MA Learning, Developmental and Family Sciences

The MA program in Learning, Developmental and Family Sciences (LDFS) prepares students to facilitate the teaching/learning process and to lead and work in community-based environments. Thus, many students pursue the degree to enhance their skills as professional classroom teachers or lead in the community. The degree also provides skills necessary for a variety of roles in educational and teaching settings or community environments where knowledge of learning, development, understanding family and community systems, motivation, and research is essential such as teaching at the community college and teaching-based colleges and universities levels, teaching adults, consulting, developing assessments, community-based leadership, and conducting program development and evaluation. Other students seek the MA as preparation for advanced study in educational psychology, psychology, learning sciences, family science and human development, research, or related fields.

Areas of Study

Two major areas of concentration are available: Learning and human development and family relations:

• Regardless of the concentration area selected, all students must demonstrate competence in Learning, Developmental and Family Sciences by successfully completing 30 semester hours of relevant course work;
• Students complete a capstone experience, either an applied project or a master’s thesis in consultation with their faculty advisor based on the students’ professional and academic goals. Please see culminating capstone experience section for more details.