Graduate Study in HDFSDepartment of

Human Development & Family ScienceOklahoma State University

humansciences.okstate.edu/hdfs

Is graduate study yournext career path?

Why attend Graduate School?• Advance your career• Enhance your earning capacity• Satisfy and promote intellectual curiosity

Why HDFS & not another area of study?• Explore integrated, holistic approaches to development• Improve the lives of children, youth, families, &

communities• Focus on family risk and resilience

How to find out more about Graduate Study in HDFS?

• Email faculty members & graduate students

• Complete a research practicum

• Complete an internship with an agency, faculty

member, or other professional organization

HDFS Graduate Programs

Masters Degree Programs

Doctoral Degree Programs

Masters Degree ProgramsChild & Family Services (CFS) • Focuses on the application of research, theory & best

practices to individual and family risk & resilience

Developmental & Family Science (DFS)• Focuses on social behavioral research

Early Childhood Education (ECE)• Focuses on the application of research, theory, &

best practices with children birth through age eight

NOTE: All required courses can be taken on either campus

Child and Family ServicesCareer Options

• Community Program Positions• Child Development Specialist• Family Life Educator• Youth & Family Services/DHS Worker

•Other Program Positions • Childcare Administrator• Vocational Rehabilitation/Job Training Specialist• Extension Educator• Faith-Based Organization

• Health-related Programs

Developmental & Family ScienceCareer Options

•Preparation for Doctoral Study•Child Development Specialist

•Policy-Related Positions•Researcher/Analyst•Evaluator•Grant Writer

•Social Service/Community Agency Positions •Child Advocate•Family Assessment Specialist•Project Manager

• Teaching Positions• Research/Training based Child Development

Lab/School• Public or Private School – Preschool through Grade 3

• Child Care Center Positions• Director• Administrator• Evaluator

• Child Development Consulting Positions• Public or Private School• State or Federal Government Agency• Private Practice

Early Childhood EducationCareer Options

Gerontology• Focuses on interdisciplinary research translating into

meaningful outreach and instructional programs improving quality of life for older citizens, their families, and communities

Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT)• Provides clinical training to work with clients on a wide

range of presenting problems including depression, anxiety, parent-child issues, abuse, violence, marital and premarital issues, trauma, and loss

• The only CAMFTE accredited program in Oklahoma

Masters Degree Programs

• Senior Center, Intergenerational, Adult Day Care, Retirement or Assisted Living Positions• Evaluator• Research Consultant • Project Management• Leisure and Recreation Program Director• Nutrition Consultant• Long-Term Care Director

• Senior Employment/Volunteer Program Positions

• Home Health Care Administrative Positions

• Preparation for Doctoral Study

Gerontology Career Options

• Licensed Counselor Positions• Individual and Family Therapist• Private Practice• Clinic

• State or Federal Government Agencies

• Program Positions• Case Manager• Crisis and Hotline Service Provider• Divorce Mediation• Residential Treatment• Substance Abuse Treatment

Marriage & Family TherapyCareer Options

Specialize in Human Development, Family Science, or Gerontology

• Breadth: Substantive content across HDFS disciplines

• Depth: Substantive content within primary discipline

• Integration: Capitalize on strengths of HDFS disciplines

• Experience: Research, instruction, and various other applications enhancing individual and family resilience

Doctoral ProgramHuman Environmental Sciences

PhD Career Options

• University Professor - public or private

• Statistician/Analyst

• Private Practice Consultant

• Center/Program Director

• Direct Government Research and Policy Programs

• Professional Journal Editor

What to expect in Graduate School

• Complete required coursework

• Select thesis or non-thesis option

• Work with faculty members

• Enhance your professional development

• Expand your professional network of mentors

& colleagues

Admission RequirementsApplication materials are due the semester PRIOR to admission!

Graduate College• Application (with $40 fee)• Official transcripts from all

colleges attended

HDFS Department• Graduate college application• Department application & 2-

3 page statement of goals• Resume (or CV)• 3 recommendation

letters/forms• GRE scores• Undergraduate GPA – 3.0

Graduate Record Exam (GRE): •www.ets.org•Testing available almost daily•Exam takes up to 4 hours•Scores sent to university 10-15 days after testing•$140 exam fee•OSU: 6546, HDFS: 4602

International Students•Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) •Official Transcript certified translation into English

Admission Deadlines!

Fall• Scholarships/Fellowships• December 19

• Graduate College & HDFS Department• January 10

• MFT only admits for fall

Spring• Scholarships/Fellowships • December 19

• Graduate College & HDFS Department• October 15

Financial SupportHuman Development and Family Science• Research Assistantships• Teaching Assistantships• Other Graduate Assistantships• Travel Support• Limited Scholarships and Fellowships

Graduate College• Limited Scholarships and Fellowships• Tuition Waivers• Health Benefits

Support for GTAs/GRAs during 2010-2011 academic year

For more information visit:http://humansciences.okstate.edu/

Email: humansciences.hdfs@okstate.edu

gradcollege.okstate.edu

osu-tulsa.okstate.edu/gradservices

Or visit Graduate Student ServicesIn Tulsa – Main Hall CommonsIn Stillwater – 202 Whitehurst

Questions?

Updated 04/29/10