20 Affordable Masters Degree in Human Development

Affordable Masters Degree in Human Development

An affordable masters degree in human development and family studies prepares professionals for careers in human services, psychology, and also counseling. Professionals understand that earning an accelerated online master’s in human and family development degree is essential to being a professional in the field.

From learning about how relationships work to understanding the human development process, students will build a solid foundation to help them become leaders in the field. And as more employers search for professionals with a human and family development degree, the path to this graduate program is essential. Most professionals in this field begin working full-time right after they leave college. This is great for work experience but can hinder their plans to attend graduate school.


Methodology for Ranking Master’s Degrees in Human Development

As with all our rankings, the research necessary to list these programs came from the National Center for Education Statistics and its publicly available College Navigator database. The final schools below show the estimated in-state graduate tuition rate for the entire program.


20. Capella University

Capella University confers an accelerated online master’s in human development and family studies degree for working professionals. This program is 100 percent online, and there are no residency requirements. Students focus on research and evaluation in this degree. The human development and family program utilizes the school’s FlexPath, so courses are asynchronous sessions over 12 weeks.

If the student passes the course in the allotted time, they can take as many courses as they want toward their degree. Some students can complete this degree in less than two years. All courses are available through the school’s online learning management system. Students can expect to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, the Integrative Project for a Master’s Degree in Psychology, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Lifespan Development, Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology, and Topics in Child and Adolescent Development.

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Degree: Master of Science in Psychology, specialization in Child and Adolescent Development

Credits: 30

Tuition: $23,000

Learn More: here about this online master’s degree in human development and family!

19. Texas Woman’s University

Students at Texas Woman’s University is home to an exceptional Master of Science in Family Studies degree that will prepare students for a rewarding career. This human development and family program is a wholly online degree, so there are no residency requirements. Students take all of their courses through the school’s virtual portal, and courses are asynchronous or synchronous to accommodate working adults. Additionally, this program has rolling admission, so there is no application deadline.

Students can create their concentration through the directed electives that are part of the degree; this concentration will not appear on the degree. Various culminating experience options include a thesis and a capstone project. All students will complete a minimum of 34 credit hours of coursework, a culminating experience, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Housing and Families, Lifespan Human Development, and Communication in Marriage and Family. Additionally, the Family Studies curriculum has approval from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) and meets the standards and criteria for the Provisional Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation.

Location: Denton, Texas

Degree: Master of Science in Family Studies

Credits: 34

Tuition: $13,938

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human and family development!

18. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers a unique online Master of Science in Developmental Disabilities degree. This degree program focuses on developmental disabilities, and students learn to be ethical leaders in this field. Additionally, this human development and family degree prepares students for doctoral study.

Prospective students can choose from five concentrations with this degree. They include Leadership and Advocacy, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Child Life Specialist. This online degree has no campus residency requirements, and full-time students can complete it in two years. Classes are through the school’s learning management system and are live or on-demand sessions that follow a 16-week term format. Students can expect to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a research project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Legal and Ethical Issues in Disability, Healthcare Issues in Developmental Disabilities, and Disability and the Family Life Cycle.

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Degree: Master of Science in Developmental Disabilities

Credits: 30

Tuition: $25,800

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human and family development!

17. Murray State University

Students enrolled at Murray State University can earn a Master of Science in Human Development and Leadership (HDL) degree. This is an excellent choice for professionals interested in moving into leadership roles and needing access to the education that will provide them with the skills necessary to be competent in the position. Furthermore, students in this human development and family degree can choose from ten concentration areas.

  • Criminal Justice
  • Educational Administration (non-certification)
  • Educational Data Management and Analytics 
  • Environmental Education (non-certification)
  • Industrial Supervision
  • Instructional Development (non-certification)
  • Intercultural Communications
  • Leadership Development
  • Non-Profit Leadership
  • Public Administration

This program is available 100 percent online and there are no residency requirements. Students view their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal. Live and on-demand courses are available and are held in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students who take three courses every term, including one summer term, can graduate in 18 months. Graduation requirements for this degree include 33 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Developing Human Potential Seminar, Human Development, and Seminar in Conflict Resolution.

Location: Murray, Kentucky

Degree: Master of Science in Human Development and Leadership (HDL)

Credits: 33

Tuition: $18,447

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human and family development!

