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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Human and Family Development Program?
In an online master’s in human and family development, you can expect to find coursework that prepares you to help adults, children, and families through various life issues. Designed for greater flexibility, online degrees make it easier for students to balance school and personal responsibilities. Students can take full- or part-time classes and choose between fully online classes or hybrid programs with in-person and online classes.
Because every online degree program is different, finding the best one to suit your needs and career goals is important.
Available concentrations
Depending on the program you choose, you may be able to focus your studies on a particular area of concentration. Although specialization opportunities vary from school to school, these are a few of the more common ones:
Gerontology and aging: A concentration in gerontology and aging prepares individuals to treat and assist older adults within a community. Graduates with this specialization may find jobs as social workers, healthcare business managers, grief counselors, physical therapists, herbalists, or mental healthcare associates.
Addiction treatment services: This concentration provides students with a solid understanding of issues facing individuals and families who are struggling with some form of addiction. Graduates can work as substance abuse counselors, victims’ advocates, health educators, or case managers.
Childhood education: Coursework in this concentration gives students the skills to work effectively with children in a learning environment. Available positions include childcare center director, special education teacher, preschool teacher, elementary school teacher, or child welfare worker.
Youth and adolescent development: This concentration includes background on adolescent brain development and how self-esteem shapes a child’s identity. It also focuses on how children respond to puberty and what adults can do to be supportive during this time. Graduates may seek jobs as child life specialists, special education paraprofessionals, parent educators, early childhood education consultants, or social workers.
Common degree curriculum
The online master’s in human and family development is a highly specialized degree that varies in focus from infants to the elderly. Because you will invest a significant amount of time and money, finding a program that closely fits your career goals and needs is important. Factors to consider include concentrations, whether internships and practicums are part of the program, and the type of capstone required. Some programs offer all classes online. Meanwhile, others operate on a hybrid structure, where some classes are offered in person. Some of the classes you may encounter include:
Aging in Families: Prepares students to work in settings that serve older people and their families.
Family Relationships and Dynamics: Develops skills to help resolve issues related to individuals, families, and groups.
Administration and Program Management: Provides students with the knowledge to develop and manage projects from start to finish.
Leadership and Social Justice: Helps equip students with the tools and theory to become activists and community organizers.
Theoretical Issues in Child Development: Looks at the overview of child development and the theories that discuss and measure development.
Certification and license preparation
There are several certifications and licenses that may be useful for graduates of this degree program. Individuals who meet the educational and clinical experience criteria may sit for the licensing exams to become marriage and family therapists. A master’s or doctorate and supervised clinical experience are required.
The National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential is the primary certification for counselors. By becoming board-certified, you let others know you have met the highest national standards in counseling. Applicants must complete a graduate degree from a regionally accredited counseling program, have adequate work experience, and demonstrate the highest ethical practice standards.
Program accreditation
An important consideration for an online master’s in human and family development is accreditation. Accredited programs are evaluated by outside agencies that determine whether the program meets or exceeds industry standards. Accreditation can affect whether you receive federal and some types of private funding and can play a role in whether you can get a job after graduation. Regionally accredited schools are typically more prestigious and are held to high standards. National accreditation applies to faith-based colleges, trade schools, and career-based programs. Students can verify their school’s accreditation status using the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database.
Program completion timeframe
A typical online master’s degree in human and family development can take two to three years to complete when attending classes full-time. The degree program makes up 36 credit hours, which may include a practicum or field component. Those who prefer to work and take classes part-time may take five years to complete the degree. The type of program you choose can also affect completion time. With cohort classes, individuals take the required courses and graduate together. This type of program can take longer because programs may only offer classes once a year. Meanwhile, self-paced programs allow you to take classes as your schedule allows.
Employment Outlook for Master’s in Human and Family Development Graduates
In many human and family development careers, a master’s degree is beneficial for advancement. Some require at least a master’s degree for entry-level positions. Most individuals who complete a human and family development degree work in human services fields, such as social work or health care. Most available jobs require advanced degrees for research, academia, government positions, and career paths in the private sector.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates with a master’s degree earned an average of $12,000 more per year than those with bachelor’s degrees. Because many human and family development occupations deal with health care, research, and counseling, an advanced degree is often the minimum requirement for entry-level positions. Nearly half of all counselors held master’s degrees compared to the 26 percent who had bachelor’s degrees.
A master’s degree in human and family development prepares individuals for various social work, counseling, and psychology careers. Because many of these jobs require someone with specialized skills, a graduate-level degree is needed for even entry-level positions.
A family or marriage therapist works with couples and families to help them overcome relationship problems. They may work in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, and mental health centers.
Social workers help people solve and cope with problems pertaining to everyday life. They may work in schools, welfare agencies, hospitals, settlement houses, and community development corporations.
Also referred to as health care administrators, public health administrators plan, direct, and coordinate activities in a medical practice, hospital, specific departments, or entire facilities. They also ensure the facilities they work in conform to all health care regulations and laws.
These nurses help treat disabled, injured, or sick patients through therapeutic activities so they can regain strength and a better quality of life.
$93,180 per year
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Professional organizations
Industry associations are a valuable resource for scientific professionals. Membership can connect you with new research, career advancement resources, and continuing education opportunities. Here are several groups that serve individuals in human and family development.
American Counseling Association (ACA): This non-profit organization focuses on the enhancement and growth of those in the counseling profession. It is the world’s largest professional counseling organization.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW): With more than 120,000 members worldwide, the NASW is the largest professional social work organization. The group works to enhance the growth and development of its members.
Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC): The NAADAC represents over 100,000 counselors, educators, and other health professionals specializing in addiction-focused prevention and treatment. The group helps develop quality health services and protect the public’s well-being.
Financing Your Online Master’s in Human and Family Development Degree
An online master’s in human and family development degree may cost less than the traditional on-campus program. However, students seeking this degree could still require assistance paying for classes. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first place to look. This application identifies any grants, loans, and scholarships you are eligible for through the federal government. There are also several public and private funding options in addition to federal funding.
Student Finance Resources and Guides
The first step in financing your education is knowing where to find answers to your questions. Consider some of the following resources.
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
