Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Human Development and Family Sciences (Child Life Specialist Concentration Non-thesis Option)

FCS 5101. Graduate Assistant Development.

This course is required as a condition of employment for graduate teaching and instructional assistants. This course provides regular in-service and planned periodic evaluations of instructional responsibilities. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Repeatable up to 3 times.

FCS 5301. Graduate Assistant Development.

This course is required as a condition of employment for graduate teaching and instructional assistants. It provides information about the educational needs of Texas State University's diverse student body. It also identifies educational strategies and campus resources that support the learning of undergraduate students. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. (MULT).

FCS 5302H. Sustainable Consumer Economy.

This course is a in-depth study of the role of consumption in the development of sustainable systems including the family, natural resources and economics.

FCS 5302J. Statistics and Data Analysis for Family and Consumer Sciences.

This is a graduate level course covering statistical techniques commonly used in the field of family and consumer sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, Chi-Square analysis, analysis of variance and covariance, simple and multiple linear regression, logistic regression, and use of statistical software. Data analysis to support decision-making is emphasized. Restricted to students in one of the graduate FCS programs.

FCS 5302S. Sustainable Textiles.

This course is an in-depth study of the relationship of fibers, fabrics, finishes and textile products end-uses with a particular focus on their impact on sustainability.

FCS 5305. Sustainable Housing.

This course is an in-depth study of the relationship between housing and sustainability with a particular focus on the role of materials, technology, policy and human factors in fostering healthy social, economic and natural systems.

FCS 5307. Sustainable Lighting.

This course focuses on understanding the elements and principles of sustainable lighting and explains how it meets the qualitative needs of the visual environment with the least impact on the natural environment.

FCS 5310. Research Methods in FCS.

This course will cover the evaluation of concepts, methods, and strategies for research in the disciplines of family and consumer sciences. The course will focus on the nature and ethics of scientific research, including design, sampling, measurement, and data collection. Restricted to graduate level majors in the School of Family and Consumer Sciences.

FCS 5311. Statistics and Data Analysis for Family and Consumer Sciences.

This is a graduate level course covering statistical techniques commonly used in the field of family and consumer sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, analysis of variance and covariance, simple and multiple linear regression, logistic regression, and use of statistical software. Data analysis to support decision-making is emphasized. Restricted to graduate students in FCS.

FCS 5340. International Study in Family and Consumer Sciences.

Study of Family and Consumer Sciences topics in international settings. Emphasis will be placed on an analysis of cultural differences and similarities and their application within FCS professions. Repeatable for credit. (MULT).

HDFS 5100. Introduction to Human Development and Family Sciences.

This course focuses on gaining information and competencies important to graduate study success. It includes academic expectations for graduate students, as well as information related to the Human Development and Family Sciences graduate program.

HDFS 5199B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The focus of this course is on data collection, analysis, and writing of thesis. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

HDFS 5299B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The focus of this course is on data collection, analysis, and writing of thesis. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

HDFS 5302A. Social Cognitive Development in Childhood and Adolescence.

This course addresses foundations and theories of social cognitive development of children and adolescence. Current research on social cognitive development is emphasized.

HDFS 5302B. Advanced Adolescent Development.

This course focuses on theoretical analysis and current research of adolescent development. Topics may include developmental transitions, contexts, and issues in diverse adolescents in the contemporary society.

HDFS 5302C. Administration and Evaluation of Family and Child Service Programs.

This course focuses on the management and effectiveness of diverse family and child service programs. This course will include the following topics: management strategies, leadership skills, cultural responsiveness, program evaluation strategies and methods, fiscal management, and ethics.

HDFS 5305. Foundations of Play.

This course analyzes foundations and theories of play as it relates to the development of children. Course content includes medical play, play therapy, music therapy, art therapy, and animal therapy as they are applied in professional settings.

HDFS 5340. Advanced Cultural Diversity of Families.

This course focuses on cultural diversity with an emphasis on contemporary, culturally relevant responses to societal trends. Topics include a critical analysis of cultural competency, multiculturalism, and the strategies implemented to successfully engage in meaningful interactions at the community level. The course incorporates family science research methods to explore topics including family structure and function, family life patterns, multicultural groups, and agents of acculturation. (MULT).

HDFS 5341. Advanced Child Development.

