Master of Arts in Learning, Developmental and Family Sciences, Human Development and Family Relations
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: MA
Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes
Prepares students to serve culturally and linguistically diverse families and individuals in a variety of community settings and social service organizations. The curriculum stresses the importance of family diversity and social justice. This MA is also suitable for graduate students preparing for doctoral studies in family science and human development or related areas.
Application​ deadlines
Rolling Admission
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education & Counseling
Campus: CU Denver
What you'll learn
University of Colorado Denver’s MA in Learning, Developmental and Family Sciences with a concentration in human development and family relations is an interdisciplinary program that prepares graduate students to serve culturally and linguistically diverse families and individuals in a variety of community settings and social service organizations. Through this program, you will be prepared to view culturally and linguistically diverse families from a strengths-based perspective and to serve them in a variety of contexts.
This MA is also a strong preparation for doctoral studies in family science and human development or related areas. Some of our graduates choose to enroll in the PhD with a concentration in Family Science and Human Development at CU Denver.
Personalized Professional Master’s Degree™
The degree is part of CU Denver’s Personalized Professional Master’s Degree™. In our flexible program structure, you have choice over 15 of the 30 credits required to earn an MA. In this concentration, half of the program (15 credits) offers you innovative courses and deepens your expertise in serving culturally and linguistically diverse students, families and organizations. At the same time, this Personalized Professional Master’s Degree allows you to customize your curriculum by selecting the remaining 15 credits from courses within HDFR or from across all areas of the SEHD according to your own needs and interests. Please discuss your course options with your faculty advisor.
Our program is designed with our faculty’s involvement in students’ academic and personal development. We foster a closely knit, dedicated community of students, each of whom is mentored by professors who care.
This program is also the first bilingual (Spanish) Human Development and Family Relations program in the country. You can take your courses entirely in English, or take some of your online courses in a Spanish/English bilingual format. The bilingual courses are uniquely constructed so that you do not need to speak Spanish in order to participate. This exposure to another language can provide you with both the competencies you need to truly be an advocate for Spanish language speakers in your community, as well as a competitive edge over graduates of other programs as it relates to gainful employment and doctoral program applications.
Students who complete this path will also be eligible to complete a bilingual (Spanish) Family and Community Services concentration area in preparation for working with Spanish-speaking families and communities. Faculty advisor approval is required for this concentration.
Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development
The School of Education & Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver attracts students who are passionate about careers in serving culturally and linguistically diverse families and individuals. We match their passion with an education that is rooted in diversity, technology, proven approaches and real-world practice. That’s why our graduates are prepared to make immediate and life-long impacts on people, communities and the world.
Sample Courses
- LDFS 5110 - Human Learning 3 credits
- LDFS 6100 - Advanced Child Growth and Development 3 credits
- LDFS 6200 - Human Development Over the Life Span 3 credits
- LDFS 6750 - Designing Environment for Learning and Development 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:2 to 3 years
Required Credits for Completion:30
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
We practice "rolling admission" and after your application is complete, we strive to notify you of your admission status in no more than two to three weeks.
The following deadlines are firm, early submissions are encouraged.
Fall Semester: June 30
Spring Semester: November 1
Summer Semester: April 30
Application Requirements
- 2 recommendation letters
- Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
- If applying for an endorsement, proof of teaching license or special services license is required
- Resume/CV
- Written Statement: Describe your interest in the program, your special strengths, and the goals you hope to achieve through your work in the program
- $50.00 application fee
- International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency)
Admissions Interview: An interview may be required as part of the admissions process. If so, applicants will be contacted with more details.
For more information, email education@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-6300.
Additional Information
Our program seeks individuals who wish to work with diverse people in fields such as health care, education and helping professions, which are areas of employment where you work directly with individuals, families, schools and communities, potentially in diverse or underserved contexts. Many of our graduates pursue doctoral degrees.