Department of Human Development and Family Studies

A Top-Ranking Graduate School for Human Development and Family Studies

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) Department of Human Development and Family Studies offers several graduate degrees for students interested in human development and family studies. Students may choose from a variety of programs including thesis or non-thesis master's degree options and graduate certificates. The programs - which are designed for full- or part-time students as well as professionals already working in related fields - combine classwork with opportunities for hands-on training.

Exciting State, Regional, and National Internships

For those individuals interested in a master's degree, UNH has partnered with organizations such as hospitals, youth services organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to provide students with opportunities to work with families and children throughout New Hampshire, New England, and the nation. Current and past internship partner sites include Boston Children's Hospital; SAGE (Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders); Maine Medical Center; New Hampshire Department of Public Health; United Way; Operation Military Kids; Seacoast Youth Services; Teen Institute; and Strafford County Victim/Witness Program.

Master's Programs with Thesis and Non-Thesis Options

Students enrolled in the Human Development and Family Studies Master of Science (M.S.) Program in the Core Areas of Adolescent Development or Child Development may choose between thesis or non-thesis options. The thesis option requires students to research, write, and defend a thesis on an original research topic. Thesis students complete 6-10 hours of thesis-related coursework. The non-thesis option requires students to complete an additional 8 hours of approved electives and pass a comprehensive examination.

The Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, Adolescent Development Core Area

The Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies in the Core Area of Adolescent Development places emphasis on the influences of family and community on adolescent development. The program focuses on the health and well-being of adolescents and promotes a developmental perspective to shape programs, policies, and interventions. Students in this program must each complete 12 hours of core curriculum; 22 credits of elective coursework; and an internship in a program working with or for adolescents. Students may choose a thesis or non-thesis option.

The M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies, Child Development Core Area

The Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies in the Core Area of Child Development provides students with a deep understanding of children from infancy through early school years. Students in the program closely examine the ways society, culture, and politics influence young children's social, emotional, moral, and cognitive development. All students in the program are required to complete an internship in a child-focused setting. Students must complete 12 hours of core curriculum, 22 hours of relevant electives, and a thesis or comprehensive examination.

The M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies, Marriage and Family Therapy Program

The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program at the University of New Hampshire prepares students to work in mental health, family service, medical, and human service settings. Clinical training emphasizes treating the individual, couple and family in relationship to the larger systems that influence them. In addition to completing core coursework and electives, students in the MFT degree program must complete 500 hours of supervised clinical practice. MFT students are also required to complete a research paper and video presentation in order to graduate.

Graduate Certificate Program in Adolescent Development

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies at UNH offers a graduate certificate program in Adolescent Development. Students in the graduate certificate program complete 14 or 15 hours of coursework, including 2 core courses and a selection of approved, relevant electives. The graduate certificate can typically be completed in 1 year if students attend full-time.

Faculty Members with a Wide Variety of Research Interests

Faculty members in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies teach, engage in service, and conduct research on a wide variety of areas including child, adolescent and emerging adult development, parent-child relationships, family dynamics, contextual influences, family treatment for substance abuse problems, gender and culture issues, families with children with disabilities, and grievous loss and the family.

Admissions Requirements for Human Development and Family Studies Graduate Programs

Students interested in applying to an M.S. or graduate certificate program in the UNH Department of Human Development and Family Studies should hold an undergraduate degree in a related field. All applicants must have completed an introductory statistics class (or equivalent course) before entering the Human Development and Family Studies graduate program. Applicants must submit: - An online application and fee - A personal statement (Core Areas of Study and Certificate Program) OR the applicant's responses to five MFT-specific questions available on the department's web site (MFT Program) - THREE letters of recommendation for the Core Areas of Study Programs and the MFT Program OR TWO letters of recommendation for the Certificate Program - Transcripts from all colleges attended GRE scores are not required. Applications for the MFT program are due January 15th. Applications for the Core Areas of Study and Certificate Program are due December 1st for admission in the spring semester and May 15th for admission in the fall semester. Core Areas of Study and Certificate students who plan to attend full-time and wish to be considered for financial aid must apply to the appropriate program and indicate an interest in receiving financial assistance by January 15th. A personal interview may be required for admission to the Human Development and Family Studies Graduate Program. Interviews are typically held in person, but conference or Skype calls may be permitted under special circumstances.

Tuition and Financial Assistance

Costs for the M.S. and graduate certificate programs at UNH include tuition, books and supplies, and administrative fees. Departmental financial aid in the form of tuition scholarships and graduate assistantships is available.