The MS degree in MFHD provides students with a broad-based understanding in family sciences and human development. For some the MS is a terminal graduate degree that enhances professional opportunities. For other students this degree is designed to prepare them for doctoral study.
The graduate program is designed to address the theories, research, and practices that (1) strengthen marriages, (2) enhance the development of children, and (3) unfold the characteristics of quality nurturing relationships across generations.
Typically from six to ten students are admitted each year to the program, with the proportion of MS and PhD degree candidates varying each year.
For additional information about scholarships, assistantships, ongoing faculty research programs, and research facilities, go to http://mfhd.byu.edu/
Requirements for Degree.
36 credit hours of course work, distributed as follows:
Human Development - 6 credit hours:
MFHD 611 (3.0 credits) Advances in Human Development
One elective Human Development content course (3.0 credits)
Family Studies - 6 credit hours:
MFHD 612 (3.0 credits) Introduction to Research and Theory in Family Studies
One elective Family Studies content course (3.0 credits)
Theory - 3 credit hours:
MFHD 514 (3.0 credits) Theories of Human Development
Methods & Statistics - 15 credit hours:
MFHD 513 (3.0 credits) Applied Statistics in the Social Sciences
MFHD 691 (3.0 credits) Graduate Research Methods
MFHD 600 (3.0 credits) Multiple Regression
MFHD 605 (3.0 credits) Structural Equation Modeling in Social Sciences
One elective Methods & Statistics course (3.0 credits)
Thesis - 6 credit hours:
MFHD 699R (6.0 credits) Master's Thesis
Program of Study
Prospectus
Thesis
Exam: oral defense of thesis and course work
Required Test
GRE
Additional Requirements
Letters of Recommendation should be from individuals who can evaluate your current academic and/or professional skills and abilities. Character reference letters from friends, family or acquaintances are not appropriate.
Resume required
Demonstrate knowledge of the dominant theories, main research findings, & contemporary issues in the MFHD research literature. Demonstrate knowledge of and competence in the general research methods and statistics used in MFHD. Synthesize existing research: design, analyze, and report original research that contributes to a scholarly specialty.Marriage, Family, and Human Development Fundamentals
Research Skills
Effective Research Analysis and Reporting
| Characteristics of Students from Past Academic Year | |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 20 |
| International | 2 |
| Female | 14 |
| LDS | 20 |
| Non-White | 3 |
| BYU Undergraduate | 18 |
| Three Year Average Test Scores of Admitted Student | |
|---|---|
| GRE Composite Score | 309.7 |
| GRE Quantitative Score | 153.9 |
| GRE Quantitative Percentile | 55.3 |
| GRE Verbal Score | 155.8 |
| GRE Verbal Percentile | 67.0 |
| GRE Analytical Score | 4.3 |
| GRE Analytical Percentile | 68.9 |
| Five Year Average of Graduated Students | |
|---|---|
| Average Years to Degree | 2.1 |
| Graduated Per Year | 5.2 |
| Five Year Average of Admitted Students | |
|---|---|
| Applied Per Year | 15.6 |
| Admitted Per Year | 9.0 |
| Percent Admitted | 57.69 |
| Average GPA | 3.74 |