Family Studies and Human Development related literature and apply this knowledge to practical, theoretical and academic problems.
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Provide students with skills in conducting independent and creative research.
The program provides students the opportunity to learn with a cohort of students. Cohort groups will learn and study together as they complete the six required courses. Two courses will be offered each summer for three consecutive summers. Classes will meet for two weeks, one course in the morning and one in the afternoon. The cohort schedule for the next three summers is:
| Courses | |
| Summer 1 | HDFL-715 Theories of Family Process (afternoons) HDFL-728 Family Life Issues (mornings) |
| Summer 2 | HDFL-746 Theory Based Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods HDFL-704 Child and Family Services |
| Summer 3 | HDFL-742 Lifespan Family and Human Services Seminar HDFL-740 Issues in Family Life Education |
Work on the 6-credit thesis or 2-credit topics paper can begin any time after completion of the research methods course. Elective credits can be completed during summer school sessions or during the semesters. It will be possible to complete this degree in two years and 1 month, the time from the beginning of the first summer cohort experience to the third and final summer cohort experience.