M.S. in Family and Child Science

The Department of Family and Child Sciences (FCS) offers a Master’s in Family and Child Sciences. The degree advances students for careers in higher education, government agencies, and businesses in the private sector.

Many students continue their education into a doctoral program. Others pursue careers in postsecondary education, public policy, and other organizations providing services to children and families.

Our faculty specialize in several areas and work collaboratively with those in other disciplines. Thesis and non-thesis tracks are available; however, all students are admitted to the non-thesis track. After the first semester of study, you can request to switch to the thesis track. Students must be in good academic standing and consult with their major professor for final approval. The non-thesis student is required to complete a 3 credit hour capstone (a special project experience) in their last semester.

The M.S. degree can be accomplished in as little as 4 semesters.

Curriculum

Thesis Option

• Required Core Courses
  • CHD 5266 Advanced Child Development
  • CHD 5617 Professional Development in FCS
  • FAD 5263 Advanced Family Studies
  • CHD 6261 Theories of Child Development OR FAD 6436 Theories of Family Sciences
• Required Research Courses
  • CHD 5915 Methods of Research
  • FAD 5700 Applied Research in Human Sciences
  • FAD 5971 Thesis
  • FAD 8976 Thesis Defense
• Elective Courses Within FCS (examples):*
  • CHD 5618 Policy Development and Analysis in FCS
  • CHD 5919 Grant Writing in FCS
  • CHD 5940 Practicum in Child Development
  • FAD 5906 Directed Individual Study (topics vary)
  • FAD 5256 Parent and Child Relations
  • FAD 5261 Families in Crisis
  • FAD 5481 College Teaching in Family Sciences
  • FAD 5900 Readings in FCS (topics vary)
  • FAD 5912 Supervised Research
  • FAD 5942 Supervised Teaching

*Courses are selected with approval from the Advisory Committee in developing the program of study.

Note: 18 credit hours must be letter-graded courses.

Non-Thesis Option

• Required Core Courses
  • CHD 5266 Advanced Child Development
  • CHD 5617 Professional Development in FCS
  • FAD 5263 Advanced Family Studies
  • CHD 6261 Theories of Child Development OR FAD 6436 Theories of Family Sciences
• Required Research Courses
  • CHD 5915 Methods of Research
  • FAD 5700 Applied Research in Human Sciences
  • FAD 5970 Special Project
• Elective Courses Within FCS (examples):*
  • CHD 5618 Policy Development and Analysis in FCS
  • CHD 5919 Grant Writing in FCS
  • CHD 5940 Practicum in Child Development
  • FAD 5906 Directed Individual Study (topics vary)
  • FAD 5256 Parent and Child Relations
  • FAD 5261 Families in Crisis
  • FAD 5481 College Teaching in Family Sciences
  • FAD 5900 Readings in FCS (topics vary)
  • FAD 5912 Supervised Research
  • FAD 5942 Supervised Teaching

*Courses are selected with approval from the Advisory Committee in developing the program of study.

Note: 21 credit hours must be letter-graded courses.

M.S. / Ph.D. Option

Students have the option to enroll in the M.S. to Ph.D. program immediately following the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Students will earn their M.S. in Family and Child Sciences as they progress on a ‘fast-track’ toward a Ph.D. degree in Human Sciences with a concentration in Human Development and Family Science.

Admissions

Requirements

An upper-division undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The same scale applies to graduate-level work. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited university. A competitive Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE) score; recommended a score of above the 50th percentile (approximately 150) in both verbal and quantitative sections with a 4.0 or higher on the writing section. Please note that it can take up to ten (10) days after sitting for the GRE for an official score report to be sent to the university. International students must have an official TOEFL score of at least 80 (TOEFL iBT) or 550 (paper-delivered) to meet university requirements . Our department does not accept other English proficiency examinations (i.e. IELTS). A visit to the department is encouraged. Please contact us at fcs_gs@fsu.edu to schedule your visit. Before you submit your online application and pay the application fee, you should directly contact graduate faculty members in your area of interest to determine availability and recommend experiences and qualifications regarding mentorship in internships, practicum, research, and other hands-on experiences.

Attainment of these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission decisions are based on assessments of all aspects of the student’s application materials. The department reserves the right to increase standards if warranted by enrollment limitations and by the number and quality of applicants. Financial aid is a separate process from the admission to a graduate program.

Prerequisites

If a related undergraduate degree was not awarded, certain leveling courses may be required. Individuals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and provided with leveling course information.

Application Process

Apply Online and pay the application fee. Once you have submitted your application:

 - Upload a one-page **statement of purpose**  that briefly outlines your research interests and/or career goals. It should also include how your background and prior training make you a good candidate, as well as why you believe Florida State University is a good fit for you. You must also indicate up to three (3) faculty members with whom you would prefer to study under. We strongly encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with the research interests of the faculty.
 - Upload a **resume or vitae**  with the most current information.
 - Submit contact information for **three recommenders**  . The system will directly contact each recommender individually and provide them with a link to upload their letter. Academic recommendations are preferred, but relevant professional recommendations will be accepted. Recommenders should be professionals you have worked for, are familiar with your academic performance, and can speak directly about your qualifications for this degree. No personal recommendations or letters from peers will be accepted.
 

Submit **official GRE test scores** to the FSU Office of Admissions. The school reporting code for test scores is 5219; no department code is required. International Students: Submit **official TOEFL test scores** to the FSU Office of Admissions. The school reporting code for test scores is 5219; no department code is required. Submit **official transcripts** (with translations if not in English) to the FSU Office of Admissions. Even if courses are posted to another institution’s transcripts, we require transcripts from EVERY post-secondary institution you attended.

Please allow a minimum of ten (10) business days for the Office of Admissions to process your incoming materials.

The College of Human Sciences addresses global challenges and opportunities related to the physical, behavioral, and economic factors influencing the health and development of individuals, families, and communities.

Our vision is to lead the College nationally through innovative academic and research programs that prepare 21st-century professionals.

Family and Child Sciences Department

• Programs emphasize the health and development of children and families through education, research and service to the community.
• Professional opportunities in this field have increased due to new opportunities that have arisen as a result of the national focus on the welfare of families and children.
• The doctoral program in Marriage and Family Therapy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.
• Students may complete requirements to become a Certified Family Life Educator, sponsored by the National Council on Family Relations (NFCR).

Family and Child Sciences is more than working with people – we strive to make a difference in their lives. We offer programs of study for both undergraduate and graduate students that address the needs of children, youth, adults, and families across the lifespan, with special attention to those in complicated families.

Centers & Institutes

The Family Institute

The Florida State University Family Institute generates new information, trains professionals, and informs policymakers regarding families in Florida, the region, and the nation.

Center on Better Health & Life for Underserved Populations

Focusing on developing and testing model higher education and community-based programs to address health disparities in underserved populations.

Center for Couple & Family Therapy

MFT doctoral students are trained in systemic, or relational therapy. Throughout life, we exist in a number of relationships that directly and indirectly impact our well-being.