Human Development and Family Science

Department Head: Dr. Michael Newman
Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Lori Elmore-Staton
Graduate Coordinator for EI Program: Dr. Julie Parker
201B Lloyd Ricks Watson Building
Box 9745
Mississippi State, MS  39762
Telephone: 662-325-0655
E-mail: JParker@humansci.msstate.edu

The School of Human Sciences offers both the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) and a Master of Science in Early Intervention (EI). Students in the M.S. program in HDFS may select either the thesis or non-thesis option. The M.S. in EI is non-thesis only. Non-thesis students take a comprehensive oral exam in lieu of the thesis. Doctoral students must complete a research dissertation. Contact the Graduate Coordinator for more information regarding admission requirements and curriculum. Human Development and Family Science is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of individual and family development in a variety of contexts across the lifespan, from conception to later life. 

Master of Science in Human Development & Family Science

Admission Requirements

An applicant for the Master of Science in Human Development & Family Science degree must meet the following requirements:

• Meet all MSU Graduate School requirements for admission
• Have earned a baccalaureate degree in HDFS or a related field
• Submit a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score competitive with other applicants
• Submit three letters of recommendation, with at least two letters from individuals familiar with applicant’s academic work
• Submit a sole-authored writing sample (see instructions below)
• Submit a personal statement (500-1,000 words) describing the applicant's purpose for undertaking graduate study, including professional plans, career goals, and detailed research interests

For international, non-native speakers of English, a TOEFL or IELTS score indicative of ability to successfully complete graduate work is required.   See English-Language Requirements in the Admission section of this publication for more information.

An overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 is preferred. Students admitted provisionally must fulfill Graduate School provisional admission requirements found in this publication. Qualified applicants for the HDFS grade program are expected to have interests and goals that are consistent with the department's faculty expertise and interests, as well as course offerings. Admission decisions are based on a holistic consideration of the applicant's credentials.

Instructions for Writing Sample: Applicants to the master's program are asked to submit a sole-authored writing sample in English so that the admissions committee may assess the candidate's ability as a writer, potential success in the master's program, and ability to do research and present it in written form. The minimum length of the sample is five pages, but the same should not exceed 25 pages. The sample should be presented in APA style (title page, headers, references, etc.). Examples of possible writing samples include, but are not limited to, papers from past courses, journal articles, or some written work product, such as a manual or technical report.  

Master of Science in Early Intervention

The Master of Science in Early Intervention is framed by developmental, ecological, and family systems theories and evidence-based practices that emphasize the interactive nature of child development. The program will produce personnel with highly specialized skills and knowledge about critical assessment, intervention, and instructional programming, addressing the unique needs of infants, toddlers, and preschool children with disabilities or at-risk conditions and their families. The program will draw upon a range of approaches that acknowledge the central role of the family in a child's life with services provided in natural environments, i.e., home and community-based settings.

Admission Requirements

An applicant for the Master of Science in Early Intervention degree must meet the following requirements.

• Meet all MSU Graduate School requirements for admission
• Have earned a baccalaureate degree in HDFS or a related field
• Submit a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score competitive with other applicants or hold a MS teacher's license
• Preferably have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 
• Submit three letters of recommendation, with at least two coming from individuals familiar with applicant’s academic work; letters should address the applicant's potential for successfully completing graduate work
• A personal statement (500-1,000 words) describing the applicant's purpose for undertaking graduate study, including professional plans and career goals
• Submit TOEFL scores that meet MSU requirements of international, non-native speakers of English and are indicative of ability to successfully complete graduate work
• Submit a sole-authored writing sample (see instructions below)

Instructions for Writing Sample: Applicants to the Master's program in Early Intervention are asked to submit a sole-authored writing sample in English so that the admissions committee may assess the candidate's ability as a writer, potential success in the master's program, and ability to do research and present it in written form. The minimum length of the sample is three pages, but the sample should not exceed 10 pages. The writing sample should be presented in APA style (title page, headers, references, etc.) and should address a topic related to early intervention, early childhood, or child development. Examples of possible writing samples include, but are not limited to, papers from past courses, journal articles, or some written work product, such as a manual or technical report.  

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development & Family Science

Admission Requirements

An applicant for the Doctor of Philosophy degree must meet the following requirements.

• Meet all MSU Graduate School requirements for admission
• Have earned a baccalaureate degree in HDFS or a related field
• Have completed the following courses or their equivalents
• Meet all MSU Graduate School requirements for admission
• Have earned a Master's degree in HDFS or a related field
• Have completed the following courses or their equivalents: AIS 8803 Research Methods; HS 8823 Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations; 3 hours of graduate-level statistics; and HS 8813 Seminar in HDFS (contingent acceptance may be granted for students to complete requires courses within one calendar year)
• Have earned a grade point average of 3.00 on all previous graduate coursework
• Submit a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score competitive with other applicants
• Submit three letters of recommendation, with at least two of the letters coming from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic work
• Submit a sole-authored writing sample (see instructions below)
• Submit a personal statement (500-1,000 words) describing the applicant’s purpose for undertaking graduate study, professional plans, career goals, and detailed research interests
• Complete an interview with members of the HDFS graduate faculty

For international, non-native speakers of English, a TOEFL score indicative of ability to successfully complete graduate work is required. See English Language Test Score Requirements in the Admission section of this publication for more information.

