Human Development and Family Science

Program Description

Programs of study leading to a Graduate Certificate or the Master of Science degree are offered in three options: Family Financial Planning, Youth Development, and Gerontology. All of these options are available via a collaborative, inter-institutional program offered through online distance education. Each program requires a capstone practicum experience to complete the M.S. degree. Students can complete the M.S. programs in two to three years and the certificate programs in one calendar year.

The Family Financial Planning (FFP) M.S. option is a 36-credit program with a specific curriculum approved by the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Board of Standards. Graduate certificates (18 credits) are available in Financial Planning and in Financial and Housing Counseling.

The Gerontology M.S. option requires 36 credits, and the Graduate Certificate requires 15 credits. An advanced degree in the field of Gerontology can benefit the professional in social work, nursing, counseling, recreation, public policy, long-term care administration, medicine, architecture, interior design, psychology, adult education, and rehabilitation therapy.

The Youth Development M.S. option requires 36 credits. Graduate Certificates (13 credits) are available in Youth Development and in Youth Program Management and Evaluation. Youth development is an emerging professional field. It has a positive orientation, meaning its focus is on promoting the positive development of youth, and it is an applied field, with professionals who put developmental research and theory into practice in structuring and implementing programs and services for adolescents.

In addition to the Graduate School’s required application requirements, submit the statement of purpose indicating reasons for pursuing graduate study, specifying your special interests within your chosen discipline and including your background preparation in that area. Mention any relevant skills or experience you have acquired. In addition, be sure to address the following, in 500 words or less:

1. How your interest in this field developed.
2. Why you chose our program at NDSU.
3. The experiences you have had (e.g. informal, academic, employment, volunteer) that you see as related to this graduate program or your professional goals.
4. What your professional goals are and how this graduate program will help you accomplish your professional goals.

Family Financial Planning

Gerontology

Youth Development 

*Upon approval of topic by adviser. Can be taken more than once with different topics.

Family Financial Planning 

Select one of the options: Financial Planning or Financial Counseling

Gerontology 

Youth Development

¹

With approval of topic by advisor.

Youth Program Management and Evaluation 

¹

With approval of topic by advisor.