Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Development
(ISIS code: HD1)

View Sample Programs for course sequencing

This 30-credit-hour master’s program is designed to give students a broad understanding of issues in human development and emphasizes extensive experience and training in research in psychosocial development. It will be of interest to researchers and educators who are seeking solutions to human problems in organizations and communities. It also serves as an excellent foundation for doctoral work in education, human development, clinical psychology and related fields. Our graduates also find entry-level positions in health and human service agencies, in research projects, case management, family outreach and other roles where knowledge of human development is valued.

The program can be completed in one year if studying full-time and is designed with maximum flexibility to allow students to draw widely from the resources of the University in developing their own area of interest and expertise.

UR Undergraduates may pursue a 45-hour, 3+2 program leading to an M.S.- Human Development with a concentration in Psychological Development (ISIS code: HD2). In addition to offering courses providing a broad understanding of issues in human development, this course of study emphasizes extensive experience and training in research in psychological development. It is also designed to permit maximum flexibility to allow students to draw widely from the resources of the University to develop their area of interest and expertise.

Requirements

I. Master's Core
(9 credits)

ED 406 Master’s Research Methods
ED 429 Theories of Human Development
ED 419 Life Course Studies

II. Specialization Courses
(9 credits)

In consultation with their advisors, students may select from a wide array of human development courses offered throughout the university. The courses available through the Warner School include the following:

ED 403 Disability and Early Childhood
EDU 467 Language, Literacy, Cognitive Development
EDU 464 Child Development and Learning in Context (5 to 12
years)
ED 415 Adolescent Development and Youth Culture
ED 425 Minority Youth Development in Urban Contexts
ED 494 Human Development in Old Age

III. Electives
(12 credits)

Students may complete 12 hours of electives through further coursework. Choices include, but are not limited to:

EDU 565 Research in Life Course Studies
ED 418 The Family and Social Dynamics
EDU 405 Policy and Practice in Developmental Differences
ED 457 Autism Spectrum Disorders: Characteristics and Educational Issues
EDU 439 Interpersonal Systems in Counseling and Human Development
ED 483 Communication and Counseling Skills for Teachers, Administrators, and Other Helping Professionals
EDU 453 Counseling and Facilitating in Small Groups
EDU 470 Multicultural Perspectives in Counseling
EDU 471 Counselor as Systems Consultant
ED 481 School, Family, and Community Relations
ED 407 Development, Learning, and Teaching for Children Ages 3 to 5
ED 408 Development, Learning, and Teaching for Children Ages Birth to 3
ED 520 Introduction to Program Evaluation
One course in Educational Leadership
One course in Policy
One course in Grant Writing
A Research Apprenticeship

IV. Additional Requirements

Master's Thesis

Total: 30 credits

Note: Students must complete 30 hours following the completion of a bachelor’s degree; students may not transfer undergraduate work toward the master's degree unless those courses have been taken at the graduate level and beyond the minimum number of credits required for graduation.

Students who elect to do field study must complete a form in collaboration with the field-study sponsor at the beginning of each field experience indicating what they will be doing; this form must be approved by the advisor by the second week of the semester.

Go to Counseling & Human Development Course Listings.