Apr 06, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog

Human Development and Family Sciences, M.S. – Online


IDEA Master of Science in HDFS with a Specialization in Gerontology


The department is a member of the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA), a multiple-university association with online graduate programs. Through this organization, the department offers a master’s degree in HDFS with a specialization in gerontology. This degree requires a total of 36 hours comprised of eight core courses and four elective courses. This program is designed to prepare professionals who are either working directly with older people or involved in education and research related to aging adults. 

IDEA Master of Science in HDFS with a Specialization in Youth Development


Through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA), the department offers an online master’s degree in HDFS with a specialization in youth development. The 36-hour master’s degree includes 28 credit hours of coursework and 8 hours of either a practicum, project or thesis. All courses are taught by distance and in collaboration with participating IDEA institutions. The IDEA youth development program is designed to prepare professionals who are working directly with adolescents and young adults or are involved in education and research related to youth.