Human Sciences (M.S.) - Family and Community Services Specialization

Program Contact/Coordinator

Jay Trenhaile, Department Head
Department of Counseling and Human Development
Wenona Hall 312, Box 507
605-688-4190
E-mail: jay.trenhaile@sdstate.edu

Program Information

The goal of the online M.S. specializing in Family and Community Services is to provide advanced, professional education and research expertise that focuses on improving individual, family, and community well-being. This specialization is delivered entirely online through GPIDEA and is designed to meet the educational needs of military service members and their spouses. Students who successfully complete this specialization will earn a Master of Science in Human Sciences specializing in Family and Community Services.

Course Delivery Format

The online program has been developed by faculty from the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GP-IDEA). Courses will be entirely Internet based and will be taught by faculty within the Alliance (Kansas State University, Michigan State University, Oklahoma State University, South Dakota State University, University of Missouri, and University of Nebraska). Courses are offered fall, spring and summer semesters.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Option A - Thesis	36 Credit Hours
	Option C - Coursework Only	36 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

HDFS 501 - Foundations and Principles of Community Service Credits: 3
HDFS 510 - Parenting Credits: 3
HDFS 525 - Family Resiliency Credits: 3
HDFS 605 - Program Administration and Management Credits: 3
HDFS 610 - Family Resource Management Credits: 3
HDFS 620 - Family Dynamics Credits: 3
HDFS 630 - Lifespan Development Credits: 3
HDFS 635 - Crises Across the Lifespan Credits: 3
HDFS 640 - Interpersonal Relationships Credits: 3
HDFS 710 - Program Design, Evaluation, and Implementation Credits: 3
HDFS Electives: 6
- HDFS 798 Thesis (Option A)
- Elective Coursework (Option C)

Total Required Credits: 36 (Option A & C)

Additional Academic Requirements

GRE: Not Required
TOEFL: Department Requirements of 525 paper-based, 71 Internet-based
IELTS: 5.5

STEP 1: Applicant Applies to the Graduate School
- Apply to the Graduate School at least two months before the FCS/ADW deadline to allow for processing
- Graduate School applications received after the FCS/ADW deadline will be denied and referred to the next semester
- The minimum GPA to apply is 2.75, however a 3.0 or higher is desired
- GRE is not required
STEP 2: Applicant Applies to the FCS or AWD Program
- Applicants to the FCS/ADW programs must submit the documents below by April 1 for fall admission or October 1 for spring admission. Late or incomplete applications will be denied.
- Resume
- A one page, typed goal statement explaining your professional goals and how completion of this degree will assist you in meeting those goals
- Three letters of recommendation prepared within the past year; one letter must come from an academic professor.
STEP 3: Admissions Decision
- Complete admission files will be reviewed by faculty for an admissions decision. The Graduate School will notify the applicant via email about their admission status.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .