Child and Family Studies, M.S.

(SCFS)

The graduate curriculum in Child & Family Studies provides advanced students with additional training in focused content areas as well as in research methods and statistics. M.S. graduates leave the program able to generate, evaluate, and apply research-based knowledge to the challenges facing families and individuals in a complex and changing world. Flexible interdisciplinary programs of study, focused on preventing problems in families, are structured to meet students’ specific interests. Graduates pursue exciting and challenging careers in working with families and/or children, prepared for leadership roles in non-profit and private agencies; faith-based organizations; consumer and business agencies and organizations; and federal, state, and local government.

The M.S. offers two options, thesis and non-thesis.

For the thesis option, the M.S. requires a minimum of 36 hours of graduate credit including 6 hours of thesis research (CFS 8000 ). At least 15 of the 30 hours must be in courses numbered at or above the 7000 level. Thesis students may substitute up to 3 hours of supervised practicum experience for one, 3 credit required academic elective if approved by the graduate committee.

For the non-thesis option, the M.S. requires a minimum of 36 hours of graduate credit with a minimum of 24 coursework hours, 6 hours of research seminar (CFS 7050 ) during which a graduate project will be prepared and presented, and 6 hours of supervised practicum experience. At least 18 of the 36 hours must be in courses numbered at or above the 7000 level.