Human Development and Family Science
Doctoral
Doctor of Philosophy
College
College of Agriculture and Life SciencesGraduate Coordinator
Lori Elmore-StatonOverview
The School of Human Sciences offers both the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) and a Master of Science in Early Intervention (EI). Students in the M.S. program in HDFS may select either the thesis or non-thesis option. The M.S. in EI is non-thesis only. Non-thesis students take a comprehensive oral exam in lieu of the thesis. Doctoral students must complete a research dissertation. Contact the Graduate Coordinator for more information regarding admission requirements and curriculum. Human Development and Family Science is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of individual and family development in a variety of contexts across the lifespan, from conception to later life.
Requirements
An applicant for the Doctor of Philosophy degree must meet the following requirements. Meet all MSU Graduate School requirements for admission. Have earned a baccalaureate degree in HDFS or a related field. Have completed the following courses or their equivalents. Have earned a Master's degree in HDFS or a related field. Have completed the following courses or their equivalents: AIS 8803 Research Methods; HS 8823 Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations; 3 hours of graduate-level statistics; and HS 8813 Seminar in HDFS (contingent acceptance may be granted for students to complete requires courses within one calendar year). Have earned a grade point average of 3.00 on all previous graduate coursework. Submit a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score competitive with other applicants. Submit three letters of recommendation, with at least two of the letters coming from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic work. Submit a sole-authored writing sample (see instructions below). Submit a personal statement (500-1,000 words) describing the applicant’s purpose for undertaking graduate study, professional plans, career goals, and detailed research interests. Complete an interview with members of the HDFS graduate faculty.
Master's
Master of Science
College
College of Agriculture and Life SciencesGraduate Coordinator
Lori Elmore-StatonOverview
The School of Human Sciences offers both the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) and a Master of Science in Early Intervention (EI). Students in the M.S. program in HDFS may select either the thesis or non-thesis option. The M.S. in EI is non-thesis only. Non-thesis students take a comprehensive oral exam in lieu of the thesis. Doctoral students must complete a research dissertation. Contact the Graduate Coordinator for more information regarding admission requirements and curriculum. Human Development and Family Science is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of individual and family development in a variety of contexts across the lifespan, from conception to later life.
Requirements
An applicant for the Master of Science in Human Development & Family Science degree must meet the following requirements: Meet all MSU Graduate School requirements for admission, Have earned a baccalaureate degree in HDFS or a related field, Submit three letters of recommendation, with at least two letters from individuals familiar with applicant’s academic work, Submit a sole-authored writing sample (see instructions below), Submit a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score competitive with other applicants, Submit a personal statement (500-1,000 words) describing the applicant's purpose for undertaking graduate study, including professional plans, career goals, and detailed research interests. For international, non-native speakers of English, a TOEFL or IELTS score indicative of ability to successfully complete graduate work is required. See English-Language Requirements in the Admission section of this publication for more information.
