Graduate Degree Programs and Minors

The Master of Science and Master of Family, Youth and Community Sciences are applied social science degrees that prepare professionals to address the complex human and social issues facing our global society. Students learn to apply theory and knowledge in services, programs and public policies that address the needs of families, youth and communities. The programs prepare students for careers in such areas as program planning, social policy, community based education, family and youth services and Extension. Graduates find careers in both the public and private sectors. Career choices include, for example:

Child and Youth Development in areas such as juvenile justice, drop out prevention programs, recreational and camp programs, and youth ministry;

Community Development Practice in local and regional government, private non-profit organizations (such as chambers of commerce, local development corporations, and local, national and international foundations) and citizen's groups;

Non-Profit Organizational Management, such as management of community based, non-profit organizations;

Family and Social Services, such as family preservation programs, assistance for abused and neglected children and other public assistance programs; and

Cooperative Extension Service in such areas as youth development, family and consumer sciences and community development.

Master of Science (M.S.)

The M.S. program in Family, Youth and Community Sciences is a research degree. The program of study is highly individualized. Each student develops a plan of study, in consultation with the Supervisory Committee, that will prepare him/her to conduct independent research in a chosen area of interest. The student completes an independent research project and writes and defends the resulting thesis. The student completes a total of 15 credit hours of study in the area of interest. This includes 9 credit hours of departmental courses in the area of interest and 6 credit hours of related course work. The related course work may include both departmental and non-departmental electives. The M.S. program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and includes a research methods and statistics requirement. For a more detailed description of the M.S. program, see the description under "Master of Science in Family, Youth and Community Sciences" on the graduate program home page.

Master of Family, Youth and Community Sciences

The Master of Family, Youth and Community Sciences prepares students to assume advanced professional positions. The degree is normally, but not always, a terminal advanced degree. This is an appropriate program for individuals whose professional goals include positions in which the ability to conduct independent research is not required. The program of study provides the student with a broad base of knowledge in the discipline. It includes required courses in the theoretical foundations of the discipline, public policy and ethics for practitioners. The program requires a minimum of 32 credit hours, including 9 hours of elective courses that the student selects in consultation with the Supervisory Committee. The student may elect to complete a non-thesis project as part of the course of study. Completion of the degree requires comprehensive written and oral examinations. For a more detailed description of the program, see the description under "Master of Family, Youth and Community Sciences" on the graduate program home page.

Combined Family, Youth and Community Sciences and Law Degree

The joint degree allows students to complete both their graduate studies and legal studies at the same time. The program allows credits earned to be used towards both degrees, reducing the time required to complete two degrees. Students must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate School and the Levin College of Law. 

Minor in Community Development

The Minor in Community Development provides students from Family, Youth and Community Sciences as well as other disciplines, with an understanding of the community development process.  Through this minor, students are provided with a strong theoretical background, clear understanding of community development strategies, and the ability to apply such knowledge in meeting the needs of their communities.  The minor consists of nine hours of study.  All students must complete two foundation courses, Sustainable Community Development (FYC 6302) and Theories of Community Development (FYC 6330).  A third course is select by the student from a list of approved FYCS graduate courses to complete the minor.  

Students interested in completing the Minor in Community Development can contact Dr. Mark Brennan or Dr. Mickie Swisher (graduate coordinator).

Minor in Family, Youth and Community Sciences

The Minor in Family, Youth and Community Sciences provides students from other disciplines with knowledge about the theories and body of research that explain how families, youth and communities develop and interact. The program consists of six hours of study. All students must complete one of two foundation courses, Theories of Family and Youth Development (FYC 6230) or Theories of Community Development (FYC 6330). The student selects one additional departmental elective to complete the minor. If you are interested in completing the Minor in Family, Youth and Community Sciences contact the graduate coordinator or any graduate faculty member in the Department.

Minor in Not-for-Profit Organizations

The Minor in Not-for-Profit Organizations provides students from other disciplines with an understanding of how to develop not-for-profit organizations to address problems facing families, youth and communities. The minor consists of six hours of study. All students must complete two courses, Nonprofit Organizations (FYC 6421) and Case Studies in Nonprofits (FYC 6422). If you are interested in completing the Minor in Not-for-Profit Organizations, contact Dr. Elizabeth Bolton.

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