Human Development and Family Science Masters

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Family Financial Planning

HDFS 677Financial Counseling3
HDFS 762Retirement Planning, Employee Benefits and the Family3
HDFS 763Personal Income Taxation3
HDFS 765Insurance Planning for Families3
HDFS 766Estate Planning for Families3
HDFS 769Financial Planning Case Studies3
HDFS 770Fundamentals of Financial Planning3
HDFS 771Investing for the Family's Future3
Electives6
Theories & Research in Family Financial Planning I
Theories & Research in Family Financial Planning II
Professional Practices in Family Financial Planning
Housing/Real Estate
Military Personal Financial Readiness
Practicum/Internship
Other elective approved by advisor
Total Credits30

Gerontology

HDFS 723Foundations in Integrative Aging Studies3
HDFS 721Contemporary Perspectives on Adult Development and Aging3
3 credits from Block 2:3
Physical Health, Wellness, Nutrition and Active Aging
Socioemotional and Cognitive Well-being throughout Adulthood
Graduate Seminar (Focused on the Aging Individual)
3 credits from Block 3:3
Family Relationships and Aging
Graduate Seminar (Focused on Aging in Context)
Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Environments for Aging
3 credits from Block 4:3
Aging Policy and Advocacy
Implementation of Community Programs for Older Adults
Applied Research Methods and Evaluation of Aging Programs
Graduate Seminar (Focused on Translational Practice)
HDFS 794Practicum/Internship3
12 credits of electives selected from any of the above courses12
Total Credits30

Youth Development 

HDFS 710Foundations of Youth Development3
HDFS 711Youth Development3
HDFS 712Positive Youth Development in Community Settings3
HDFS 713Adolescents and Their Families3
HDFS 716Youth Professionals as Consumers of Research3
HDFS 717Design and Evaluation of Youth Programs3
HDFS 718Youth Development Personnel and Program Management3
HDFS 719Youth Policy3
HDFS 730Youth-Adult Relationships3
HDFS 794Practicum/Internship3
Electives (select 2 courses)6
Contemporary Youth Issues (*)
Youth Culture
Graduate Seminar (*)
HDFS 794 Practicum/Internship (Additional hours)
Total Credits36

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


Admission and Application Requirements

  • Graduate School admission and application requirements are found on the Admission Information page.
  • In addition, this program requires applicants to 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.
  • The statement of purpose should address the following, in 500 words or less:
    • How your interest in this field developed.
    • Why you chose our program at NDSU.
    • The experiences you have had (e.g. informal, academic, employment, volunteer) that you see as related to this graduate program or your professional goals.
    • What your professional goals are and how this graduate program will help you accomplish your professional goals.