Qualified applicants for the HDFS graduate program are expected to have interests and goals that are consistent with the department's faculty expertise and interests as well as course offerings. Once all application materials have been submitted, applicants should contact the HDFS graduate coordinator at 662-325-0655 or tom.phillips@msstate.edu to schedule an interview with members of the HDFS graduate faculty. To accommodate international applicants, interviews can be conducted using distance technology. Admission decisions are based on a holistic consideration of the applicant's credentials.

Admission to the master's program does not automatically mean that a student will enter the doctoral program; a student completing the master’s degree must reapply through the Graduate School for admission to the doctoral program. 

Instructions for Writing Sample: Applicants to the doctoral program are required to submit a sole-authored writing sample in English so that the admissions committee may assess the candidate's ability as a writer, potential success in the doctoral program, and ability to do research and present it in written form. The minimum length of the writing sample is five pages, but the sample should not exceed 25 pages. The sample should be presented in APA style (title page, headers, references, etc.). Examples of possible writing samples include, but are not limited to, papers from past courses, journal articles, or some written work product, such as a manual or technical report.  

Master of Science in Human Development & Family Science - Thesis

Core Required Courses
HDFS 8813	Seminar in Human Development and Family Science	3
HDFS 8823	Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations	3
EPY 6214	Educational and Psychological Statistics	4
AELC 8803	Applying Research Methods to Agricultural and Extension Education	3
AELC 8000		6
12 hours of approved electives		12
Total Hours		31

A thesis committee, consisting of the student’s major professor and two other graduate faculty members, must be established. A thesis defense before the committee is required.

Note: A majority of electives must be HDFS courses. At least one-half of the course work in the degree program, exclusive of thesis credits, must be at the 8000 level. Students may transfer up to 9 semester hours of courses from other accredited degree programs.

Master of Science in Human Development & Family Science - Non-Thesis

Core Required Courses
HDFS 8813	Seminar in Human Development and Family Science	3
HDFS 8823	Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations	3
EPY 6214	Educational and Psychological Statistics	4
AELC 8503	Program Planning and Development in Agricultural and Extension Education	3
AELC 8803	Applying Research Methods to Agricultural and Extension Education	3
or AELC 8703	Evaluation of Agricultural and Extension Education Programs
15 hours of approved electives		15
Total Hours		31

The student’s major professor and two other graduate faculty members will comprise the graduate committee. A final comprehensive oral examination is required.

Note: A majority of electives must be HDFS courses. At least one-half of the course work in the degree program, exclusive of thesis credits, must be at the 8000 level. Students may transfer up to 9 semester hours of courses from other accredited degree programs.

Master of Science in Early Intervention - Non-Thesis

College Required Courses
HDFS 8823	Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations	3
AELC 8803	Applying Research Methods to Agricultural and Extension Education	3
Major Required Courses
HDFS 8113	Trends in Infant and Child Development	3
HDFS 8123	The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families	3
HDFS 8503	Medical Aspects of Developmental Disabilities in Young Children	3
HDFS 8513	Inclusion and Family-Centered Early Intervention	3
HDFS 8533	Instructional Strategies and Practice for Early Intervention	3
EDX 6813	Introduction to Assessment Issues in Special Education	3
HDFS 8543	Practicum I	3
HDFS 8553	Practicum II	3
Total Hours		30

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development & Family Science

Core Required Courses
HDFS 8833	Foundations of Human Development and Family Studies	3
HDFS 6843	Family Interaction	3
HDFS 8853	Current Issues in Human Development and Family Science	3
HDFS 9000	Research in Human Development and Family Sciences	20
Teaching and Outreach (select one of the following):		3
HDFS 8123	The Effects of Poverty on Children and Families
AELC 8413	Methods of Planned Change in Agricultural and Extension Education
AELC 8503	Program Planning and Development in Agricultural and Extension Education
AELC 8513	Volunteer Development in Agricultural and Extension Education
Research and Evaluation (select two of the following):		6
AELC 8703	Evaluation of Agricultural and Extension Education Programs
AELC 8803	Applying Research Methods to Agricultural and Extension Education
EDF 9453	Introduction to Qualitative Research in Education
EDF 9463	Qualitative Data Collection in Education
Statistics and Analysis
EPY 8214	Intermediate Educational and Psychological Statistics	4
AND one of the following (3 hours):		3
EPY 9213	Multivariate Analysis in Educational Research
AELC 9583	Analysis and Interpretation of Data in Agricultural and Extension Education Research
SO 8233	Qualitative Analysis
Approved Electives		15
Total Hours		60

The student must pass a written comprehensive exam prior to being admitted to candidacy. A dissertation committee, consisting of the student’s major professor and three other graduate faculty members, must be established. A dissertation defense before the committee is required.

Note: A majority of the electives must b HDFS courses. At least one-half of the coursework in the degree program, exclusive of dissertation credits, must be at the 8000 level. Approved 7000 Directed Individual Study courses cannot count toward 8000/9000-level requirements. No more than 6 semester hours of graduate credit may be earned in Directed Individual Study courses. Students may transfer up to 9 semester hours of courses from other accredited degree programs.

The School of Human Sciences graduate courses may be used for a minor or for selected certificates in Human Sciences in cooperation with other degree programs.  Areas of emphasis are available in the following program areas in Human Sciences: apparel, textiles and merchandising, and human development and family studies. The School also participates in the graduate Gender Studies Certificate by offering HDFS 6313, HDFS 6403, and HS 6513 and the Gerontology Certificate by offering HDFS 6403, HDFS 6813, and HDFS 6863. 

For additional information about graduate offerings in the School of Human Sciences, contact Dr. Tommy Phillips.