Human Development and Family Studies - M.A.

The Master of Arts degree in Human Development and Family Studies provides students with advanced knowledge in the fields of family sciences and human development and the opportunity to develop multidisciplinary research and community outreach skills.

Coursework enables students to apply to become Certified Family Life Educators. Courses focus on current research and practice in human development and family studies with an emphasis on family theories and processes; family life education; the reciprocal influences of family, school, work and community contexts; development across the lifespan; and the strengths and needs of diverse populations.

The program emphasizes both basic and applied research. Student participation in interdisciplinary research and community outreach projects is encouraged. Graduates are prepared for leadership and teaching positions in the social services, junior and community colleges and cooperative extension and/or for pursuing doctoral-level study.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Identify physical, intellectual, emotional and social dimensions of human life within their respective disciplines.
2. Identify ways to contribute to quality of human life within their respective disciplines.
3. Participate in quality developmental and family research and outreach within their respective disciplines.
4. Identify practical implications of human development and family relationship concepts.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of program development, delivery and evaluation pertaining to human development and family relationships.
6. Access scholarly sources of information and critically evaluate the quality of empirical research pertaining to human development and family relationships.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of theories, methods and principles of research pertaining to human development and family relationships.
8. Effectively communicate their ideas in oral presentations and written papers.
9. Demonstrate proficiency in developmental and family research methods and relevant statistical analyses.
10. Independently complete a master's thesis or master's project that reflects an understanding of the interrelationship between theory, research, and practice.
11. Recognize the unique strengths and needs of individuals and families.
12. Apply knowledge of human development and family relationships through involvement with and study of diverse domestic and international populations.
13. Identify opportunities to make a contribution in the field of human development and family studies.
14. Demonstrate knowledge of professional organizations in the field of human development and family studies.
15. Define a specific focus area of interest within the field of human development and family studies, and utilize course assignments and independent learning opportunities to develop and demonstrate expertise in this area.
16. Demonstrate leadership skills through participation in classroom learning activities and taking initiative for expanding one's own learning.
17. Identify opportunities for advanced training and certification in human development and family studies and related professions.
18. Identify opportunities for employment in human development and family studies and related professions.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university for unconditional admission
• Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale for unconditional admission
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 77 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score

For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education's admission website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Identify physical, intellectual, emotional and social dimensions of human life within their respective disciplines.
2. Identify ways to contribute to quality of human life within their respective disciplines.
3. Participate in quality developmental and family research and outreach within their respective disciplines.
4. Identify practical implications of human development and family relationship concepts.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of program development, delivery and evaluation pertaining to human development and family relationships.
6. Access scholarly sources of information and critically evaluate the quality of empirical research pertaining to human development and family relationships.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of theories, methods and principles of research pertaining to human development and family relationships.
8. Effectively communicate their ideas in oral presentations and written papers.
9. Demonstrate proficiency in developmental and family research methods and relevant statistical analyses.
10. Independently complete a master's thesis or master's project that reflects an understanding of the interrelationship between theory, research, and practice.
11. Recognize the unique strengths and needs of individuals and families.
12. Apply knowledge of human development and family relationships through involvement with and study of diverse domestic and international populations.
13. Identify opportunities to make a contribution in the field of human development and family studies.
14. Demonstrate knowledge of professional organizations in the field of human development and family studies.
15. Define a specific focus area of interest within the field of human development and family studies, and utilize course assignments and independent learning opportunities to develop and demonstrate expertise in this area.
16. Demonstrate leadership skills through participation in classroom learning activities and taking initiative for expanding one's own learning.
17. Identify opportunities for advanced training and certification in human development and family studies and related professions.
18. Identify opportunities for employment in human development and family studies and related professions.

Submitting your English test score

When applying as an undergraduate or graduate student to Kent State, there are a variety of ways to submit your score depending on which type of test you took.

• Students should request that ETS send official TOEFL scores directly to Kent (institution code: 1367).
• An IELTS or PTE report needs to be uploaded as a scanned PDF into our online application system..

All English scores will be verified for authenticity. Students with fraudulent documents will result in denial of admission or immediate dismissal.

Proficiency Waivers

Depending on your educational background, you may be eligible for an English language proficiency waiver, meaning you do not need to take a language exam. See our country list and related requirements.

¹ Based on one academic year, two semesters for a full-time international student. Program and special course fees are additional.

² Based on a standard double room and basic board plan. Other room types and board plans at different prices are available.

³ Based on the Student Health Insurance premium for one year. The United States does not have universal health care. For this reason, the university requires all international students to purchase the sponsored student health insurance plan. Under certain criteria, a student may request a waiver of this charge.  Total is based on an estimated cost of the required books/supplies for each term and is subject to change each fall.

All international students are required to pay the $20 per semester International Student Activity Fee.  The fee is assessed each semester to support the delivery of the various programs ISSS provides to its students.

Follow the steps below to become part of the Kent State community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us any time.

Submit an Online Application and Fee

Prepare Application Documents to Upload as You Apply

• Passport biographical page.
• English Language Proficiency official results report for IELTS, PTE or MELAB. TOEFL score should be submitted officially through ETS (Institution Code 1367).
• College transcript/detailed marksheets (Certified English translation and original language). 
• College Graduation Certificate/Diploma if already issued (Certified English translation and original language). 
• GRE/GMAT or other standardized tests if required (submit official test report through test center).
• Graduate assistantship application (if applicable).
  • Assistantship application.
  • Graduate assistantship applicants may need to meet earlier deadlines. Please check with department for deadlines. 
• Additional documents if required. *Review requirements from individual department or school.
• Financial guarantee (bank statements) that show sufficient funds to cover educational expenses.*
• Kent State University Financial Information Worksheet.*
  • *Financial documents are only required after acceptance. 

Upload All Required Documents to the Online Application System

For faster processing, all the documents should be uploaded in the online application system to complete the application.

Check Your Application Status

Apply for Immigration Documents (I-20)

Transfer Your SEVIS record (If Applicable)

If you are an F-1 student transferring from a school in the United States, please review the Transfer In Guide regarding your SEVIS record transfer. F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record in order to maintain their F-1 status.

Provide Final and Official Documents After Arrival

For admissions purposes, we accept scanned documents of international credentials and scanned copies of official U.S. transcripts. When an applicant is admitted, his/her final and official transcripts and diploma should be brought to the International Admissions Office for verification. This should be done within the first semester (or the first module for ESL students). Otherwise, the student's account will be put on HOLD.