Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Human Development and Family Sciences (Thesis Option)
Program Overview
The graduate program provides students with the knowledge and expertise to attain professional positions and advancement opportunities in programs serving families and children.
Application Requirements
The items listed below are required for admission consideration for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Submission instructions, additional details, and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website. International students should review the International Admission Documents page for additional requirements.
- completed online application
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
or
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted
- a 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
- background course work
- official GRE (general test only) required with competitive scores in the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections
- resume/CV
- statement of purpose (approximately 500 words)
- three letters of recommendation
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in Human Development and Family Sciences (Thesis Option) requires 37 semester credit hours, including a thesis. Students who do not have the appropriate background course work may be required to complete leveling courses.
Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| FCS 5311 | Statistics and Data Analysis for Family and Consumer Sciences | 3 |
| HDFS 5100 | Introduction to Human Development and Family Sciences | 1 |
| HDFS 5341 | Advanced Child Development | 3 |
| HDFS 5350 | Research Design and Methods in Human Development and Family Sciences | 3 |
| HDFS 5351 | Advanced Theory in Human Development and Family Sciences | 3 |
| HDFS 5352 | Issues in Human Development and Family Sciences | 3 |
| HDFS 5355 | Advanced Independent Study | 3 |
| Prescribed Electives | ||
| Choose 12 hours from the following: | 12 | |
| Foundations of Play | ||
| Advanced Cultural Diversity of Families | ||
| Child Life Specialist | ||
| Grief and Bereavement in Children, Adolescents, and Parents | ||
| Program Evaluation in Human Development and Family Sciences | ||
| Advanced Program Administration | ||
| Comparative Studies in Child Development | ||
| Practicum in Human Development and Family Sciences I | ||
| Grant Writing for the Social Sciences | ||
| Advanced Social Work Research | ||
| Advanced Program Planning and Grant-Based Resource Development | ||
| Thesis | ||
| HDFS 5399A | Thesis | 3 |
| Choose a minimum of 3 hours from the following: | 3 | |
| Thesis | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Total Hours | 37 | |
Comprehensive Examination Requirement
Students pursuing the thesis option will write and defend their thesis. Students who do not successfully defend their thesis will have two additional opportunities to defend.
Students who do not successfully complete the requirements for the degree within the timelines specified will be dismissed from the program.
If a student elects to follow the thesis option for the degree, a committee to direct the written thesis will be established. The thesis must demonstrate the student’s capability for research and independent thought. Preparation of the thesis must be in conformity with the Graduate College Guide to Preparing and Submitting a Thesis or Dissertation.
Thesis Proposal
The student must submit an official Thesis Proposal Form and proposal to his or her thesis committee. Thesis proposals vary by department and discipline. Please see your department for proposal guidelines and requirements. After signing the form and obtaining committee members’ signatures, the graduate advisor’s signature if required by the program and the department chair’s signature, the student must submit the Thesis Proposal Form with one copy of the proposal attached to the dean of The Graduate College for approval before proceeding with research on the thesis. If the thesis research involves human subjects, the student must obtain exemption or approval from the Texas State Institutional Review Board prior to submitting the proposal form to The Graduate College. The IRB approval letter should be included with the proposal form. If the thesis research involves vertebrate animals, the proposal form must include the Texas State IACUC approval code. It is recommended that the thesis proposal form be submitted to the dean of The Graduate College by the end of the student’s enrollment in 5399A. Failure to submit the thesis proposal in a timely fashion may result in delayed graduation.
Thesis Committee
The thesis committee must be composed of a minimum of three approved graduate faculty members.
Thesis Enrollment and Credit
The completion of a minimum of six hours of thesis enrollment is required. For a student's initial thesis course enrollment, the student will need to register for thesis course number 5399A. After that, the student will enroll in thesis B courses, in each subsequent semester until the thesis is defended with the department and approved by The Graduate College. Preliminary discussions regarding the selection of a topic and assignment to a research supervisor will not require enrollment for the thesis course.
Students must be enrolled in thesis credits if they are receiving supervision and/or are using university resources related to their thesis work. The number of thesis credit hours students enroll in must reflect the amount of work being done on the thesis that semester. It is the responsibility of the committee chair to ensure that students are making adequate progress toward their degree throughout the thesis process. Failure to register for the thesis course during a term in which supervision is received may result in postponement of graduation. After initial enrollment in 5399A, the student will continue to enroll in a thesis B course as long as it takes to complete the thesis. Thesis projects are by definition original and individualized projects. As such, depending on the topic, methodology, and other factors, some projects may take longer than others to complete. If the thesis requires work beyond the minimum number of thesis credits needed for the degree, the student may enroll in additional thesis credits at the committee chair's discretion. In the rare case when a student has not previously enrolled in thesis and plans to work on and complete the thesis in one term, the student will enroll in both 5399A and 5399B.
The only grades assigned for thesis courses are PR (progress), CR (credit), W (withdrew), and F (failing). If acceptable progress is not being made in a thesis course, the instructor may issue a grade of F. If the student is making acceptable progress, a grade of PR is assigned until the thesis is completed. The minimum number of hours of thesis credit (“CR”) will be awarded only after the thesis has been both approved by The Graduate College and released to Alkek Library.
A student who has selected the thesis option must be registered for the thesis course during the term or Summer I (during the summer, the thesis course runs ten weeks for both sessions) in which the degree will be conferred.
Thesis Deadlines and Approval Process
Thesis deadlines are posted on The Graduate College website under "Current Students." The completed thesis must be submitted to the chair of the thesis committee on or before the deadlines listed on The Graduate College website.
The following must be submitted to The Graduate College by the thesis deadline listed on The Graduate College website:
- The Thesis Submission Approval Form bearing original (wet) and/or electronic signatures of the student and all committee members.
- One (1) PDF of the thesis in final form, approved by all committee members, uploaded in the online Vireo submission system.
After the dean of The Graduate College approves the thesis, Alkek Library will harvest the document from the Vireo submission system for publishing in the Digital Collections database (according to the student's embargo selection). NOTE: MFA Creative Writing theses will have a permanent embargo and will never be published to Digital Collections.
While original (wet) signatures are preferred, there may be situations as determined by the chair of the committee in which obtaining original signatures is inefficient or has the potential to delay the student's progress. In those situations, the following methods of signing are acceptable:
- signing and faxing the form
- signing, scanning, and emailing the form
- notifying the department in an email from their university's or institution's email account that the committee chair can sign the form on their behalf
- electronically signing the form using the university's licensed signature platform.
If this process results in more than one document with signatures, all documents need to be submitted to The Graduate College together.
No copies are required to be submitted to Alkek Library. However, the library will bind copies submitted that the student wants bound for personal use. Personal copies are not required to be printed on archival quality paper. The student will take the personal copies to Alkek Library and pay the binding fee for personal copies.
Master's level courses in Family and Child Studies: FCS, HDFS
Family and Child Studies (FCS)
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.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Graduate Assistantship|Exclude from Graduate GPA
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
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).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Graduate Assistantship|Exclude from Graduate GPA|Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS)
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.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
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.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
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.
2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Co-requisite(s): MULT 5340
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
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.
3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 10 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
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".
3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 10 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
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.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
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.
5 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
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.
6 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 38 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
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.
6 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 20 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
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.
9 Credit Hours. 9 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
