MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY STUDIES
EXPLORING THE DYNAMICS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND FAMILY
The Master of Science degree in human development and family studies (HDFS) prepares students to interact with individuals and families as they face the challenges of interpersonal interactions and transitions. Graduates of the program work closely with people in positions such as family life educators, homelessness prevention coordinators, youth and adult services, training and education coordinators, human resource management, and parent educators.
With a master’s degree in HDFS, you can pursue a doctoral degree or enter the workforce in a variety of public and private settings, including hospitals and clinics; health organizations; federal, state, and local government agencies; industry and business; colleges and universities; international organizations and health agencies; and research agencies and private research firms.
“We offer our graduate students the
latitude to seek out their own research
interests and tailor their degree to best
suit them.”
—Kathleen Gilbert, Associate Professor
Program Emphasis
The Master of Science degree in HDFS is interdisciplinary, exploring human behavior across the lifespan and within the context of the intimate environment of the family. As an applied field, it is focused on theories regarding developmental stages, the effects of divorce, stress in the family, diversity, coping with aging, human sexuality, etc., and how they can illuminate relationships and behavior.
Our faculty mentors encourage students to become involved in national research projects, including exploring how divorce affects children, the effect of media on family dynamics, and grief and loss in families. Students will have the opportunity to receive broad-based experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies while participating in faculty mentors’ research, or they can tailor the program to reflect their own individual interests.
Degree Requirements
The master of science in HDFS requires the completion of 35 hours of course work. Studies include core courses on health behavior theory, public health statistics, and conceptual frameworks in HDFS; additional major courses deal with human development across the lifespan and family studies; and a research requirement that includes thesis and non-thesis options. If you plan to pursue a doctorate or if you wish to enhance your graduate experience by designing, implementing, and evaluating a research project, a thesis is strongly recommended. Students who choose the non-thesis option will develop and implement a major project under the guidance of a faculty member.
Tabsheet (PDF)
Job Outlook and Salaries
The demand for people trained at the graduate level in HDFS continues to grow. Career opportunities are available for individuals working as practitioners, researchers, and in administrative and management positions.
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that in 2006, the average income for community and social service professionals was $37,940, with an average salary of $31,680 for probation officers. A 2005 survey of applied health science master’s program graduates found that 88 percent attained full-time employment within six months of completing their degree or internship.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Robert Billingham
Telephone: (812) 855-5208
E-mail: billingh@indiana.edu
Dr. Kathleen Gilbert
Telephone: (812) 855-5209
E-mail: gilbertk@indiana.edu
Dr. Maresa Murray
Telephone: (812) 856-5213
E-mail: marjmurr@indiana.edu
Department of Applied Health Science
Indiana University
HPER Building 116
1025 E. Seventh Street
Bloomington, IN 47405-7109
