Graduate Degrees
Our graduate programs of study are multidisciplinary, calling for a synthesis of knowledge across the social and behavioral sciences, and for an examination of the influence of socio-cultural context on individual development and family processes. Coursework focuses on human development, family studies, socio-cultural context, and advanced methods and analyses for the study of human development and family studies.
Students’ substantive interests are further supported with coursework in cutting-edge research methods and analyses for the study of development and family process as well as hands-on research training under the direction of a faculty mentor and advisory committee. Doctoral students have considerable flexibility in tailoring their coursework and research to specialized interests and career goals.
Master of Science (M.S.) IN Human Development and Family Studies
Our M.S. program focuses on the intersection of human development, family processes, and socio-cultural context and is committed to the application of strength-based approaches to the study of diverse children and families. Graduate course work focuses on building foundational knowledge in human development, family studies, race, class, and culture, research methods, and theories of HDFS.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) In Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development
The synchronous online Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development is offered jointly by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the Department of Specialized Education Services. The program prepares students to assume leadership roles in diverse settings (both education and community-based) that develop and implement programming for young children with and without disabilities, ages birth to five, and their families.
Ph.D. In Human Development and Family Studies
Our Ph.D. program focuses on the intersection of human development, family processes, and socio-cultural context. A defining focus of our program is an emphasis on understanding development and family relationships in socio-cultural context and the application of strength-based approaches to the study of diverse children and families. Doctoral students have considerable flexibility in tailoring their coursework and research to specialized interests and goals. Students’ substantive interests are supported with coursework in cutting-edge research methods and statistical analyses as well as immersive research training under the direction of a faculty mentor.
Post Baccalaureate Certificate (P.B.C) in Birth-Kindergarten Initial Licensure
Our online P.B.C. in Birth-Kindergarten (BK) Initial Licensure provides graduate-level training for students with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood or a related field seeking an initial North Carolina BK teaching license. The program is jointly administered with the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the Department of Specialized Education Services.
Post Baccalaureate Certificate (P.B.C) in Leadership in Infant and Toddler Learning
Our online P.B.C. in Leadership in Infant and Toddler Learning (LITL) is offered jointly by the departments of Human Development and Family Studies and Specialized Education Services. The program is designed to provide students with graduate-level training and a credential to pursue careers in leadership positions in early care and education settings focusing on infants and toddlers, including Infant-Toddler Specialists, Early Intervention, Early Head Start, child care, Smart Start, resource and referral, and community college instruction.
Doctoral Minor
There is no formal application for ourdoctoral minor. The program is available to any student enrolled in a UNCG doctoral program. HDFS courses to fulfill the minor can be found in the catalog description of the program and can be completed concurrently with the student’s doctoral program.
