2026-2027 Course Catalog

Source: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/aces/human-development-family-studies-ms/ Parent: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/

for the degree of Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies

The HDFS doctoral program prepares students to be researchers and educators in the areas of positive development and resilience of diverse children, youth, and families in everyday life contexts, as well as policy developers, or professionals who develop, evaluate, and implement programs for children, families, and communities. Our doctoral concentration is interdisciplinary, drawing upon the canons of anthropology, economics, education, family studies, human development, psychology, and sociology. Further, we value qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies. Students who enter the doctoral program without a master’s will complete one as the first part of their doctoral requirements.

Admission

Admission is based upon both academic record and the applicant's fit with faculty research programs. We examine grade point average (GPA), letters of recommendation, writing sample, and a personal statement. GRE scores are optional. International applicants from non-English speaking countries must have an official paper Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 103 on the internet based test. We will not admit anyone with a GPA less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. All applicants are required to have previous coursework in a relevant area of social or behavioral sciences. Test scores should be taken no more than two years prior to application. Our application deadline is December 15 for possible admission the following fall semester. We admit students for fall enrollment only. Please refer to our department website for further information.

Graduate Teaching Experience

We do not require our students to teach but recognize the importance of teacher development for their future marketability. Thus, we make teaching assistantships available and encourage students to pursue a variety of teaching experiences as well as mentorship from experienced instructors. We also encourage our students to utilize the variety of teacher training resources that are available across campus.

Faculty Research Interests

Faculty information is available on our department website.

Centers, Programs, and Institutes

• Child Care Resource Service
• Child Development Lab
• Pampered Chef Family Resiliency Program
• Family Resiliency Center
• University of Illinois Extension

Facilities and Resources

• Bevier Hall
• Child Development Lab
• Doris Kelley Christopher Hall
• Early Child Development Lab

Financial Aid

We are committed to funding all of our students who are making timely progress. The duration and amount of our commitment varies by program. Funding may include fellowships, research assistantships, and/or teaching assistantships. These opportunities typically include stipends and tuition waivers. In some cases, fees are also waived. All applicants are automatically considered for all department funding opportunities; there is no separate application process. Federal and state financial aid is completely separate from the support provided by our department. Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information regarding federal and state financial aid.

for the degree of Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies

For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Program Information and the Graduate College Handbook.

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | Theory | | | | HDFS 501 | Human Development Theories | 4 | | HDFS 521 | Family Theories | 4 | | Research Methods and Statistics | | 12 | | HDFS 590 | Advanced Research Methods | | | HDFS 591 | Qualitative Methods | | | HDFS 594 | Intermed Statistical Analysis | | | HDFS 599 | Thesis Research | 12 | | Total Hours | | 32 |

Other Requirements

Grad Other Degree Requirements

for the degree of Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies

HDFS Graduate Student Learning Outcomes

1. HDFS graduate students will demonstrate subject matter expertise, including theoretical and substantive expertise in a specialized area
2. Recall key principles, theories, and concepts used in HDFS
3. Apply key principles, theories, and concepts to the study of HDFS
4. Critique current theories and empirical knowledge regarding HDFS
5. Evaluate current knowledge in a specific substantive area using two distinct theories
6. Identify knowledge gaps in a specific substantive area
7. Pose questions to remedy said gap
8. HDFS graduate students will demonstrate social science methodology expertise
9. Apply key principles, concepts and analytic strategies used in quantitative research
10. Apply key principles, concepts and analytic strategies used in qualitative research
11. Use data management and analysis software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, MAXQDA; HLM, R)
12. Evaluate the methodological strengths and limitations of empirical studies
13. Design and defend a complete research project
14. Complete an IRB application
15. Complete an ethics certificate relevant to project
16. Conduct a research project as per protocol and ethical standards
17. HDFS graduate students will demonstrate professional competence skills
18. Identify career and professional goals
19. Develop leadership skills (e.g., through formal positions; informal mentoring of undergraduates or new graduate students; representing the department; participation in class or lab teamwork)
20. Develop professional network to support career and professional goals (e.g., relationships with mentors; participation in professional organizations)
21. Create and maintain a CV and other job-related materials (e.g., cover letter; teaching philosophy; research statement)
22. Exhibit professional and ethical behavior
23. Make decisions and solve problems
24. Collaborate to achieve group goals
25. HDFS graduate students will demonstrate scholarly communication skills in English
26. Use effective written communication
    1. Use appropriate grammar and writing mechanics
    2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of APA style
    3. Respond to constructive criticism (e.g., revision process, peer review)
    4. Produce written work that is organized, logical, and fully developed
27. Use effective oral communication
    1. Clearly and logically present ideas aloud through presentation to class or group
28. Use effective visual communication
    1. Use clear and logical charts, graphs, and other visual displays to present ideas
29. HDFS graduate students will demonstrate a critical and reflexive orientation toward and sensitivity to issues of diversity and inclusion
30. Critically examine one’s own beliefs, assumptions, values, attitudes, and biases regarding diverse individuals and families
31. Reflect on one’s own interconnected positions, privileges, and disadvantages across multiple contexts
32. Demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to issues of diversity and inclusion in one’s own work (written, oral, and visual communication)

for the degree of Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies

Department of Human Development & Family Studies

Department Head: Dr. Ramona Faith Oswald (roswald@illinois.edu)\ Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Brian Ogolsky (bogolsky@illinois.edu)

Human Development & Family Studies website\ Human Development & Family Studies faculty

222 Bevier Hall\ 905 South Goodwin Avenue\ Urbana, IL 61801\ (217) 333-3790\ hdfs@illinois.edu

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

Admissions

Graduate College Admissions & Requirements\ ACES College Admissions & Requirements