Master of Human Development and Family Studies at Utah State University

The Human Development and Family Studies at Utah State University is a Master program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Logan , United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 2 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 29, 2027.

About Master of Human Development and Family Studies

The masters degree in human development and family studies is designed to provide students with both theoretical and practical knowledge. In the program, students learn research methodology and statistics and have applied practicum experiences. Students are able to choose a specialization where they can gain in-depth expertise in their area of interest. Each specialization focuses on current issues affecting individuals and families, and students gain an education that prepares them for a career in teaching, research, or a variety of agencies serving consumers, individuals, families, and children.

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is housed in the College of Education and Human Services, which is in the top 2% of all graduate colleges of education in the nation and is ranked third in total research dollars received.

Specialization(s):

Adolescence and Youth: Students in this specialization study young people in the second decade of life as they interact with their families, peers, the educational system, and related social issues pertaining to achieving maturity in a modern world.
Adult Development and Aging: This specialization deals with issues facing young, middle-aged, and older adults as they develop within the context of families, the work environment, institutions, and the larger social structure.
Infancy and Childhood: Students in this specialization study birth through the school-age years. Examples of current research opportunities include infant development, attachment, social development and competence, language development, early parent-child interaction, and developmentally appropriate practice.
Consumer Sciences: Students study economic interactions of families and consumers with an emphasis on the analysis of household consumption, household financial management, human capital investment, and allocation of time. Theories in economics, finance, sociology, psychology, and quantitative methods are applied to investigate policy questions and decisions made by consumers/households.
Marriage and Family Relationships: This specialization is concerned with the study of marital formation, marriage and family interaction, socialization for parenthood, interface of marriage and family with other social structures, family crises, and various forms of marriage and family.
Marriage and Family Therapy: Students in this specialization study human development and marital and family relations. Students are provided with basic academic and initial clinical practice requirements for Utah state licensure as marriage and family therapists and for clinical membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Human Development and Family Studies at Utah State University

Entry Requirements

Have the requisite degree for your intended program by the time you are matriculated.
3.0 or higher GPA for the terms that include your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits.
Score at or above the 40th percentile on appropriate admissions test.
- Some programs may accept a portfolio in place of admissions test score. Contact the department for details.
Meet any additional requirements for the program.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 71

English Program Requirements

Students who do not demonstrate the required English proficiency scores, but are academically qualified, may be considered for admission to the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) on the Logan campus. If admitted, students complete required English language courses before beginning their academic coursework.

Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Human Development and Family Studies

Recent graduates have found employment as teachers and counselors in the following areas:

Public schools
Academic departments at colleges and universities
Research centers
Hospitals
Head Start
Child care programs
Social services agencies
Mental health agencies
Private and clinical practice settings
Extension services
Financial institutions and agencies
Any related agencies that teach about, study, or serve individuals, families, and consumers

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Human Development and Family Studies at Utah State University

How to Apply for Master of Human Development and Family Studies at Utah State University

1. Visit Our Website

a. Go to gradschool.usu.edu/apply/ to start the application process.

b. Read all admissions requirements on our website.

c. Click on the “Apply Now” button to create an account to apply.

2. Fill Out Application

a. Fill out the following information:

i. Personal

ii. Demographic

iii. Misdemeanor/Felony information, if necessary

iv. Citizenship

v. Academic History

vi. Intended Program of Study Information

vii. NOTE: You cannot submit supplemental items until you have filled out all personal and demographic information, submitted the application, and paid the application fee.

b. Make sure to select the correct entry term (e.g., Spring 2022, Fall 2022, etc.)

c. Submit the application and pay the fee.

i. If you have a waiver code, use it in the discount code box to waive the fee.

3. Supplemental Items

a. Log back into the USU Recruit Application Portal.

b. Enter your application to submit items.

c. Required supplemental items may include, but are not limited to, the following (Please check with your intended program for specific details):

i. Transcripts

1. USU applicants do not need to send transcripts. We pull them from our system for you.

2. All other applicants, please send your official transcripts to the following address:

a. School of Graduate Studies

Utah State University

0900 Old Main Hill

Logan, UT 84322-0900

b. Please note that in order to be considered official, the transcript must (1) be sent directly from the institution to Utah State University, or (2) be forwarded by the applicant with the transcript remaining in the original, unopened envelope from the institution.

ii. Letters of Recommendation

1. Fill out the recommendation request forms. Recommendations must come from referee, not from applicant, to be considered valid.

iii. Statement of Purpose

iv. Test Scores

1. GRE Scores

a. Send to school code 4857

2. MAT Scores

a. Send to school code 2273

3. NOTE: Expired test scores will not be accepted.

d. International applicants must also include:

i. Proof of English language proficiency through one of the options below.

1.TOEFL Scores – 71 or higher

a. Send to school code 4857

2. IELTS Academic Scores – 6.0 or higher

a. Upload student copy to application, clearly showing TRF number.

b. Our test score processor will upload official scores.

3. Completion of at least 24 credits of post-secondary/university course work taught in the U.S. in English, excluding English as a second language courses. Courses must have been taken at an accredited college or university to be considered for direct admission.

4. NOTE: Expired test scores will not be accepted.

ii. A certified English translation of any transcript originally penned in another language.

1. Due to COVID-19 constraints, Utah State University is temporarily accepting unofficial transcripts from international applicants. Upon admittance, students will be required to submit an official transcript before registering for classes.

iii. Proof of Financial Support

1. Affidavit of Financial Support

2. Bank Statement Copy

iv. Passport Copy

v. International applicants can direct any questions not related to the information above to the Office of Global Engagement.

Master of Human Development and Family Studies at Utah State University

Utah State University

United States of America, Logan