Human Development and Family Studies - Master of Science

The Master of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies is designed to help students gain an understanding of increasingly diverse family units as well as individual family members as they develop across the life course.  Depending upon student interest and career goals, focus may be on human development (adolescence, aging), leadership, policy or diversity.  Students are prepared to work with and advocate for families, children, youth and adults in a broad range of settings, including extension offices, community agencies, and policy-making contexts.  Both a thesis (Plan A) and non-thesis (Plan B) option are offered.  Those pursuing Plan A are prepared for doctoral study in a variety of related fields.

1. A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. 
2. A grade-point average of 3.00 or better during the last two full years of undergraduate study. Those between 2.5 and 3.0 must take the General Record Examination (GRE).
3. A favorable evaluation by at least three professional references. 
4. Academic records, references, and experiences that reflect strong qualifications for graduate study. 
5. Satisfactory verbal ability and quantitative ability scores on the Aptitude Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for Plan A (Thesis). This option is for those wishing to pursue a research focus and potential doctoral degree. 

International applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam: 1) Paper-based version: minimum average score of 550, no subscore below 52; 2) Computer-based version: minimum average score of 213, no subscore below 19; 3) Internet-based version: minimum average score of 80; no subscore below 19 for reading, listening, and speaking; no writing subscore below 22.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies

The Master of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies is available under Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30 credits is required for both Plan A and Plan B.

Due to cancellations of many international English language proficiency tests, MSU will be temporarily accepting the following tests for international students applying for fall semester 2022. In addition, MSU will be expanding the ability for students to receive provisional admission. If a provisionally admitted student is able to take a test that meets our regular admission standards prior to enrollment, we will update their admission status to regular.