16. University of Missouri – Columbia

At the University of Missouri Columbia, students can earn an accelerated online Master’s in Human Development and Family Studies degree. This program is 100 percent online with no residency requirements. So, students can continue in their current careers while working to better their chances at a more rewarding human development and family career.

Program courses are through the school’s online learning management system. This system holds courses from various public universities and is known as the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance. Students enroll in live or on-demand courses and spend 16 weeks on each term. Those who complete three courses every term may be able to graduate within 18 months. Degree requirements for this program include Family Resource Management, Administration and Management, and Family Crisis Intervention.

Location: Columbia, Missouri

Degree: Master of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies, with Emphasis on Family and Community Service

Credits: 30

Tuition: $21,600

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human and family development!

15. North Dakota State University

MASTERS DEGREE IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

The affordable accelerated online master’s in Human Development and Family Science degree at North Dakota State University focuses on youth development. This field is quickly becoming more important. So, family development graduates can find great careers. There are three human development and family degree specializations!

  • Family Financial Planning (FFP)
  • Gerontology
  • Youth Development

This human development program is part of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA). It provides students with a wide array of asynchronous or synchronous courses that follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will also need to complete one practicum in their community under the supervision of an approved preceptor. Alternatively, students may opt for a thesis or research paper as their culminating experience. All students must complete 36 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Adolescents and Their Families, Youth Professionals and Consumers of Research, and Youth Policy.

Location: Fargo, North Dakota

Degree: Master of Science in Human Development with a Youth Development Specialization

Credits: 36

Tuition: $13,622

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human and family development!

14. Iowa State University

The accelerated online master’s in human development at Iowa State University is an excellent choice for working professionals who want to work with youth and adolescents. This degree is fully online and has no residency requirements. Students may also opt to earn a stand-alone Graduate Certificate in either Youth Program Management and Evaluation or also Youth Development Specialist.

This human development and family program is part of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance and offers all its courses online through the shared learning management system. Courses are offered either live or on-demand; live courses are always held in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate working professionals. This degree follows the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will find that they can graduate in two years by completing three courses every term. This degree requires 36 credits in coursework, a research project or an internship, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Foundations of Youth Development, Youth Professionals as Consumers of Research, and Administration and Program Management.

Location: Ames, Iowa

Degree: Master of Family and Consumer Sciences with a youth development concentration

Credits: 36

Tuition: $21,600

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human and family development!

13. The University of Southern Mississippi

Professionals who work in the field will no doubt want to check out the University of Southern Mississippi. This school offers students the chance to earn an accelerated online master’s in human development specializing in child and family studies. The human development and family program is 100 percent online, so there are no residency requirements.

A large portion of the curriculum focuses on family life education and research, making this an excellent stepping-stone degree for students who are interested in doctoral research. All courses for this degree can be found online through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are delivered either asynchronously or synchronously and in 16-week sessions. A full-time student can complete this degree in two years. Degree requirements for this program include 37 credit hours of coursework, a thesis, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Adulthood and Aging in the Family System, Adolescence and the Family System, and Advanced Family Theories.

Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Degree: Master of Science in Child and Family Studies

Credits: 37

Tuition: $19,208

Learn More: here about this master’s in human development and family!

12. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University is home to an online Master of Science in Youth, Family, and Community Service degree. Students interested in academia as a profession or doctoral study after graduation are a good fit for this program. Full-time students can complete this human development and family degree entirely online in two years.

Students will complete their coursework online through the school’s learning management system. The courses they take are offered either asynchronously or synchronously and held in 16-week sessions. Students who take three courses every term will graduate in two years. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a thesis, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Effective Management of Family Resources, Family Communication and Coaching, and Family and Youth Professionals as Leaders.

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Degree: Master of Science in Youth, Family, and Community Services

Credits: 30

Tuition: $9,595

Learn More: here about this master’s in human development and family!

11. Wilmington University

Students enrolled at Wilmington University are offered the chance to complete an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Human Development and Family Studies degree in the focused area of applied family service. This practice-oriented degree is available 100 percent online with no residency requirements. The degree is nationally recognized by the National Council on Family Relations and will provide students will a pathway toward earning the Certified Family Life Educator credential.

