M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences
Human Development and Family Sciences Emphasis
Online Program
The Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) graduate program emphasis is designed
for professionals currently working in human services fields who would like further
education.
Benefits of the Master’s program in FCS with a HDFS focus include:
- One-on-one advising with a HDFS faculty member
- Small, personalized, courses taught by HDFS faculty members
- Courses that connect practice, research and theory through innovative online design
- Elective courses that allow a student to develop knowledge in an area of interest,
facilitating professional and career goals
- No requirement to come to campus
- Affordable tuition rates
- Increased career and/or advancement opportunities
Application Information
Application packets for Fall entry are due no later than March 1.
Requirements for all applicants:
- A bachelor’s degree based on a four-year curriculum from an institution accredited
by one of the regional associations of the Commission on Institution of Higher Education
or equivalent.
- A grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in the previous degree.
International students, in addition to the requirements above, must also meet the following requirements:
- A minimum Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 540 on the
written exam or 76 on the internet-based exam. UW will also accept a minimum score
of 6.0 on the IETLS exam or certification of level 112 ELS completion in lieu of the
TOEFL requirements. Applicants from an English speaking country or those who have
attended a U.S. institution within one year preceding application to UW may request
a waiver through the Office of Admissions: https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/international/english-alternatives.html
- If you are accepted to our program, the Office of Admissions will request evidence of adequate financial resources to fill out your I-20 in preparation for
your visa.
To apply, please complete the Online Application and upload the following:
- Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended are required for consideration to our program; official transcripts will be required by the Office of Admissions if you are recommended to
admissions with a Departmental Approval.
- Names and contact information for at least 3 people who will provide letters of recommendation
about your preparedness and/or qualifications for the desired graduate degree program
- A statement of intent that includes:
- Why you are seeking this degree
- Your specific research interests
- How your educational, research, work, and/or other experiences have shaped your educational
and research interests
- The faculty member(s) you are interested in working with and how your research interests
and experiences fit with that mentor
- A brief resume or curriculum vitae
Please note that we cannot grant Application Fee waivers.
International applicants must also upload:
- GRE scores
- unofficial GRE scores are acceptable for consideration by the Department of Family and Consumer
Sciences
- Official GRE scores will be required after acceptance by the Office of Admissions
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
Please note that we cannot grant GRE waivers
Job Opportunities
Prepare for careers in research, teaching, direct service and outreach with individuals
and families across the lifespan--our Masters program graduates in Human Development
& Family Sciences Masters often find themselves in:
- Family support and intervention programs
- Social service agencies (e.g., family resource center, family violence centers, health
centers, mental health centers, community support programs, volunteer centers, non-profit
organizations)
- Child centers (e.g., before and after school programs, child care centers and preschools)
- School-based intervention programs
- Adolescent programs and centers (e.g., juvenile detention
- centers, group homes, youth programs)
- Elderly programs
- Policy Analysis
- Governmental positions with local, state, national, and international agencies
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Administration for Children and Families
- Administration on Aging
- Department of Education
- Department of Health
- Military Services
- Parks and Recreation
- Community Development
- Education
- Community colleges
- Colleges and universities
- University Extension
- Higher education administration (e.g., for admissions, student life, housing)
- Research with a public or private agency or institution
- Program Evaluation
Coursework
Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours for a Master's degree.
Required courses
- Families Across the Lifespan
- Developmental Contexts Across the Lifespan
- Positive Youth Development
- Families and Aging
- Program Evaluation
- Intro to Research or Action Research
- HDFS Capstone Experience
Potential electives
- Families of Young Children with Special Needs
- Directing Preschool and Day Care Programs
- Family Decision Making and Resource Management
- Understanding Community Leadership
- Family Policy
- Family Stress and Coping