All applicants will be considered on an individual basis within the general guidelines enumerated; factors such as work experience, change in careers, and years since completion of the undergraduate degree will be weighed. In general, applicants are expected to have an undergraduate cumulative average of at least 3.0 and a major cumulative average of at least 3.25. The cumulative average of prior graduate study is expected to be at least 3.5. GRE scores in the 1050 (Math + Verbal) range or above are expected. All admissions are competitive and determined by the number of available vacancies as well as by the qualifications of the applicants. See also the chapter "Admission Information" in this catalog for additional information. 

In special cases, provisional admission may be offered for these programs with specific requirements necessary to receive regular standing articulated in advance of the student's provisional admission. 

Applicants who want to be considered for financial support must submit all application materials by February 1 for admission to the program beginning in the Fall of the following academic year. Applicants not requesting financial support must apply by May 15 for admission to the program beginning in the Fall of the following academic year. Similarly, a deadline of October 15 exists for those seeking admission the following Spring semester without financial support. 

The minimum total credits for the M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies is 37. The Ph.D. in Family Studies requires a minimum of 72 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree. All programs in Human Development and Family Studies require courses in research methods and statistics, and all require a final scholarly product, either a thesis, field project, theoretical paper, or dissertation. 

The M.S. program in Human Development and Family Studies includes specializations in Applied Family Studies, Early Childhood Development and Education, and Gerontology. Core requirements are listed below. Consult with the program on specialty courses. 

HDFS 601	Development through the Lifespan	3 credits
HDFS 621	Dynamics of Family Development	3 credits
HDFS 615	Research Methods	3 credits
600 level	Statistics or Research Methods	3 credits
HDFS 665	Seminar	1 credit
600/800 level	HDFS Courses	9 credits
600/800 level	Electives	9 credits
HDFS 869	Thesis or Theoretical Paper or Field Project	6 credits
TOTAL		37 credits

 

The Ph.D. program in Family Studies focuses on the interdisciplinary nature of problems, issues, and the development of individuals and families over the life span. Emphasis is placed on life course transitions and family systems. 

HDFS 815	Research Issues and Designs		3 credits
600/800 level	Research Methods		3 credits
800 level	Statistics		3 credits
600/800 level	Statistics or Measurements		3 credits
HDFS 865	Advanced Seminar in Family Studies		1 credit
600/800 level	HDFS Courses	12 credits
600/800 level	Electives		6 credits
HDFS 969	Dissertation/Research		9 credits
TOTAL			40 credits

HDFS courses and electives should be selected in consultation with the student's committee in planning a program of study. A written and oral comprehensive examination is required covering three areas of concentration: family studies, research methodology and statistics, and an area of specialization as determined by the student and advisory committee. All plans of study are developed on an individual basis to meet the specific needs of the student.