Master's Programs

Master of Science in Family Studies—Previous Program (PDF)
Students pursuing the Family Studies Master’s degree take core courses totaling 12 hours: FAM 652, FAM 654, FAM 668, and FAM 690. Within this master’s is the option of a prescribed program of study in Marriage and Family Therapy that includes a one-year practicum experience.

The Family Studies Master’s requires 36 credit hours. At least two-thirds of the minimum requirements must be in regular courses, and at least three-quarters of the minimum requirements must be in courses numbered at the 600 or 700 levels. Plan A (thesis) requires 36 hours, 6 of which are thesis credit hours, 12 core course hours, and 18 hours of major electives. Plan B (non-thesis) requires 36 credit hours, 12 of which are core courses and 24 of which are major electives. The deadline date for application for the following fall semester is January 15. 

Master of Science in Family Studies—New Program (PDF)
Students may complete the Family Studies Master of Science degree with an emphasis in Family Science.  Students pursuing the Family Studies Master’s degree take core courses totaling 15 hours: FAM 601, FAM 652, FAM 654, FAM 668, and FAM 690. Within this master’s is the option of a prescribed program of study in Marriage and Family Therapy that includes a one-year practicum experience—the same 49-hour (2-year) Plan B (non-thesis) program of prescribed courses described above.

The Family Studies Master’s requires 30 credit hours. At least two-thirds of the minimum requirements must be in regular courses, and at least three-quarters of the minimum requirements must be in courses numbered at the 600 or 700 levels. Plan A (thesis) requires 30 hours, 6 of which are thesis credit hours, 15 core course hours, and 9 hours of major electives. Plan B (non-thesis) requires 30 credit hours, 15 of which are core courses, 9 hours of major electives and 6 hours of independent study resulting in a scholarly project. The deadline date for application for the following fall semester is January 15. 

Master of Science in Family Studies—Marriage and Family Therapy Option
Students pursuing the Marriage and Family Therapy option within the Family Studies Master’s degree, complete a 49-hour (2-year) Plan B (non-thesis) program of prescribed courses* that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. The program includes course work in the following areas: a) Theoretical Foundations of Marital and Family Therapy; b) Assessment and Treatment in Marital and Family Therapy; c) Human Development and Family Studies; d) Research; e) Ethics and Professional Issues; and f) Supervised Clinical Practice. Students in this program may choose Plan A (thesis) requiring 6 additional thesis credit hours.  Students are admitted to the Marriage and Family Therapy program beginning in the fall term only, and take courses through the following summer. The deadline for applying for admission is January 15.

Masters of Science in Career and Technical Education
Formerly known as Vocational Education, the Career and Technical Education option focuses on developing excellent teaching skills. The program prepares students for professional certification at the rank II level. (Initial certification also is available in this option.) Students not interested in certification may design a program to meet their unique education interests. Conducted jointly with faculty from the Department of Family Studies, CTE allows students to concentrate in either Agricultural or Family and Consumer Sciences Education and is a good background for Cooperative Extension work.