Masters in Human Development
About Our Program
A person with a master’s degree in HDFS is highly qualified to work as an administrator in public, private, and nonprofit organizations in areas such as county extension offices, community services, family advocacy programs, child development centers, social service agencies, human resources, crisis centers, and NGO (non-governmental organizations).
With a myriad of opportunities to do real-time research through our Child Development Center for Learning and Research (CDCLR), Family Therapy Center, and the Engagement Center for Creative Aging (ECCA), our multidisciplinary program prepares professionals for careers in academia, social services, health care, government, non-profits, and more.
Campus:
Virginia Tech Blacksburg Campus
Type of Instruction:
On-Campus In-Person
31 hrs
Total Credit Hours
16 hrs
Core Requirement
3 hrs
Elective Requirement
12 hrs
Internship & Project
Curriculum
What You'll Study
Required Courses
- HD 5654 Grant Dev & Administration (3)
- HD 5104 Adult Dev & Aging (3)
- HD 5224 Child Dev in Family Context (3)
- HD 5324 Marriage & Family Relations (3)
- HD 5514 Research Methods (3)
- HD 5974 IS: Research Methods Lab (1)
Electives
Students pick at least 1 elective
- HD 5524 Qualitative Methods (3)
- HD 5244 Sexual Health & Human Rights (3)
- HD 5344 Perspectives of Human Sexuality (3)
- HD 5005 HDFS Theories: Ind & Lifespan (3)
- HD 5006 HDFS Theories: Fam & Systems (3)
- HD 5644 Program Planning & Eval (3)
Internship and Project
- HD 5754 Internship (6)
- HD 5904 Project & Report (6)
Why choose this program?
Graduates with an MS going on the job market would be highly qualified to work as administrators in public, private, and nonprofit organizations in areas such as county extension offices, community services, family advocacy programs, child development centers, social service agencies, human resources, crisis centers and NGO (non-governmental organizations). By prioritizing both content knowledge and skills with research methods, grant-writing, and program evaluation, our graduates will be ready to have a positive impact on individuals and families across the lifespan, as well as the diverse communities within which they live, play, work, and thrive.
Admissions and Tuition
Admissions Requirements
- 3.5 major GPA; 3.3 minimum overall
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Writing Sample
Application Deadlines
Domestic and International
- March 1st for next Fall semester start
Questions?
Contact Marty Wyatt, Graduate Coordinator at 540-231-4794 or email VTHDFS@vt.edu
Marty Wyatt
Graduate Staff Coordinator
366 Wallace Hall
295 West Campus Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-4794
martywyatt@vt.edu
Erika L. Grafsky
Director of Graduate Studies
311 Wallace Hall
295 West Campus Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061
egrafsky@vt.edu