Child Development and Family Relations, MS

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The master of science in child development and family relations (CDFR) is designed for students whose career goals are in child and family services. With advanced study in child development and family relations, students are able to fill a variety of professional roles in the administration of programs serving children, families, and older adults; in teaching young children, preadolescents, and young adults; and in specialized clinical roles in child life, early intervention, developmental evaluation, and other mental health and human services programs. Each student’s program of study is tailored to fit his or her needs and interests, and students are encouraged to select an area of specialization that will prepare them for in depth study in a related discipline. Opportunities for national and international internships are available for CDFR students to expand their study and experience. Students may apply for the National Council on Family Relation’s certification in family life education and other certifications.

The MS degree in CDFR requires 36 semester hours. Students may choose one of two options: a thesis option, which includes the building of research skills and the completion of independent research or a research project option, which includes a practicum in the area of the student’s concentration and passing the comprehensive examination. Program requirements include the following:

1. Core - 15 s.h.

2. Specialization - 9 s.h.

6 s.h. must be CDFR courses

3. Research - 6 s.h.

4. Research project or thesis - 6 s.h.

Note:

Students seeking eligibility for child life certification who have not completed an undergraduate internship will need to complete a 6 s.h. child life internship in addition to the required hours for degree completion.