The Master of Science degree (M.S.) in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) is a 30-credit degree program designed to meet the goals of individuals who seek to work in research settings or wish to pursue advanced graduate study. M.S. students gain a deep understanding of human development across the lifespan, family processes, and community-family interrelationships across various cultural and societal contexts. In addition, students acquire a strong background in research methodology and the skills necessary to evaluate and conduct research in the field. Our program provides the knowledge and tools to help our graduates be successful.
Why this degree makes a difference in society today…tomorrow…
Research professionals in the field of Human Development and Family Science employ their knowledge and training to conduct scientific research that promotes healthy development at every stage of the lifespan. M.S. graduates conduct studies on a wide range of subjects. Some examples include – factors influencing academic success in childhood and adolescence, intimate partner violence in teen dating relationships, coping with changes that occur in the later stages of life, social and cultural factors that influence developmental outcomes across the lifespan.
Sample Courses
Courses and training emphasize multicultural perspectives in child and family relationships, diverse research methodology and scholarship. All M.S. students must complete the core course and elective course requirements. Courses and training emphasize multicultural perspectives in child and family relationships and the use of diverse research methodologies. Elective coursework may be selected from the HDFS course catalog. Courses may also be selected from other University departments such as anthropology, psychology, education, sociology, gerontology, social science, nutrition, special education, or women’s studies.
- Statistics
- Research Methods
- Child Development Theory and Application
- Family Development Theory and Application
- Child and Family in Cross-Cultural Perspectives
What Our Students Are Saying
Our Facilities
The Department of Human Development and Family Science is located on the first floor of the Falk Complex. The Complex includes both MacNaughton and White Halls, is located on the western portion of the Syracuse University campus. The renovated complex includes a centralized Falk Admissions center that offers prospective students the chance to see Falk College in action on a daily basis, and an expanded Student Services space conducive to providing programming that helps students be successful. In addition to administrative and academic program offices and classrooms, the Falk Complex also offers students dedicated study/collaborative space, computer labs and comforts like a café and student lounge. The Bernice M. Wright (BMW) Child Development Laboratory School is located on Syracuse University’s South Campus. The Bernice M. Wright School and its programs embrace inclusion, celebrating cultural and developmental diversity and recognizing the similarities and differences that make the world an exciting place. A collaboration led by Syracuse University’s Office of Human Resources and community-based service providers, the school enrolls children with varying developmental abilities, adding greatly to the overall classroom experience. The site serves as a teacher and student training facility and supports research in early childhood education and development.
Immersion Travel
Syracuse University students have access to one of the highest-quality international study programs in the country. The “South Asian Cultures: Family, Food, and Health Care Systems” course takes place on campus in the fall, followed by a cultural immersion trip to India. Students and faculty visit New Delhi (Qutub Minar) and Agra (Taj Mahal) in North India, Anand/Ahmedabad (AMUL, Gandhi’s house, step wells, Ayurvedic College) in Western India and Coimbatore (elephant corridor and tea estates) in Southern India. During the visit to India, students stay in a family home, visit schools, community program sites, nongovernment organizations, educational institutions (Indian Institute of Management, M.S. University of Baroda), traditional and modern healthcare facilities, go on food walks, and learn about the South Asian culture by interacting with families and communities in both rural and urban areas. Abroad programs are subject to scheduling changes. For a precise schedule of when these programs offered, please contact the department directly. For more information, visit suabroad.syr.edu.
Careers
The M.S. program prepares students for careers in research, health services, and community agencies. Students who complete a M.S. in Human Development and Family Science are trained for positions as administrators and supervisors at non-profit agencies, research centers, or educational agencies. Human development is a broad discipline that prepares students for a variety of lucrative and exciting career options. Career options vary and can include:
- Manager, Mental Health Program
- Early Intervention Specialist
- Research Analyst
- Program Coordinator, Health and Human Services
- Ph.D. or other advanced graduate training
Students may also further their educational goals by applying to enroll in the doctoral program in the department. A Ph.D. is required for college teaching and advanced research positions, as well as education-focused careers or senior research analysts. Students interested in these careers may want to consider pursuing a Ph.D. Human Development and Family Science Ph.D.
Financial Support
Falk College offer a limited number of graduate assistantships and tuition scholarships. Graduate teaching or research assistantships for the academic year are awarded on a competitive basis based on applications received by February 1. Additional information regarding graduate financial aid can be found at Syracuse University’s Graduate Student Aid page. Graduate teaching assistants are required to assist with undergraduate instruction and sometimes with graduate instruction. Teaching assistants at the Bernice M. Wright Child Development Laboratory School are expected to work closely with preschool teachers at the laboratory school on various aspects of classroom instruction. Recipients of graduate assistantships receive a stipend in addition to tuition credits. Research assistantships may also be available from sponsoring faculty. Research assistants are required to assist faculty with research. Students receiving tuition scholarships only receive tuition credits and no stipend.
Getting Admitted
Students seeking admission to the Department of Human Development and Family Science must meet the general admissions requirements of the Graduate School. Although no single factor determines entry to the program, competitive applicants typically have a minimum GPA of 3.00 or higher (undergraduate and/or graduate work). GRE scores are not required for MS. English Language Proficiency-The following exam results will be considered for international students as proof of their English language proficiency: TOEFL (96), IELTS (7), or Duolingo (130).*Applicants with a degree from an accredited institution whose instruction is in English can request a waiver by contacting falk@syr.edu.
Part-time Study
The M.S. degree may be completed through full- or part-time study. Students must enroll in a minimum of nine credit hours for full-time status. Students enrolled in six credit hours or fewer are considered part-time. Students who are interested in an accelerated degree, may complete the required coursework and project during a single academic year (including summers).
Transfer Credits
Subject to departmental approval, a maximum of up to 6 credits of master’s level coursework (in Human Development and Family Science or related disciplines at Syracuse University or other universities) may be applied to the M.S. program. Courses in substantive areas of study within Human Development and Family Science or related disciplines are eligible to be considered. The final decision about the number of credits that can be transferred into the M.S. program is made by the graduate faculty. Student must have earned a B or better grade on courses that they would like to transfer. Students transferring courses from another institution must file a program of study prior to completing 12 credits at Syracuse University. If you are a current Syracuse University graduate student interested in an HDFS degree, contact our department.
Learn More:
For additional admissions information, contact the Office of Admissions at falk@syr.edu, or fill out our online form: