Human Development and Family Science
Degree Type
Master's
Certificate
Location
On Campus
Online
For individuals who
Have a passion for helping others and want to advance their education.
Looking for
A collaborative, inter-institutional graduate program to serve careers in financial planning, gerontology and youth development.
To become
- Case Manager
- Child Development Specialist
- Community Service Worker
- Financial Counselor
- Outreach Specialist
Program Description
Programs of study leading to a Graduate Certificate or the Master of Science degree are offered in three options: Family Financial Planning, Youth Development, and Gerontology. All of these options are available via a collaborative, inter-institutional program offered through online distance education. Each program requires a capstone practicum or case study experience to complete the M.S. degree. Students can complete the M.S. programs in two to three years and the certificate programs in one calendar year.
The Family Financial Planning (FFP) M.S. option is a 30-credit program with a specific curriculum approved by the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Board of Standards. Graduate certificates (18 credits) are available in Financial Planning and in Financial Counseling.
The Gerontology M.S. option requires 30 credits, and the Graduate Certificate requires 12 credits. An advanced degree in the field of Gerontology can benefit the professional in social work, nursing, counseling, recreation, public policy, long-term care administration, medicine, architecture, interior design, psychology, adult education, and rehabilitation therapy.
The Youth Development M.S. option requires 36 credits. Graduate Certificates (12 credits) are available in Youth Development and in Youth Program Management and Evaluation. Youth development is an emerging professional field. It has a positive orientation, meaning its focus is on promoting the positive development of youth, and it is an applied field, with professionals who put developmental research and theory into practice in structuring and implementing programs and services for adolescents.