Students can complete this human development and family degree online through the school’s virtual portal. All courses are live or on-demand, and all follow a seven-week block format. Furthermore, students taking just two courses every term will graduate with a one-year master’s in human development and family studies. Requirements for this degree include 33 credit hours of coursework, two practicums completed in a student’s community, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Parent Education, Sexuality Education, and Family Resource Management.

Location: New Castle, Delaware

Degree: Master of Science in Applied Family Science

Credits: 33

Tuition: $16,896

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human development and family!

10. The University of Florida

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Human Development/Family Studies Online for 2018

The University of Florida confers an accelerated online Master’s in Human Development and Family Studies degree. This program is ideal for professionals in this specialized field. Students will find this is a 100 percent online course of study with no residency requirements.

Courses are delivered asynchronously to students through the school’s learning management system. Additionally, the human development and family degree classes are held in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students can complete this degree in two years if they choose a full-time study plan. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a non-thesis research paper, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Scientific Reasoning and Research Design, Theoretical Approaches to Youth Development, and Program Planning and Evaluation.

Location: Gainesville, Florida

Degree: Master of Science in Family, Youth, and Children Services (FYCS)

Credits: 30

Tuition: $10,770

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human development and family!

9. Ball State University

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Human Development/Family Studies Online for 2018

The Ball State online master’s in human development and family studies program is similar to other schools. However, this 18-month degree focuses on research with a curriculum in educational psychology.

Students will find that this is a 100 percent online course of study, so no trips to the campus are required for graduation. Instead the human development and family degree courses are delivered to students through the school’s virtual portal. Classes are either live or on-demand and are held in 16-week sessions. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a culminating experience, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Child Development, Parent and Community Relations, and Education of Exceptional Children.

Location: Muncie, Indiana

Degree: Master of Arts in Educational Psychology with a Human Development Specialization

Credits: 30

Tuition: $8,850

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human development and family!

8. Texas Tech University

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Human Development/Family Studies Online for 2018

Texas Tech University is home to an accelerated online Master’s in Human Development and Family Studies degree that focuses on development across the lifespan. This program prepares students for careers working with individuals of all ages. Additionally, it gives them a chance to research and study the theories and concepts that make up the field.

This human development and family degree is part of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance. There are two concentrations available: Youth Development and Gerontology. Students will take their courses online through the school’s learning management system. And courses are primarily synchronous and in the evenings or on weekends. Students can contact the school for more information on this degree, graduation requirements, and a full list of course offerings.

Location: Tyler, Texas

Degree: Master of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences

Credits: 36

Tuition: $10,958

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human development!

7. The University of Arkansas

The accelerated online master’s in human development degree from the University of Arkansas is unique. This program focuses on environmental sciences and human development’s impact on the world. This is a 100 percent online degree that has no residency requirements. Students will choose between three concentrations: Apparel Merchandising and Product Development, Human Development and Family Sciences, and General Human Environmental Sciences.

This human development and family degree is also accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Students will take all their courses through the school’s virtual portal, where courses are delivered either live or on-demand and in 16-week sessions. Students who take three courses every term will graduate in two years. This degree requires 33 credit hours of coursework, a thesis or coursework-only option, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Advanced Studies in Child Development, Theories of Human Development, and Advanced Studies in Family Relations.

Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas

Degree: Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences

Credits: 30-33

Tuition: $15,552

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human development!

6. Bryan College

Bryan College is home to an incredible alternative to the accelerated online master’s in human development degree. This school provides students with a wholly online degree that focuses on education as a factor in development.

The human development and family program has no residency requirements because students attend all courses online through the school’s learning management system. Classes follow either the live or on-demand delivery format with nine-week terms. The program requires 36 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Foundations of Special Education, Adolescent Development, and Theory and Research in Family Studies.

Location: Dayton, Tennessee

Degree: Master of Education in Child and Family Studies

Credits: 36

Tuition: $18,414

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human development!

5. Oklahoma State University

The accelerated Master of Science in Family and Community Service degree available from Oklahoma State University is part of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance. This program is 100 percent online with no residency requirements and prepares students to become leaders in the human services field.

This human development and family program design allows students to work online through the school’s virtual portal. So, students engage in asynchronous or synchronous courses that follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. Additionally, individuals who take a full-time course load every term can graduate in two years. This degree requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, the master’s creative component, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses in the core curriculum include Individual and Family Resource Management, Dynamics of Family Interaction, and Resilience in Individuals and Families.

Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma

Degree: Master of Science in Family and Community Services

Credits: 36

Tuition: $11,531

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human and family development!

4. Concordia University at St. Paul

Concordia University at St. Paul is home to an accelerated online master’s in human development degree that focuses entirely on the family. This is an excellent choice for professionals who wish to work on the familial side of the human services field. With a curriculum based on societal problems that permeate the family home, students have the skills to lead in the field.

This human development and family degree is 100 percent online with no residency requirements. Courses through the school’s learning management system in seven-week terms. Part-time students will have no problem completing this degree in two years. This degree includes 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and also a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Parent Education, Methods in Programming, and Intimate Relationships.

Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

Degree: Master of Arts in Family Science

Credits: 36

Tuition: $14,220

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human development!

3. Arizona State University

Students at Arizona State University can complete an accelerated Master of Science in Family and Human Development degree in two years or less. This is a wholly online program that has no residency requirements. All human development and family courses are available through the school’s virtual portal. And course delivery is either asynchronous or synchronous and over seven-and-a-half-week terms.

Students will find that they can complete this as a 12-month Master’s in Human Development and Family Studies program when they take two or three courses every term. Students can expect to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Theoretical Issues in Child Development, Leadership and Social Justice, and Diversity and Society.

Location: Tucson, Arizona

Degree: Master of Science in Family and Human Development

Credits: 30

Tuition: $10,822

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human development!

2. Amberton University

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Human Development/Family Studies Online for 2018

The accelerated online Master’s in Human Development and Family Studies degree from Amberton University is interdisciplinary. Students gain practical knowledge that prepares them to be experts in family studies and fulfill their career goals. Additionally, this human development and family degree is entirely online with no residency requirements.

Students complete all of their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal. Additionally, courses are asynchronous or synchronous and in 16-week sessions. Students will be able to complete all of their requirements within two years when they take on full course loads every term. Students must have 36 credit hours of coursework, complete a thesis, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample graduate coursework includes Family Studies, Ethics for Decision Making, and also Human Sexuality.

Location: Garland, Texas

Degree: Master of Science in Family Studies

Credits: 36

Tuition: $16,360

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human and family development!

1. Missouri State University

Missouri State University is home to an affordable accelerated online master’s in human development and family studies degree. This program focuses on early childhood development as well as family studies. This master’s program curriculum is fully online through the school’s learning management system. And students can take courses asynchronously or synchronously in 16-week sessions.

Students can complete this human development and family master’s program in two years when they take three courses every term, including at least one summer term. This degree requires 32 credit hours of coursework, a culminating experience, and also a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Proposal Development, The Educational Role of Play, and Children and Families in a Diverse Society.

Location: Springfield, Missouri

Degree: Master of Science in Early Childhood and Family Development

Credits: 32

Tuition: $15,202

Learn More: here about this master’s degree in human and family development!


What Do You Learn in a Human Development Master’s Program?

Most human development and family master’s programs require students to complete 30 to 36 credit hours. Classes include core and elective classes that cover the knowledge and skills for a career in the field. Additionally, students typically complete a project, placement, or thesis.

There are online programs that are popular with international students and older adults. But there are also traditional on campus programs. Below are some classes students may take in graduate programs for human development.

  • Social Science Research Methods
  • Family Dynamics
  • Quantitative Research Methods
  • Human Development Across the Life Span
  • Families and Crisis
  • College Student Development
  • Program Evaluation for Community Agencies
  • Mental Health and Adult Development
  • Legal, Ethical, and Policy Issues
  • Human Growth and Healthy Development
  • Management for Government Agencies

How do You Choose a Human Development Program?

The most successful students find human and family development programs that are the right fit for their professional goals. But, in addition to that requirement, there are other important factors when you look for a human development and family master’s program. The cost and time it takes to complete the degree program are priorities for most prospective students. State residency status determines the tuition cost for public universities, so the most affordable programs are state schools.

Career resources and professional development opportunities are additional points to look for in a program. For example, online students may do better with one on one mentoring. There are lots of different resources schools have that can help with your success.

