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Dec 06, 2025
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2025-2026 University Catalog
Human Development and Family Studies, MS
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 Return to: College of Health and Human Sciences (Graduate)
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About the Program
The research-focused Human Development and Family Science doctoral program in Purdue’s College of Health and Human Science’s takes a multilevel approach to human development. The graduate program in HDFS prepares scholars to define problems and conduct rigorous original research that informs policies and practices aimed at supporting the well-being of individuals and families. A central focus of the program is multiple sources of diversity among individuals and social contexts. The doctoral program emphasizes integration and critical evaluation of research relevant to the development of individuals and families as well as interventions aimed at supporting the well-being of individuals and families. Specifically, students demonstrate that they are sophisticated in the use of: • Theories of individual and family development;
• Multiple research strategies to answer specific research questions, and;
• Theory and research to plan and evaluate interventions (policies and programs) designed to enhance individual and family well-being. Both the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered. Because the graduate program is designed to prepare research scientists, students are admitted to the doctoral degree program only. Students may, but are not required to, receive a Master’s degree in the process of completing doctoral program requirements. Students who wish to obtain a Master’s degree prior to obtaining their Ph.D. may do so by completing the appropriate Plan of Study for the Master’s degree. Program Website Program Requirements
31 Credits RequiredRequired Courses (26 credits)
Colloquium (4 credits)
Students must take the colloquium course for four semesters, for a total of 4 credits. Quantitative/Research Methods Courses (13 credits)
The three Research Methods courses must be completed with a grade of ‘B-’ or better. Students who receive a grade less than ‘B-’ must retake the course. Appropriate courses include 500-level courses in the Department of Statistics and 600-level courses in HDFS or other departments. At least one of the two required Advanced Statistics/Research Methods courses must be quantitative. Thesis Research (5 credits)
All HDFS students who have not previously completed an empirical Master’s thesis are required to complete an independent research project during the first two years of the graduate program. This is the Master’s thesis for students who wish to receive the Master’s degree. This project is designed to develop and demonstrate the student’s research competencies. This project requires students to develop a research question based on past research or theory and to answer the question using appropriate analyses. The project may include an analysis of original data (collected by the student) or secondary analysis of an existing dataset. Students work closely with their advisor/major professor in the development, design and implementation of the research proposal. Students completing an independent research project, but not a Master’s thesis, receive credit for their work by registering for HDFS 690-independent study. Concentrations
Departmental concentrations: - Developmental Studies
- Family Studies
- Marriage and Family Therapy
Interdisciplinary concentrations: GPA Requirements
The total number of hours of academic credit used to satisfy degree requirements consists of all course credit hours with a grade of ‘C-’ or better (core courses require a grade of ‘B-’ or better) that appear on the Plan of Study and research (HDFS 699 and/or 698) credit hours with grades of S that appear on the Purdue transcript. Additional Information
- Students who wish to receive a Master’s degree prior to obtaining their Ph.D. may do so by notifying the graduate coordinator by the end of their first year of graduate study. Students will complete the appropriate Plan of Study for the Master’s degree. This coursework is applicable to doctoral program requirements.
- HDFS graduate students should have experience in data collection through 690 credits, a research assistantship that involves data collection, or their thesis or dissertation. This experience is documented via the annual review.
- Students are encouraged to explore opportunities for graduate minors and other available programs aligned with their interests and career goals.
Graduate Programs Disclaimer
- The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
- Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary.
- Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
- Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
- Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Return to: College of Health and Human Sciences (Graduate)
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