This course focuses on the developmental processes and influences from conception through adolescence and emphasizes the interactive relationship of biological and environmental factors in the total development of the child.

HDFS 5343. Child Life Specialist.

This course introduces students to the scope of Child Life practice, the impact of illness and injury on children and families, patient experience, family centered care, therapeutic play and psychological preparation for treatment and healthcare interventions. The course focuses on theoretical and evidence-based practices used in Child Life practice when interacting with children and families in a variety of healthcare settings. This courses includes content necessary for pursuing application to Child Life Internships and the National Child Life Certification Exam.

HDFS 5344. Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.

This course provides an interdisciplinary understanding of the social and emotional development of infants and young children within the context of the family. Focus is on the role of the infant mental health specialist in strengthening the development of young children and the parent-child relationship.

HDFS 5347. Grief and Bereavement in Children, Adolescents, and Parents.

This course focuses on grief and bereavement throughout the life cycle. Topics include a historical overview of the theoretical models on grief and bereavement, influences on grief and bereavement responses, and current perspectives on helping the bereaved cope. Students analyze grief and bereavement implications for child life specialists.

HDFS 5348. Pain and Anxiety Management for Children.

This course provides child life students with theoretical foundations and applied non-pharmacological strategies for assessing children’s pain and anxiety and assisting them with alleviation during healthcare experiences.

HDFS 5350. Research Design and Methods in Human Development and Family Sciences.

This course includes evaluation of research concepts, methods, and strategies in human development and family sciences. The topics focus on the nature of scientific research, sampling, measurement, data collection, types of socio-behavioral research, data analysis, and evaluation of research reports.

HDFS 5351. Advanced Theory in Human Development and Family Sciences.

This course includes a critical evaluation of theoretical concepts and current research in human development and family sciences. Recent trends in family and developmental theories are emphasized.

HDFS 5352. Issues in Human Development and Family Sciences.

This course examines current issues in human development and family sciences from conceptual, methodological, and multi-disciplinary perspectives. Emphasis is on current research and theories, and their application.

HDFS 5353. Program Evaluation in Human Development and Family Sciences.

This course focuses on the diversity and effectiveness of family and child services programs at the federal, state, and community levels. Program evaluation strategies and measures, fiscal management, and grant writing are included.

HDFS 5355. Advanced Independent Study.

This course provides opportunity for individual work on problems related to student’s primary area of specialization. Work consists of empirical research or critical reviews and integration of existing literature. Course may be repeated once for credit when topics vary.

HDFS 5356. Advanced Program Administration.

This course focuses on human services organizations. Management theory and strategies, strategic planning, program development and implementation, personnel management, and public policy are emphasized.

HDFS 5357. Comparative Studies in Child Development.

This course focuses on the study of cultural values and beliefs and the reflection of these in child development practices. The interactive influence of culture and global policies is addressed.

HDFS 5358. Practicum in Human Development and Family Sciences I.

This course provides opportunity for structured practical experience in human development and family sciences programs. Supervision is provided by a member of the graduate faculty and a designated individual at the work site. Focus is on experiential learning.

HDFS 5359. Practicum in Human Development and Family Sciences II.

This course provides a continued practical experience in human development and family sciences programs. Supervision is provided by a member of the graduate faculty and a designated individual at the work site. A research report is integrated with practical application. Prerequisite: FCD 5358 or HDFS 5358 either with a grade of "CR".

HDFS 5399A. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s initial thesis enrollment. Focus is on identification of thesis topic, review of literature, and research design. No thesis credit is awarded until a student has completed the thesis in Human Development and Family Sciences.

HDFS 5399B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The focus of this course is on data collection, analysis, and writing of thesis. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

HDFS 5599B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The focus of this course is on data collection, analysis, and writing of thesis. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

HDFS 5659. Internship in Child Life.

This course is a structured hospital experience for individuals who plan to pursue a career in child life. Students are provided the opportunity to work in a hospital setting under the direction of a certified child life specialist. Successful completion of this course is required for all applicants pursuing application to Child Life Internships and the National Child Life Certification Exam.

HDFS 5660. Advanced Practicum.

This course is a structured field experience for individuals who plan to pursue a career in the field of human development and family sciences. Students are provided the opportunity to work in a community setting such as a nonprofit organization, government agency, or healthcare setting. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

HDFS 5999B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The focus of this course is on data collection, analysis, and writing of thesis. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.