Course of Study
The student's course of study is guided by a graduate committee comprised of three faculty members. The student's major adviser, another faculty member from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, and a third member is selected from faculty outside the department.
- Five courses designed to expose the student to fundamental concepts of lifespan development and family functioning and to develop research skills:
- HDFS 500 Issues in Human Development & Family Studies
- HDFS 524 Family Theory
- HDFS 501 Readings in the Discipline
- HDFS 549 Research Methods I
- HDFS 550 Research Methods II
- Thesis
The thesis is a scholarly, empirical paper. The student tests specific hypotheses by collecting and analyzing qualitative or quantitative data or by analyzing an existing data set. To register for thesis credit, one must complete the HD699 Thesis form and return it to one's thesis advisor. - Program Emphasis Courses
Students in Prevention Science complete a program emphasis of at least 26 credits that focus on a chosen academic or career area. These credits include skill-based courses in Prevention Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation, and grant writing. Students in Marriage and Family Therapy complete credits in core courses, thesis, and professional studies (practicum and internship).
| Course |
Credits |
| Family Studies | |
| HDFS524 Family Theory | 3 |
| HDFS534 Marriage and Family Therapy | 3 |
| Select 1 or more of the following: | |
| 692A (Advanced Studies-Intimacy and Human Sexuality), or | 3 |
| 692B (Advanced Study-Parenting) | 3 |
| 9 credits | |
| Marriage (Couple) and Family Therapy | |
| HDFS624 Skills & Techniques in Family Therapy | 3 |
| HDFS644 Foundations in Family Therapy | 3 |
| HDFS676 Professional Skills Development | 3 |
| HDFS520 Family Therapy Theory & Practice: Common Factors | 3 |
| HDFS521 Family Therapy Theory & Practice: Treatment Planning | 3 |
| HDFS620 Family Therapy Theory & Practice: Addictions | 3 |
| HDFS621 Family Therapy Theory & Practice: Special Topics | 3 |
| HDFS687C Internship-Marriage and Family Therapy | 5 |
| 26 credits | |
| Human Development | |
| HDFS500 Issues in HDFS | 3 |
| EDCO693 Seminar-Guidance and Counseling (Psychopathology) | 3 |
| Developmental elective (1 or more): HDFS611 (Early Development) | 3 |
| or HDFS612 (Adolescent Development) or HDFS613 (Adult Development and Aging) | 3 |
| or HDFS792A (Lifespan Socioemotional Development) | 3 |
| or HDFS 792B (Lifespan Cognitive Development) | 3 |
| minimum of 9 credits | |
| Professional Studies | |
| HDFS677 Ethical and Legal Issues | 3 |
| Research | |
| HDFS549 Research Methods I | 3 |
| HDFS550 Research Methods II | 3 |
| HDFS501 Readings in the Discipline | 1 |
| HDFS699 Thesis | 6 |
| 13 credits | |
| Total | Minimum of 60 credits |
Please note: One course cannot satisfy multiple requirements
MFT students: You are welcome to take additional courses as an overload such as HDFS650 advanced methods, and any other HDFS or campus graduate courses.
