Department of Human Development and Family Sciences

Telephone: (302) 831-6500
http://www.hdfs.udel.edu

The Department of Human Development and Family Sciences offers several programs for students seeking a masters or doctoral degree in the field of human development and family sciences, including the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Human Development and Family Sciences. Both graduate programs offer a strong interdisciplinary background with an emphasis on risk, resiliency, diversity, and relationships in a changing society. Both programs also provide background in family systems and the relationship of the family and its members to other systems across the life course. At the Master’s and Ph.D. level in Human Development and Family Sciences, students focus on research and evaluation in applied human development and family sciences. The department also offers a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Programming.

M.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences

The Master of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences  is designed: a) as a professional program that prepares students to enter positions as leaders in early childhood, human development, human services and related fields; and b) as a pathway to a doctorate in Human Development and Family Sciences where students will integrate their applied training with a program of research and scholarship.  We are currently admitting students who are interested in early childhood education, adolescent development and emerging adulthood, nonprofit programs for children, adults, and their families, and management and leadership. There are three concentrations within the program: Human Services Leadership, Early Childhood Development and Inclusive Education, and Adolescent and Youth Development/Research. The M.S. program emphasizes risk and resilience, multicultural issues, disabilities, and prevention and intervention. The focus is on applying theory and research to practice as they relate to human development and family systems. Course work is designed to provide a strong background in the theoretical and empirical knowledge of family sciences, human development and research methods. Students in this program are required to complete a thesis, or a final written project.

4+1 B.S./M.S. programs in HDFS: Early Childhood Education and Human Services majors are eligible to apply for admission to the M.S. program, after earning 60 credits but at least one year prior to completing their B.S. degree. Early Childhood Education majors would select the Early Childhood Development and Inclusive Education concentration, and Human Services majors would select the Human Services Leadership concentration. 4+1 applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

M.S. Admission Requirements

Admission to the M.S. in HDFS is selective and competitive based on the number of well-qualified applicants and the limits of available faculty and facilities. Those who meet stated minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths. Both full-time and part-time applicants are considered for admission. The application deadline for fall admission is December 15th.

1. 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. Complete transcripts of prior undergraduate and graduate work must be submitted.
2. Submission of three letters of reference from individuals able to assess the applicant’s academic potential.

3. A personal statement essay that demonstrates alignment between the candidate’s statement of objectives and interests and the department’s capacity and available mentors.

4. A score of at least 100 on an internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of 7.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required from applicants whose first language is not English.

5. All candidates must participate in an interview.

Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences

The Doctorate of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Sciences  prepares students for careers as professors, researchers and scholars in the field of human development and family sciences. Students may complete a Ph.D. through a program of coursework, research, field experiences and professional experiences. Coursework is designed to provide a strong background in the theoretical and empirical knowledge of family sciences, human development and research methods. Training in applied research and service learning experiences are integrated in the curriculum. Students in this program are required to complete a doctoral dissertation.

Ph.D. Admission Requirements

Admission to the Ph.D. in is selective and competitive based on the number of well-qualified applicants and the limits of available faculty and facilities. Those who meet stated minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths. Both full-time and part-time applicants are considered for admission. The application deadline for fall admission is December 15th.

1. 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. Complete transcripts of prior undergraduate and graduate work must be submitted.
2. Submission of three letters of reference from individuals able to assess the applicant’s academic potential.

3. A personal statement essay that demonstrates alignment between the candidate’s statement of objectives and interests and the department’s capacity and available mentors.

4. A score of at least 100 on an internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of 7.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required from applicants whose first language is not English.

5. All Ph.D. applicants must submit GRE scores. Admitted students are typically expected to have scores of 150 on the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections of the GRE.  For the analytical writing section, they should typically have scores of 4.0.  NOTE: GRE scores are not required for MS applicants.
6. All candidates must participate in an interview.

M.A. in Early Childhood Development and Programming

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Programming  is a professional degree designed to provide individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree related to early childhood with the additional knowledge of child development and practical experiences necessary to lead or administer programs for young children. The curriculum is an intensive program which includes field experiences, and classroom courses that provide a strong background in early childhood development, programming for young children with special needs, adult learning and development, and leadership. The program is designed as a full-time 12 month curriculum.

M.A. Admissions Requirements

Admission decisions are competitive and will be based on prior educational experiences, GPA, and letters of recommendation. The application deadline for summer admission is May 1.

1. An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field.
2. A score of at least 100 on an internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of 7.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required from applicants whose first language is not English.
3. Applicants will submit a personal statement and two letters of recommendation.
4. A federal background clearance will be required in order to enroll.

Note: All certificate programs are on moratorium, excluding the Leadership in Early Childhood and Human Services Certificate, which is incorporated into the M.A. in Early Childhood Development and Programming.

Programs

• Early Childhood Development and Programming (MA)
• Evaluation (MS)
• Human Development and Family Sciences (MS)
• Human Development and Family Sciences - Early Childhood Development and Inclusive Education Concentration (MS)
• Human Development and Family Sciences - Human Services Leadership Concentration (MS)

• Human Development and Family Sciences (PhD)

• Leadership in Early Childhood and Human Services Certificate

• Early Childhood Education/Human Development and Family Sciences 4+1 (BS/MS)
• Early Childhood Education/Human Development and Family Sciences: Concentration in Early Childhood Development and Inclusive Education 4+1 (BS/MS)
• Human Development and Family Sciences - Human Services/Human Services Leadership 4+1 (BS/MS)
• Human Services/Human Services Leadership 4+1 (BS/MS)