The Master of Science in Family and Human Development is a 30-credit online degree program offered through the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics at Arizona State University.

Resident tuition | Non-resident tuition
ASU Online offers start dates every 7.5 weeks.
Multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
Required number of credits to complete this degree

As a student in this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills to promote healthy individual and family development. You will develop an understanding of the factors that promote successful relationships and positive outcomes for individuals, families, and communities across the life-span.

This program is designed for students who want an applied practitioner-oriented approach to develop an advanced understanding of the issues and needs of children, youth, and families in the 21st century. Experienced faculty who are trained in the area and have considerable expertise in delivering high-quality online education teach the courses and help direct students’ capstone projects.

The MS in Family and Human Development is a non-thesis degree program that focuses on practical application. It does not require a GRE for admission and can be completed in as little as 15-18 months, enabling students to enter the job market sooner. Graduates often pursue careers working with children, youth, and adults in human, social and government agencies.

The largest and most diverse unit at Arizona State University:

  • Top 5 for best qualified graduates, according to Wall Street Journal
  • Top 20 for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation
  • 20,000 enrolled students, 89 undergraduate majors, 134 graduate degrees and 22 interdisciplinary schools and departments
  • $115 million in research expenditures
  • #1 university in the nation for innovation

Calendar

Next Start Date:

01/13/2020
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Faculty

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members including:

  • 306 Endowments
  • 12 Named Chairs
  • 14 Named Professorships
  • 1 Pulitzer Prize Winner
  • 1 MacArthur Fellow
  • 3 Nobel Laureates

Program Summary

Total Hours:

30

Related Careers

Graduates with an ASU Online Master of Science in Family and Human Development have career opportunities illustrated in the following list. Career settings include but are not limited to:

  • human resources
  • community support programs
  • non-profit organizations
  • government agencies
  • child protective services
  • private business
  • family violence centers
  • crisis intervention centers
  • before and after school programs
  • early childhood centers
  • correctional facilities or juvenile detention centers
  • adoption agencies
  • health centers and hospitals
  • volunteer centers
  • youth programs
  • nursing homes
  • group homes
  • customer service centers

Will this program allow me to become certified as a counselor, psychologist, or marriage and family therapist?

The master's in Family and Human Development does not license or qualify students to become counselors, therapists, or psychologists. While the information students learn in this program could be beneficial to therapists and counselors, this degree does not enable students to seek licensure as a professional counselor or marriage and family therapist, and the completion of an additional program or degree would be required to do so.

Example Careers

  • law enforcement
  • family support and child care
  • education support and administration
  • paraeducator

Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00= "A") in the last 60 hours of a student's first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. Graduate admission application and application fee
  2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
  3. Current resume or curriculum vitae
  4. Personal statement of goals relevant to the master's degree program
  5. Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic backgrounds
  6. Proof of English proficiency
 

Additional Application Information

An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.

The personal statement must be four to five pages, double-spaced, and must address the applicant's professional goals, the applicant's strengths that will enable the applicant to succeed in the program, and relevant professional experience or responsibilities to the program.

Letters of recommendation must be from at least two academic or professional sources. Family members or friends do not meet this criterion. Applicants should see the program website for full application deadlines and admission terms and details.

Affording College

Learn about the different types of financial aid and scholarship opportunities available. ASU offers a Cost Calculator, Budget Worksheet and Scholarship Search to make the college planning process easier.

Get program details

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