Program: Human Sciences (M.S.) - Developmental Sciences Specialization - South Dakota State University

2021-2022 Graduate Catalog

Apr 06, 2025

Program Coordinator/Contact

Aileen Garcia, Assistant Professor
School of Education, Counseling and Human Development
Wenona Hall 206
605-688-4597

Program Information

The Human Sciences (M.S.) - Developmental Sciences (DS) Specialization provides students with graduate training in an interdisciplinary field that examines human development across the lifespan in cultural, social, and family contexts. Students will complete advanced coursework in the areas of child, adolescent, and adult development with an emphasis in multiculturalism, diverse learners, and learning sciences. The specialization provides advanced training for individuals working in outreach and advocacy, health, and human services, education, and businesses and corporations.

Student Learning Outcomes

Human Development - Students will demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the major human development domains.
Diversity - Students will demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of multicultural and pluralistic trends, including characteristics and concerns within and among diverse groups nationally and internationally.
Integration of Developmental Science - Utilizing practice, prevention, and policy, students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the developmental sciences.
Communication - Students will demonstrate critical and innovative thinking.

Course Delivery Format

Courses for the Developmental Sciences Specialization will be delivered on campus in Brookings and online.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

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

Core Requirements

CHRD / HDFS 602 - Research and Evaluation in Counseling and Human Development Credits: 3
or EDER 610 - Introduction to Research Credits: 3
CHRD 731 - Multicultural Counseling and Human Relations Credits: 3
or EDFN 725 - Education in a Pluralistic Society Credits: 3
ECE 711 - Developmental Theory and Application Credits: 3
or HDFS 614 - Adult Development Credits: 3
ECE 715 - Cognitive Development Credits: 3
HDFS 525 - Family Resiliency Credits: 3
HDFS 701 - Current Issues in Developmental Sciences Credits: 3
HDFS 710 - Program Design, Evaluation, and Implementation Credits: 3
or HDFS 730 - Grant Writing Credits: 3

Select one of the following options

Human Development in Diverse Context

Credits: 12

CHRD / HDFS 702 - Advanced Human Sexuality Credits: 3
HDFS 525 - Family Resiliency Credits: 3
HDFS 742 - Family Theory and Research Credits: 3
HDFS 744 - Diverse Families Credits: 3

Human Development in Educational Context

Credits: 12

ECE 645 - Contemporary Perspectives in Early Childhood Education Credits: 3
EDER 612 - Inquiry and Action Research Credits: 3
EDFN 600 - Advanced Pedagogy Credits: 3
EPSY 740 - Advanced Educational Psychology Credits: 3

Select one of the following options

Option A - Thesis

HDFS 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-7

Option C - Coursework Only

Electives determined in consultation with advisor Credits: 6

Total Required Credits: 36 (Option A & C)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not Required
TOEFL: Department Requirements of 525 paper-based, 71 Internet-based
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

STEP 1: Applicant Applies to the Graduate School
- Apply to the Graduate School at least two months before the FCS/DS deadline to allow for processing
- Graduate School applications received after the FCS/DS 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 DS 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
- Two 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 coursework.

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