Program Overview
in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences (AHDFS) Enhance your expertise in family social services and child development. Our master’s degree program in applied human development and family sciences (AHDFS) will prepare you to advance your career in family social services and child development programming and administration, or for doctoral study in a related area. In just two years of full-time study, you’ll gain up-to-date knowledge, practical skills and hands-on experience to promote the well-being of individuals and families. You can complete the degree without a specialization, or you can choose a specialization in marriage and family therapy or a specialization in leadership in aging studies .
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Northern Illinois University.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
Career Opportunities
Career Outlook for M.S. in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences (AHDFS)
Average mid-career salary for alumni: Top job titles for alumni: Growth rate: The career outlook for roles such as, early education professionals, child care center directors and preschool teachers is growing faster than average .
Sources: Steppingblocks, {{steppingBlocksSourceYear}}; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Program Curriculum
Curriculum and Requirements
Our program will advance your knowledge of youth work, gerontological programming, child life programs in hospitals, infant and childcare programs, family support services, and family life and parenting education. You can choose to write a thesis or take the written comprehensive exam.
Practicum and Internships We offer supervised practicum and internship opportunities to give you professional experience in child development and family social services. They’re designed to help you connect your academic knowledge to real-life practice and build relationships in the field. Some of the organizations our students have completed internships at include: 19th Judicial Circuit Court Big Brothers Big Sisters Cook County Juvenile Court YMCA DeKalb County Court Services Elder Care Services Illinois Department of Child and Family Services Kane County Health Department Kankakee County Juvenile Probation Methodist Youth Services Rosecrance Center Vocamotive Learning Outcomes Ability to apply and synthesize theories of human development, family relationships and human ecology to such topics as: normal child development and family process, gender issues, social class and cultural influences and normative and non-normative transitions Ability to apply scientific and ethical approaches to the study of and practice with children, adults and families Professional verbal communication skills and cognitive skills and use of technology Ability to promote social and public policies that benefit children and families Ability to integrate their knowledge and skills in order to work with individuals and families of diverse backgrounds
Admission Requirements
How to Apply
You’ll apply through the Graduate School .
Application Materials You’ll provide the following materials to the Graduate School: Completed application for admission (select Master of Science Applied Human Development and Family Sciences) Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions A personal/goals statement Two letters of recommendation GRE scores are not required. Deficiency Coursework In order to be admitted to the AHDFS program, you must have at least nine credit hours of undergraduate courses in human development and family studies (formerly family and child studies) or the equivalent, including: One course in family relations One course in child or lifespan development One three-hour upper-division course in family theories or child development theories You may be required to make up deficiencies in human development and family sciences by completing designated courses with a grade of B or better in your first semester after admission to the program. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program. Student-at-large and Transfer Credit You can apply a maximum combined total of 12 student-at-large and transfer credits to your degree program. You can use no more than six hours of student-at-large credit taken in the school and no more than six hours of student-at-large credit taken outside the school. Exceptions may be approved if the maximum of 12 hours is not exceeded.
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students .
Assistantships
Many NIU graduate students have an assistantship , which provides financial support (typically a tuition waiver and stipend), as well as career preparation.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 700/year (international)
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students .
Assistantships
Many NIU graduate students have an assistantship , which provides financial support (typically a tuition waiver and stipend), as well as career preparation.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students .
Assistantships
Many NIU graduate students have an assistantship , which provides financial support (typically a tuition waiver and stipend), as well as career preparation.
About Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, United States
Northern Illinois University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields....
University Profile- Language English
- Credits 60–120 ECTS (confirm with the university)