Best Online Master’s in Human and Family Development
Demand for individual and community support has risen, with community programs focused on healthcare, drug abuse, and counseling becoming priorities.
If you have ever wanted to help people at all life stages deal with important transitions, manage everyday challenges, or recover from grief, consider a degree in human and family development. Human and family development is a versatile area of study that encompasses many careers in the human services industry with promising job growth and salary prospects.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for health educators and community health workers will grow 13% from 2019-2029. These fast-growing careers demand highly skilled professionals who hold master’s degrees. Working professionals and those with familial commitments can earn a master’s in human and family development by attention class online.
The Best Online Master’s in Human and Family Development Programs
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
North Carolina State University at Raleigh offers an online master of youth, family, and community sciences. The program emphasizes specialized skills, preparing graduates for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.
The curriculum emphasizes current research in human and family development. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants with prior experience in the field or a related one often meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 45%
Total Online Master's Programs: 38
Program Name: Master of youth, family, and community sciences
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,095
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,421
- In-State$6,535
- Out-of-state$26,654
- In-State$9,095
- Out-of-state$26,421
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled36,304
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Lincoln, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The master of science in human and family services administration at University of Nebraska-Lincoln uses a flexible distance learning format. The program helps learners increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.
The curriculum emphasizes current research in human and family development. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. The master's program recommends that applicants bring a background in human and family development or a related field.
Online enrollees add to their resume by pursuing internship opportunities at approved locations in their local area. The program encourages graduate students to participate in hands-on experiences and networking events to grow their professional connections.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 78%
Total Online Master's Programs: 11
Program Name: Master of science in human and family services administration
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,976
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,280
- In-State$7,560
- Out-of-state$24,000
- In-State$5,976
- Out-of-state$17,280
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled25,390
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
From its campus in Lubbock, Texas Tech University offers an online master of science in human development and family sciences. The program draws on a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. Master's graduates can also pursue careers in new industries.
The curriculum blends theory and practice to provide an advanced understanding of human development. Learners individualize the course of study by selecting electives and concentrations. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in the field.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.
Texas Tech University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 69%
Total Online Master's Programs: 14
Program Name: Master of science in human development and family sciences
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,958
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,428
- In-State$6,744
- Out-of-state$16,704
- In-State$5,958
- Out-of-state$13,428
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled38,742
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The master of arts in family and community services at University of Missouri-Columbia offers a flexible online format. The program builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
The curriculum emphasizes current research in human and family development. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. Applicants without a human and family development background may need to complete prerequisite courses.
Online enrollees gain real-world experience through internships offered in their local area. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
University of Missouri-Columbia at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 81%
Total Online Master's Programs: 21
Program Name: Master of arts in family and community services
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,264
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,363
- In-State$9,120
- Out-of-state$26,991
- In-State$9,264
- Out-of-state$25,363
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled30,014
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Kansas State University, located in Manhattan, enrolls students in its online master's in family and community services program. Graduates prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous program. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.
The curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to human and family development. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. The master's program recommends that applicants bring a background in human and family development or a related field.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. Internships and other practicum activities build both hands-on experience and professional connections.
Kansas State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 95%
Total Online Master's Programs: 26
Program Name: Master's in family and community services
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,212
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,050
- In-State$9,735
- Out-of-state$25,251
- In-State$10,212
- Out-of-state$23,050
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled21,719
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Masters in Human and Family Development
2022
Online Master’s in Human and Family Development Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyWhat Is an Online Master’s in Human and Family Development Degree?
A master’s in human and family development provides a framework for careers in the human services field. Enrollees study the various developmental processes that occur over the human lifetime, including language acquisition, cognitive development, and social skill development. These programs equip students with the knowledge to understand and analyze human behavior at different points in life.
Degree-holders typically seek employment as social workers, human services administrators, and early childhood educators upon graduation, often planning to eventually become licensed counselors and psychologists. The degree builds skills in analyzing social behavior, helping people transition between different life stages, and communicating effectively with people at all stages of development and functioning.
