Overview

The Human Development and Family Studies program offered by University of Nevada, Reno aims to generate graduates who are well versed in relevant theories, research methods, and the conduct and dissemination of quality research so that they are able to understand the current body of literature in HDFS and are prepared to expand this knowledge base through research of their own.

Key Facts

The HDFS graduate program is founded on several core philosophical values. First, we encourage students to develop skills in identifying families’ strengths and to develop an appreciation of diversity in age, race and ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, learning styles, and abilities.

Second, we emphasize the importance of education and prevention in addition to intervention, with the recognition that stress, loss and change are normal aspects of life experiences. Thus, we provide students with accurate information on developmental characteristics and interpersonal interactions so that they can most effectively work with individuals and families to lessen problems that arise because of misinformation about what is considered “normal”. The program recognizes that the distinction between prevention and intervention is not always clear, and encourages students to develop skills that can bridge these areas.

Third, to better appreciate the complexity of individuals, the HDFS graduate program strives to foster in students an understanding of cognitive, biological, and socioemotional development and the interactions of these components across each stage of the lifespan. To better appreciate the complexity of families, the program strives to foster in students an awareness of the development of family systems, roles, and reciprocal interactions. We encourage students to look at families as more than just interpersonal interactions, and to address family resources that can contribute to stress or resilience during times of crisis or change.

Fourth, consistent with an ecological perspective, the HDFS graduate program emphasizes the contexts within which individuals and families develop and function. As such, we believe that an understanding of these multiple contexts, including cultural and societal influences, is essential in any attempt to understand individuals and families.

Our goal is to provide graduates who are prepared for roles in professions requiring:

Knowledge of biological, cognitive, and socio-emotional characteristics of humans across the lifespan;

Knowledge of family systems and family interactions;

Knowledge of effective communication for working with individuals and families;

Assessment and improvement of resources needed by individuals, families, and their communities;

The ability to provide education about individual development and family life;

The ability to combine elements of education, prevention, and early intervention; and

The ability to work in an intergenerational context and with diverse families.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Advanced Human Development: Infancy

Advanced Human Development: Childhood

Advanced Human Development: Adolescence

Theories of Human Development

Aging and Addiction

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

33 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Reno, United States

Disciplines

Family & Consumer Science View 208 other Masters in Family & Consumer Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution
Eligibility for admission with a 3-year bachelor's degree are determined on a case-by-case basis
Minimum undergraduate grade point average (on a 4.0 scale): 2.75 for a master’s degree; 3.0 for a doctoral degree
Online application
Official transcripts (statement of marks) from every institution attended for a complete history of your education

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

18632 USD / year

≈ 18632 USD / year
Out-of-State

18632 USD / year

≈ 18632 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

Free

Living costs

Reno

United States

860 - 1230 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Human Development and Family Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Key Facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Reno

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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