University of Wisconsin-Stout
College of Education, Health & Human Sciences
Department of Human Development and
Family Studies
Name _______________________________
Master of Science in Family Studies and Human Development
Professional Core: (17 or 21 credits)
Credits
Completion Date
HDFS-715
Theories of Family Process
2
_______________
HDFS-728
Family Life Issues
3
_______________
HFDS-746
Theory Based Research Methods
3
_______________
HDFS-704
Child and Family Services
2
_______________
HDFS-742
Lifespan Family and Human Development
3
_______________
HDFS-740
Special Problems in Family Life Education
2
_______________
HDFS-735
Problems in Family Studies and
Human Development (Plan B)
- OR Thesis (Plan A)
2
_______________
6
_______________
HDFS-770
Electives: (13 or 9 credits)
Electives selected in consultation with the Program Director from on-campus, on-line,
or transfer courses.
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Total: 30 credits
Student Signature _____________________________ Date _________
Program Director Approval _______________________ Date _________
Master of Science in Family Studies and Human Development
The graduate program in Family Studies and Human Development is intended for
individuals with a strong interest in the study of family and human development. The
focus is on the development of the individual across the lifespan with an emphasis on
family system processes and relationships. The degree offers flexibility in the elective
courses so students can build a plan that is consistent with their own interests and career
goals. The department offers coursework and faculty expertise in gerontology,
work/family issues, family policy, family resource management, child and adolescent
development, family stress and abuse, and program planning.
The following objectives drive the content and delivery of this degree:
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Provide career preparation by challenging and assisting students in
developing innovation leadership skills in Family Studies and Human
Development related careers.
Increase the graduate student’s capacity for independent action in scholarly
and professional pursuits.
Develop an in-depth knowledge built on undergraduate work and experience.
Motivate students to survey Family Studies and Human Development related
literature and apply this knowledge to practical, theoretical and academic
problems.
Provide students with skills in conducting independent and creative research.
The program provides students the opportunity to learn with a cohort of students. Cohort
groups will learn and study together as they complete the six required courses. Two
courses will be offered each summer for three consecutive summers. Classes will meet
for two weeks, one course in the morning and one in the afternoon. For 2006, courses
will be offered July 10-21.
The standard sequence of core courses is:
Year
Courses
First
HDFS-715 Theories of Family Process (afternoon)
HDFS-728 Family Life Issues (morning)
Second
HDFS-7XX Theory Based Research Methods
HDFS-704 Child and Family Services
Third
HDFS-742 Lifespan Family and Human Services Seminar
HDFS-740 Special Problems in Family Life Education
Work on the 6-credit thesis or 2-credit topics paper can begin any time after completion
of the research methods course. Elective credits can be completed during summer school
sessions or during the semesters. It will be possible to complete this degree in two years
and 1 month, the time from the beginning of the first summer cohort experience to the
third and final summer cohort experience.