College of Education Health and Human Services
School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences
www.kent.edu/ehhs/ldes

About This Program

The Human Development and Family Science M.A. program is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the development and functioning of individuals and families across the lifespan. You'll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a variety of settings, including education, social services, and research. Read more...

Contact Information

• Maureen Blankemeyer | mblankem@kent.edu | 330-672-9397

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Applications to the M.A. in Human Development and Family Science are not being accepted starting with the spring 2026 term.

Applications to the M.A. in Human Development and Family Science are not being accepted starting with the spring 2026 admission term.

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

Applications to the M.A. in Human Development and Family Science are not being accepted starting with the spring 2026 admission term.

Applications to the M.A. in Human Development and Family Science are not being accepted starting with the spring 2026 term.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

The master's project is intended for students who do not plan to continue graduate work beyond the master's degree, and provides the opportunity to approach research and theory in a more applied manner. The presentation and interpretation of original research is not required. However, approval of the intended project by the student's master's project committee is required, as is the successful completion of an oral final examination conducted by the master's project committee.

²

The thesis is intended for research-oriented students and is designed to provide the opportunity to conduct original research. Approval of a thesis proposal by the student's thesis committee is required, as is the successful completion of an oral final examination conducted by the thesis committee.

Graduation Requirements

• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Identify physical, intellectual, emotional and social dimensions of human life within their respective disciplines; recognize the unique strengths and needs of individuals and families; and apply knowledge of human development and family relationships through involvement with and study of diverse populations.
2. Communicate their ideas in oral presentations and written papers; demonstrate an understanding of theories, methods and principles of research pertaining to human development and family relationships; and access scholarly sources of information and critically evaluate the quality of empirical research pertaining to human development and family relationships.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in developmental and family research methods and relevant statistical analyses; and understand program development, delivery and evaluation pertaining to human development and family relationships.
4. Understand the interrelationship between theory, research and practice.

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Human Development and Family Science provides students with advanced knowledge in the fields of family sciences and human development and the opportunity to develop multidisciplinary research and community outreach skills.

Coursework enables students to apply to become Certified Family Life Educators. Courses focus on current research and practice in human development and family science with an emphasis on family theories and processes; family life education; the reciprocal influences of family, school, work and community contexts; development across the lifespan; and the strengths and needs of diverse populations.

The program emphasizes both basic and applied research. Student participation in interdisciplinary research and community outreach projects is encouraged. Graduates are prepared for leadership and teaching positions in the social services, junior and community colleges and cooperative extension and/or for pursuing doctoral-level study.