Graduate Program
Why Apply to Colorado State
University for a Master of Science Degree?
We have much to offer prospective graduate students in Human
Development and Family Studies. Consider the following:
. Approximately one quarter of our master's degree graduates in the
past several years have applied to doctoral programs, and almost all have been
accepted.
. Our graduates who have earned a Ph.D. at other schools claim that our program
prepared them well for their advanced doctoral studies.
. Over the past five years, nearly half of graduate students' theses have been
presented at national meetings and/or published in professional journals-a very
high rate for a Master's program. This reflects the high quality of our
research training.
. Most of our graduate students receive financial support through
assistantships and fellowships.
. Fort Collins, CO provides a
high quality of life. It is at the foot of the mountains, within an hour's
drive of Rocky Mountain National Park and seven wilderness areas. An array of
outdoor recreation is available, including skiing, hiking, rock climbing,
bicycling, white water sports, camping, and fishing.
Our students say that their positive experiences in the program are due to:
. Close collaboration with supportive, dynamic faculty. We are a smaller
program, and we encourage collegial relationships with graduate students.
. Our research orientation and high standards for both students and faculty.
. A strong curriculum, with a range of course offerings and opportunities to
acquire practical experience through internships.
. Diverse backgrounds and perspectives among our students and faculty. Students
also say that there is a good personal fit with the program's research
strengths and courses.
Graduate Study in Human Development and
Family Studies
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies offers a
course of study leading to the Master of Science degree. The focus of the
department is the development of the individual and the family throughout the
lifespan. The graduate program provides students with an advanced understanding
of human behavior and development, as well as with skills enabling them to
contribute to scholarship and professional practice.
Requirements include five core courses, a thesis, and concentrated
work in one of the two program specializations: (1)
Family and Developmental Studies or (2) Marriage
and Family Therapy. Master's students must choose one of these program
specializations. These options prepare students for careers ranging from
academic research to directing intervention programs and providing family
therapy. Students design their curriculum, under their adviser's guidance, that
supports their career goals. This curriculum includes core courses in theories,
issues in HDFS, and research methods as well as a research thesis. The
department has strong links with a number of internship sites in the local
community and, for students interested in becoming a child life specialist,
with children's hospitals around the country.
COURSE OF STUDY
The student's course of study is guided by a graduate committee
comprised of three faculty members. The student's major adviser, another
faculty member from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, and
a third member is selected from faculty outside the department.
A minimum of 45 credits including a thesis must be completed. MFT
students are required to take additional credits to meet AAMFT requirements.
All students must fulfill the following requirements:
1. Five courses designed to expose the student to fundamental concepts of
lifespan development and family functioning, and to develop research skills:
(13 credits)
HD500 Issues in Human Development & Family Studies
HD524 Family Theory
HD501 Readings in the Discipline
HD550 Research Methods I
HD650 Research Methods II
2. Thesis (6 credits)
The thesis is a scholarly, empirical paper. The student tests specific
hypotheses by collecting and analyzing data obtained by experimental,
quasi-experimental, observational, or survey methods. Students also have based
their thesis on secondary analyses of an existing data set, or have used
qualitative methods to analyze documents or interviews.
To register for thesis credit, one must complete the HD699 Thesis form and
return it to one's thesis advisor.
3. Program Emphasis Courses (26-43 credits)
Students in Family and Developmental Studies
complete a program emphasis of at least 26 credits that focus on a chosen
academic or career area. Each student designs an individualized course of study
under the guidance of the major adviser and thesis committee. Students in
Marriage and Family Therapy complete 43 credits in addition to the core
courses and thesis. These additional credits include 21 for field placement and
internship, a sequence of MFT theories and skills courses, and various
electives that link normative development and family functioning to
intervention.
DOCTORAL PROGRAM
|
