The Human Development and Family Sciences Master's degree programs prepare students for careers in extension, health and human services, and a variety of non-profit, public, and private organizations. Students may apply to one of three concentrations: the on-campus HDFS M.S., an online M.S with a Youth Development concentration, and an online M.S with a Gerontology concentration.

Students in the online M.S. programs in Youth Development and Gerontology are trained to work in applied settings as well as develop, evaluate, and manage developmentally-appropriate programs. The on-campus M.S. focuses on theoretical and methodological training and students will complete a Master’s thesis in their area of specialization. Students graduate from the on-campus M.S. prepared to work in and conduct research in a variety of settings, and/or pursue doctoral studies.  

Applicants who have prior experience with research as undergraduates and know that they want to pursue a Ph.D. may apply to be accepted to the on-campus program as post-bac Ph.D. students. Post-bac Ph.D. students who remain in good academic standing with the Graduate School and complete a Master's thesis move immediately into Ph.D. status upon successful defense of the thesis.