Human Sciences (M.S.) - Developmental Sciences Specialization

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus, Online

Student typing on a laptop.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Ann Michelle Daniels, Associate Professor
School of Education, Counseling and Human Development
Wenona Hall 005
605-688-4036

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.

Course Delivery Format

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

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.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Thesis	36 Credit Hours
	Non-Thesis	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 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

Select 12 credits from the following. Credits: 12

CHRD / HDFS 702 - Advanced Human Sexuality Credits: 3
GERO 520 - Grief and Loss Credits: 3
HDFS 510 - Parenting Credits: 3
HDFS 525 - Family Resiliency Credits: 3
HDFS 535 - Family Policy Credits: 3
HDFS 551 - Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Credits: 3
HDFS 544 - Diverse Families Credits: 3
HDFS 742 - Family Theory and Research Credits: 3

Human Development in Educational Context

Select 12 credits from the following. Credits: 12

ECE 645 - Contemporary Perspectives in Early Childhood Education Credits: 3
EDER 612 - Inquiry and Action Research Credits: 3
EDER 711 - Educational Assessment (COM) Credits: 3
EDFN 600 - Educational Theory in Practice Credits: 3
EDFN 730 - Current Issues in Education (COM) Credits: 3
EPSY 723 - Adolescent Psychology Credits: 3
EPSY 740 - Educational Psychology: Cognition, Learning and Applications Credits: 3

Select one of the following options

Thesis

ECE 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-7 (6 credits required)
or EDFN 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-6 (6 credits required)
or HDFS 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-7 (6 credits required)

Non-Thesis

Electives determined in consultation with advisor Credits: 6

Total Required Credits: 36 (Thesis & Non-Thesis)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not Required
TOEFL: 71 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

STEP 1: Applicant Applies to the Graduate School
- Apply to the Graduate School at least two months before the program deadline to allow for processing.
- Graduate School applications received after the program 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 Program
- Applicants to the program 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.

Accelerated Master’s Program

The accelerated master’s program will be available to eligible SDSU students. Up to twelve (12) graduate level credits may apply to the undergraduate degree as major requirements or electives with approval from the student’s academic advisor, department head/school director, and college dean. Students must follow SDSU Policy 2:22 Use of Graduate Credit for Undergraduate Degree Requirements.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .