1568
Human Development and Family Science
Developmental and Family Sciences, Early Childhood Education, Family and Community Services, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Gerontology. The PhD is offered in Human Sciences with an option in Human Development and Family Science. Students work with their advisers and advisory committees to develop flexible yet rigorous programs that meet degree requirements and professional competencies in the area of the specialization. Graduate programs in HDFS are central to departmental research. Faculty and students engage in the integration of theory and research to advance the development and application of knowledge to reduce risk and enhance resilience for individuals and families across cultures and generations. HDFS has provided high quality graduate education programs for decades and has graduates in leadership positions across the state and nation in all areas of specialization. The department includes four centers/institutes that enhance student experiences in graduate study: a. the Child Development Laboratory/Rise Program, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and the National Association for the Education of Young Children b. the Center for Family Services, offering high quality marriage and family therapy to the public and a training environment for master's degree students who choose the Marriage and Family Therapy option; c. the Gerontology Institute, focused on advancing the quality of life for aging populations through interdisciplinary programs of instruction, research and public service; and d. the Center for Family Resilience focused on the promotion of resilience and reduction of risk among individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan in rural and urban areas of Oklahoma through multidisciplinary research, education and outreach. The Master of Science Degree The MS degree in Human Development and Family Science is awarded in six options. Applicants specify the option in which they are seeking the MS degree as part of the application process: Applied Human Services (available on both the Stillwater and Tulsa campuses), Developmental and Family Sciences (available on both the Stillwater and Tulsa campuses), Early Childhood Education (available on the Stillwater campus), Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited; available on the Stillwater campus), Gerontology (offered on the Stillwater campus and online through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance) or Family and Community Services (offered online through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance). Admission to the MS program is selective and requires the completion of a bachelor's degree in Human Development, Family Science, Child and Family Services, Early Childhood Education, or a related area. Admission decisions are based on a variety of criteria, including grade-point average (3.0 minimum grade-point average in undergraduate work), GRE scores (minimum scores of 150 for the verbal section, 147 for the quantitative section, and 3.5 for the analytical writing section are preferred for admission), TOEFL scores (required for students for whom English is a second language, 79 minimum), three letters of recommendation, statement of student goals, and a résumé or vita. Admission is available only for the fall semester in the Marriage and Family Therapy option. Applications are reviewed for the fall and spring (on a space available basis) in the other five options. Students in each option take a minimum of 18 credit hours of department core courses designed to prepare them to integrate theory, research and application focused on reducing risk and enhancing resilience within individuals and among families across cultures and generations.
Additional coursework (ranging from a minimum of 12 semester hours to a maximum of 44) in each option, approved by the adviser and student's advisory committee, is focused on integrating theory, research and application within the option. Three options (Early Childhood Education, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Gerontology) offer both a thesis and non-thesis option. The Developmental and Family Sciences option requires a thesis. The minimum number of semester hours required for each option is: Applied Human Services (33 semester hours for non- thesis plan), Early Childhood Education (30 semester hours for thesis plan or 32 for non-thesis plan), Developmental and Family Sciences (30 semester hours for thesis plan), Marriage and Family Therapy (63 semester hours), and Gerontology (39 semester hours for thesis plan; 36 semester hours for the non-thesis plan; and 36 semester hours for the online program through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance). The Family and Community Services option offered online through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance requires 36 hours in a non-thesis format. Graduates of the Applied Human Services option provide leadership in diverse human services careers. Graduates (a) demonstrate an ability to describe, discuss and integrate theory, research and application to address key issues related to individual and family risk and resilience; (b) establish a solid theoretical foundation in Human Development and Family Science, and (c) gain experiences and establish competence related to professional issues in human services. Students select a specialization area based on career goals and interests. The Early Childhood Education BS/MS option emphasizes child development as a foundation for the study and practice of professional education of children from birth through age eight. This program was designed for HDFS undergraduate students seeking both the BS and MS specializing in Early Childhood Education prior to entering the profession. The integrated program is designed to be completed in five years, including two summers, but the MS option is also open to graduates from other departments or universities. To help students gain a strong understanding of how theory and research inform classroom and professional practice, students take courses in history and theory, curriculum, issues and observation and assessment. Students also complete a field experience in early childhood education as part of the degree program. This degree program prepares graduates for careers including: early childhood teacher educator; staff training and development; administration and evaluation; child, family and educational advocate; early childhood consultant; early childhood classroom teacher (requires teacher certification prior to the MS program). The Early Childhood Education dual BS/MS option is available only on the OSU-Stillwater campus. The Developmental and Family Sciences option prepares students to describe, discuss and integrate theory, research and application focused on reducing risk and enhancing resilience. In consultation with their major advisers and advisory committees, students identify courses and experiences that focus on preparing for research-related careers and/ or doctoral study. Coursework focuses on the integration of theory and research in human development and family science, research methods and statistics. Students complete a thesis and get practical research experience. The Developmental and Family Sciences option is available on both the OSU-Stillwater and OSU-Tulsa campuses. The Marriage and Family Therapy option is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. The
Powered by FlippingBook