The most significant factor for finding a human development and family master’s program is accreditation. Students should only look for programs from schools with regional accreditation. Suppose a school does not have regional accreditation. In that case, students can’t receive federal financial aid or apply for a license in some professions. Additionally, many employers don’t recognize a degree from a school without accreditation. So, if you need federal financial aid or want to get a job after you graduate, make sure your school has accreditation!


What are the Master’s Program Admission Requirements?

All schools and human development and family education programs have different admissions requirements. However, most advanced degree programs require applicants have a bachelor’s degree and to submit similar items. Below are some of the common requests for graduate school admission for a human development and family degree.

  • completed application with fee (before application deadlines)
  • official transcripts from all schools attended that show undergraduate coursework
  • a bachelor’s degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • GRE test scores if requested
  • resume or CV 
  • one to three letters of recommendation
  • an essay or personal statement detailing your professional goals, why you want to attend the program, and personal values

What are Career Options with a Master’s in Human Development?

There are various careers for human development and family development graduates. Below are some typical roles individuals take after completing graduate programs in human development.

MASTERS DEGREE IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
  • Survey Researchers
  • College Professor
  • Children, Youth, and Family Services Worker
  • Youth Workers
  • Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Political Scientist
  • Social Worker
  • College Professor
  • Child and Family Services Workers
  • Career and Technical Education Teacher
  • Program Director for Nonprofit Organizations
  • Community Outreach and Education Program Director
  • Director of Community Programs
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Human Resources Specialists
  • Child and Family Services Workers
  • Human Services
  • Family-related Agencies
  • Social Service Agencies
  • Church and Family Planning Agencies
  • Parent or Family Life Educators
  • Human Development and Family Health Educators
  • Child Life Specialist
  • School Psychologist / School Counseling / School Counselor
  • Adoption Agencies
  • Child Protective Services
  • Crisis Intervention Organizations / Family Violence Centers
  • Early Childhood Centers
  • Education Support and Administration
  • Family Support and Child Care
  • Group Homes

How Much Can You Earn in Human Development?

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

The average salary for family development graduates is $45,954, ranging from $28,000 to $115,000. Because the field encompasses various career paths, the salary range is more significant than most. Furthermore, social workers, researchers, and community service managers can earn this degree and build their careers.

The highest-paid human development and family jobs are in academia. So, researchers and college professors can make six figures with an established career. Other high-paying jobs are in the private sector, especially positions that require a professional certification or license to practice.

However, public sector jobs, such as community service managers or project directors for nonprofit organizations, are also rewarding. These positions often come with benefits packages. Some enable people to work in new and exciting places for their jobs, and positions take students worldwide.


What are the Various Disciplines of Human Development?

MASTERS IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Unsurprisingly, most disciplines associated with human development and family studies come from the social sciences. Specifically, these disciplines include psychology, sociology, lifespan development, cultural diversity, and child development. It also works closely with and includes sub-disciplines within psychology and sociology, preparing the students to impact a family, adolescents, children, or even a community.

The field of human development and family also interacts with other disciplines, mainly economics, politics, criminal justice, corrections, history, and research. This is because the field is wide-ranging and includes professionals from various industries working together to ensure that every individual can succeed. The type of courses students may take in human development and family graduate programs depends on the nature of their degree and if they are considering a concentration or specialty.


What are Specializations in Human Development?

Human development and family studies is also a field that has several sub-disciplines of its own. These focus areas open up more career opportunities for students who specialize in an area. The most common human development and family focus is on children and adolescents, and gerontology studies older generations.

Human development and family students will find that the courses offered for these concentrations and others, such as healthcare professions and prevention science, will differ and may be completely absent in another concentration. Below are some common Human Development and family specializations.

  • Gerontology Concentration
  • Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Youth Development Concentration
  • Families and Communities
  • Leadership and Advocacy
  • Child Life Specialist

Is a Master’s Degree in Human Development Worth it?

The human development and family field is critical to understanding the relationship between individuals, families, and also communities. A firm understanding of interpersonal relationships and how this dynamics work is necessary for professionals working to protect families from preventable issues and provide them with a path forward if something should arise.

Equally important to Americans are the multiple contexts with which they view their communities and the country. Without human development and family professionals, that knowledge grows, and the country might be very different. While a certain number of older adults earn a doctoral degree, a rich diversity comes from a career working with other professionals like social work. So, any human development and family student interested in returning to school should consider the accelerated online Master in Human Development.


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