Empowering Futures: The University of Southern Mississippi's Human Development and Family Science Program

Are you driven by a desire to understand the complexities of human relationships and family dynamics across the lifespan? Do you aspire to make a tangible impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities? The University of Southern Mississippi's (USM) Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) program offers a pathway to achieving these goals. This comprehensive program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote quality of life and serve as effective advocates for children and families.

A Gateway to Diverse Career Paths

A Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science opens doors to a wide array of rewarding professions. It prepares graduates to improve lives through careers in both public and private organizations, agencies, and educational settings that serve children and families. Graduates are also well-prepared to pursue advanced graduate work at the specialist and doctoral levels.

Curriculum and Program Structure

The Master of Science degree in Child and Family Studies (formerly Child and Family Sciences MS) is a thirty-seven (37) hour, fully online program designed for students interested in the integration of theory, research and experiential learning. It builds on a foundation in family systems theory and emphasizes leadership, critical thinking skills, and the connection between research and practice. The CFS MS program is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in educational settings, profit and nonprofit, private and public agencies, and organizations that serve diverse populations of children, families, and communities.

The program is structured for students who work and want to go to school part-time. The first semester students take seven (7) hours and then six (6) hours every semester after that. If you follow this format, you will finish in two calendar years.

During their second year in the program, students choose to complete either a supervised practicum or a thesis. The practicum experience is arranged on an individual basis with each student, and in some instances, the practicum can be completed at the student’s current job site; however, the practicum must be a new professional experience.

Online Human Development and Family Science master’s students are required to take a comprehensive examination during their final semester in the program. Students are expected to complete the exam within a specific time limit and return to the Comps Committee Coordinator. Depending on the adequacy of the student’s responses, the student may pass or fail.

For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin. Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. The advisor for this program is Dr. Mariann Taylor. You can reach Dr.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Students seeking admission to this degree program must submit a resume, a letter of intent identifying professional goals, official GRE scores, official transcripts, and three professional letters of recommendation from faculty members or employers. All application materials are considered collectively to determine an applicant’s strengths and potential areas of concern.

Applicants are encouraged to have materials submitted by April 15 for priority consideration for fall enrollment. In addition to the requirements detailed in Admissions Requirements and Procedures, applicants must submit the following documents: An essay related to the field of CFS. See graduate application for detailed instructions. Statement of Purpose - In a 2-3 page essay, describe your educational training, experiences working with children and families, and discuss your professional goals and describe how they are compatible with the program’s mission. Résumé Letters of Recommendation - Three (3) letters of recommendation from previous professors and/or employer supervisors who can attest to your academic performance and readiness for graduate work.

Ask professionals (e.g., professors, supervisors) who know your academic and/or professional work to write letters of recommendation for you. Letters of recommendation from former professors and other credentialed academics carry more weight and are strongly encouraged.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Conditional Admission

Any student who does not qualify for regular admission may be considered for admission on a conditional basis, provided, however, such a student possesses a grade point average of at least 2.50 (calculated on a 4.0 scale) with a GPA of at least 2.75 on the last 60 hours of coursework. Any student on conditional admission must make a 3.0 in FAM 500: Orientation in CFS (1 hr.) as well as in the first six (6) hours in coursework in the Human Development and Family Science MS Online Program to be reclassified as a regularly admitted student the next semester.

Online Learning Environment

Students for the online HDFS MS will need a reliable computer, broadband access to the Internet, and a web camera and microphone. No, online students pay resident tuition.

Academic Policies and Graduation Requirements

In addition to the requirements detailed in General Degree Requirements and General Academic Information, students must maintain the requisite minimum 3.00 GPA with no grade below a “C” and with no more than one “C” to graduate. Students who make two “Cs” must retake one course to bring the grade up to a “B” or higher and into compliance with degree requirements.

Financial Assistance and Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are available for online students! Our Online Student Scholarship gives first-time, fully online students an opportunity for $500 towards their first semester. To get started with our Online Student Scholarship or to view our list of available scholarships for which you may qualify, visit our Student Scholarship page now! The School of Human Development and Family Science has 13 departmental scholarships available for students each year. All university scholarship opportunities can be found at www.usmfoundation.com. The University of Southern Mississippi provides a Senior Citizen Tuition Scholarship Program for Mississippi residents age 62 or older. Legal residents of the State of Mississippi age 62 or older may enroll tuition-free in a maximum of six (6) semester hours for the fall or spring term.

Military Support

If yes, visit online.usm.edu/military for more information on how Southern Miss can serve you and your needs.

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Child Life Pathway

Our program is not a “Child Life Specialist” program; however, our child life pathway strives to meet most of the academic requirements set forth by the Association of Child Life Professionals. It is up to each student to make sure their degree plan/curriculum fulfills their individual needs with the Association of Child Life Professionals including any additional coursework, internships, and clinical experiences we do not provide.

Preparing for the Future

The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools of Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

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