Choosing an Online Program
When considering an online master’s in human development program, carefully weigh the factors that will influence your educational experience. Ask yourself: Do the program’s available concentrations align with your career plans? Does the program emphasize asynchronous or synchronous online coursework? You can learn more about how to select an online degree at the links below.
What Else Can I Expect From a Master’s in Human and Family Development Program?
The curricula for different human and family development programs can vary widely, but most touch on a core course roster exploring the different stages of healthy human development. Many programs also offer gerontology, youth development, and substance abuse treatment concentrations.
Human and Family Development Curriculum
- Marriage and Family Relationships: This introductory course explores modern marriage and family situations and challenges. Students investigate the different social factors that influence interactions within families and couples. Topics include mate selection, gender roles, and parenthood. The course may require prerequisite introductory coursework in psychology or sociology.
- Language Development: Students in this class consider theories about language acquisition and cognition in early childhood. Topics may include domain-general versus domain-specific abilities, nature versus nurture, and stability of intelligence. The course also shows enrollees how to compare atypical pathways in language development with normative development patterns.
- Adult Development and Aging: This course covers the lifespan, including the transition from adolescence into adulthood and continuing into old age and death. Coursework explores the various biological, physiological, and cognitive processes that occur throughout the aging process, along with how they affect lived experiences in each stage of adult development.
Certificates and Licenses
Many students in human and family development programs eventually pursue work as licensed professional counselors. The requirements for earning a counseling license vary by state, though most states share some common criteria.
To earn your counseling license, you need a master’s in counseling or a related field, along with 2,000-3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience accumulated over 2-3 years. Once you finish your degree and clinical hours, you can take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) — administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) — or one of several alternatives, also administered by NBCC. Passing the exam allows you to practice as a licensed counselor and receive the national certified counselor (NCC) credential.
The voluntary NCC credential offers the additional benefit of demonstrating your level of professional experience to your community. It can also lead to higher and more specialized credentials in the field.
Because nearly all states require the NCE and a similar amount of clinical hours, aspiring professionals can expect a certain amount of licensure reciprocity between states if they relocate and need licensure by endorsement. However, not all states offer reciprocity, and some states require a period of remedial education to become licensed.
Human and Family Development Careers
Master’s in human and family development degrees provide a foundation for many jobs, primarily in the human services industry. Many graduates become employed as social workers or case managers immediately upon graduation, while others pursue Ph.D. programs and become licensed clinical counselors or psychologists.
The following list does not represent all possible career paths — just some commonly pursued options.
Human and Family Development Professional Organizations
Joining a professional organization can provide vital support for students and professionals through continuing education, networking, and job placement services. The following organizations offer membership benefits that can help individuals pursuing master’s degrees in human and family development.
American Counseling Association
Founded in 1952, ACA advocates for the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. The organization’s 55,000 members enjoy free continuing education webinars, an annual conference, and access to its electronic journal database. ACA members who are still in college can also access free liability insurance.American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
AAMFT represents the interests of over 50,000 marriage and family therapists throughout the world. The organization offers members access to ethical advisory, legal consultation, and job assistance services. Students can take advantage of its various scholarships and awards, such as the graduate student research award.International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors
IAMFC is a division of ACA, chartered in 1989. It advances the marriage and family counseling profession. Membership benefits include free or discounted continuing education credits, mentoring opportunities, and a subscription to The Family Journal. The organization also offers student awards for graduate research.Frequently Asked Questions
It typically takes 2-3 years of full-time enrollment to complete a master’s in human and family development. If you take courses at a part-time pace, the process will take longer.
A master’s in human development can get you a job in human services organizations, senior centers, and early childhood education. It can potentially lead to counseling work, as well, though you will likely need to earn licensure first.
BLS data indicates that substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earned a median income of $46,240 in 2019.
Human and family studies inform the way that professionals deliver human services to patients in need. For instance, understanding the developmental changes that occur during old age enables human services professionals to effectively serve the elderly.
Many people with master’s in human development degrees teach in early childhood settings. Some states set additional training requirements for early childhood educators.
Header Image Credit: NoSystem Images | Getty Images
