MS in Human Development and Family Science
Our MS in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) utilizes interdisciplinary approaches to understand and enhance the well-being of individuals and families in diverse contexts. We strive to implement initiatives that foster community engagement, build strengths, and reflect our commitment to inclusivity and honoring systemic context.
Program Mission and Objectives
Our mission is to be nationally and internationally recognized for advancing the understanding of the well-being of individuals across the lifespan and the family systems of which they are a part. We aspire to teaching, research, and practices that are socially and scientifically significant.
A cornerstone idea for our HDFS graduate programs is development in context, or the perspective that human development is best understood in terms of interconnections among families, neighborhoods, schools, communities, cultures, and international environments.
Masters students focus on:
- understanding how individuals develop and families function in their community context AND
- engagement in productive research culminating in a thesis or practicum project.
The degree prepares professionals for doctoral study or careers in community agencies serving individuals and families across the lifespan.
Degree Requirements and Courses
Our master’s program requires a minimum of 30 credits of coursework including 12 HDFS foundations credits, 9 HDFS-elective credits, 3 statistics or applied research methods credits, and 6 thesis or advanced practicum credits. Graduate courses focus primarily on child development, family dynamics, theory and research in HDFS, and systemic context. There are two pathways into the HDFS master’s program: Accelerated (4+1) for current HDFS Majors or Minors, or Traditional MS (thesis or applied practicum).
Want to learn more? Attend an information session this fall! If you are interested in applying to the HDFS MS program, please register to attend a virtual information session on September 15th from 7-8 pm EST.
If you are a current UTK HDFS Major or Minor in your freshman, sophomore, or junior year and interested in applying to the Accelerated (4+1), please register to attend either of these information sessions: · Friday, October 9th, 1-2 pm in Jessie Harris (in person) · Tuesday, October 13th, 7-8 pm EST (Zoom)
Graduate Faculty Members
Megan Haselschwerdt
Associate Professor & HDFS Graduate Program Director
Elizabeth I. Johnson
Professor
Matt Ogan
Assistant Professor
Spencer Olmstead
Professor & Associate Head
Alexandria Onuoha
Assistant Professor
Amy Rauer
Professor
Heidi Stolz
Professor and Undergraduate Programs Coordinator
Menglin Wei-Wise
Assistant Professor
Julia Yan
Assistant Professor
What most impacted my experience were the opportunities for leadership and growth. In this program, I was gently encouraged to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone. I encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities this program has to offer.
Nicole Mullican, PhD, MS
Class of 2018
Frequently Asked Questions
Are graduate assistantships available?
We strive to provide graduate assistantships for students pursuing their PhD (including MS-PhD) and who are not already employed at UTK. Currently, we are unable to provide graduate assistantships for students pursuing the MS in HDFS.
What is the delivery format?
The program is primarily in person with some online components. Many classes meet during the traditional business workday. The MS-Practicum course meets virtually in the summer, allowing students to complete practicum in community-based settings and other placements outside of Knoxville.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The MS-Practicum is designed to be completed in three semesters (fall, spring, summer) for full-time students. The MS-Thesis is designed to be completed in 1.5-2 years.
Is a thesis required?
All MS students must complete either a master’s thesis with faculty mentorship and supervision or a practicum. The practicum option allows students to work on an intensive, directed project with a community partner under faculty supervision. The practicum option culminates in a rigorous paper focused on the project and application of learning.
What is unique about the MS in HDFS at UTK?
The supportive faculty in the HDFS program is a uniquely positive aspect of the program! In addition, the option to choose between a thesis or non-thesis program allows flexibility for individuals pursuing diverse career paths.
Contact Us
Admin Program Specialist – Caitlin Reed-Bowers
HDFS Graduate Program Coordinator – Megan Haselschwerdt, Ph.D.
For questions regarding residency, finances, and the application portal, please visit Graduate Admissions. You may contact them with follow-up questions.