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 or case study 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 Counseling.

The Gerontology M.S. option requires 30 credits, and the Graduate Certificate requires 12 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 (12 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.

James Deal, Ph.D.
University of Georgia, 1987
Research Interests: Identity Development in Emerging Adults, Particularly in the Areas of Religion and the Transition to College; First Generation and/or Low Income Students and Issues Related to Financial Support

Margaret Fitzgerald, Ph.D.

Iowa State University, 1997

Research Interests: Family Owned Businesses--copreneurial couples, women and minority-owned businesses, the interface between the business, family and community, and managerial adjustment strategies.

Heather Fuller, Ph.D.
University of Michigan, 2009
Research Interests: Social Relationships and Well-Being Across the Lifespan (e.g. Intergenerational Relationships); Successful Aging and Health Promotion; Aging in Rural and Cross-Cultural Contexts; Aging Families and Caregiving; Survey Research and Program Evaluation

Joel Hektner, Ph.D.
University of Chicago, 1996
Research Interests: Design and Effectiveness of Programs to Prevent Adjustment Problems and Promote Well-Being in Children and Adolescents; Peer Affiliation Patterns and Peer Influences on Children's Behaviors; Family and School Conditions that Facilitate Optimal Experiences (Flow) and Optimal Development; the Experience Sampling Method

Leanna McWood, Ph.D.

Auburn University, 2020
Research Interests: Extracurricular Involvement; Social Relationships; Contextual Influences; Sleep; Adolescent Development

Natira Mullet, Ph.D.

Texas Tech University, 2020

Research Interests: Intergenerational, cultural and familial protective factors to reduce interpersonal trauma and resulting substance use and mental health outcomes among marginalized communities.

Melissa O'Connor, Ph.D.
University of South Florida, 2010
Research Interests: Examining Age-Related Differences and Changes in Cognitive and Functional Abilities, Such as Driving, Among Healthy Adults and Clinical Populations; Quantitative Methods and Psychometrics; Interventions for Improving Cognition, Health, and Everyday Functioning; and Attitudes Toward Dementia

Rachelle Vettern, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 2006
Research Interests: Leadership and Volunteer Development