Human and Community Development
Head of the Department: Robert Hughes Jr
Director of Human & Community Development Programs: Ramona Faith Oswald
Director of Agricultural Education Programs: James Anderson
274 Bevier Hall
905 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-3790
Fax: (217) 244-7887
E-mail: hcd@aces.uiuc.edu
Major: Human and Community Development
Degrees offered: M.S. and Ph.D.
Graduate Concentrations: Community Studies and Outreach (Ph.D. only) and Human Development and Family Studies (Ph.D. only)
Major: Agricultural Education
Degrees offered: M.S.
Graduate Minor: Gender Relations in International Development
Joint Degree Program: Master of Science in Human and Community Development and Master of Social Work
Degrees Offered: M.S. and M.S.W.
Online and Off-Campus Programs: Agricultural Education
Degrees offered: M.S.
Medical Scholars Program: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Human and Community Development and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) through the Medical Scholars Program
Graduate Degree Programs
The Department of Human and Community Development (HCD) offers two master's level graduate specializations, and two graduate concentrations at the doctoral level.
The doctoral concentration in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) focuses on positive development and resilience of diverse children, youth, and families in everyday life contexts. The doctoral concentration in Community Studies and Outreach (CSO) focuses on community institutions, opportunity structures, community mobilization, and community change. Our doctoral concentrations are interdisciplinary, drawing upon the canons of anthropology, economics, education, family studies, human development, psychology, and sociology. Further, we value qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies. Our master's option in Marriage and Family Services is a joint degree program with the School of Social Work in which students earn both an M.S. and an M.S.W. Completion of both degrees may meet the requirements for associate membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
The M.S. in Agricultural Education is a professional degree for training community and classroom based educators to address psychological, educational, and research issues as they pertain to teaching and learning in and about the agricultural, life, and environmental sciences. Students may choose among the teacher education option (teaching certification, non-thesis), applied research (non-certification, thesis) option, the program development (non-certification, non-thesis) option, and the online option. Students completing the teacher education option will be eligible for Illinois teacher certification in agricultural education for grades 9-12.
Admission
Admission is based upon both academic record and the applicant's fit with a given specialization. We examine grade point average (GPA), Graduate Record Examination (GRE, we will accept MCAT scores for Medical Scholar applicants) scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. International applicants from non-English speaking countries must have an official paper Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 103 on the internet based test). We will not admit anyone with a GPA lower than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. All applicants are required to submit official GRE scores (MCAT in the case of Medical Scholar applicants) and to have previous coursework in a relevant area of social or behavioral sciences. GRE, MCAT and TOEFL scores should be taken no more than two years prior to application. Our application deadline is January 15 for possible admission the following fall semester. We only admit students for fall enrollment. Please refer to our department website for further information.
The department does not accept applications to the M.S. program except for students applying to the joint degree program in Marriage and Family Services with the School of Social Work. Those prospective students must apply to both the M.S. in HCD and the School of Social Work's M.S.W. and be admitted into both programs. The department is not currently admitting into the PhD concentration in Community Studies and Outreach.
Agricultural Education
We are looking for highly motivated students with strong academic records. Students with backgrounds in education, behavioral or social sciences are especially encouraged to apply. The minimum grade-point average for admission is 3.0 (A = 4.0). Applicants for the online/off-campus program are not required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), however applicants for the on-campus options must take the GRE. As a guideline, GRE scores should be above 500 for the quantitative and verbal tests and 4.0 for analytical writing, though the Admissions Committee may admit candidates below these scores if the student demonstrates compelling strengths in other areas. International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must have official TOEFL scores of at least 575 (written version) or 233 (computer-based version) to be eligible for admission. Our application deadline for the on-campus program is January 15 for possible admission the following fall semester. Applications for the online program are accepted March 15, June 15, and November 15 for possible admission the following semester.
In addition to meeting the above criteria, applicants to the teacher education option in the Master of Science program in agricultural education must pass the Illinois Certification Testing System test of Basic Skills test prior to admission. If taking this examination prior to admission presents substantial hardship (e.g., the applicant is from another state), the applicant should contact the director of the agricultural education graduate program to discuss the possibility of a conditional admission. Students conditionally admitted must pass the examination by the end of the first semester of enrollment. Each applicant’s undergraduate transcript will be evaluated for completion of general education courses required for certification by the Illinois State Board of Education. Students with deficiencies may be admitted with the stipulation that these be met before completion of the master’s program.
Degree Requirements
*For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Program Information and the Graduate College Handbook.
Master of Science, Human and Community Development
| Required Courses: | Human Development and Family Studies, Ph.D. concentration - Required Hours | Community Studies and Outreach, Ph.D. Concentration- Required Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Theory (HDFS = 501& HDFS 521; CSO = HCD 531) | 8 | 4 |
| Research Methods (Choose from HCD 590, 591e, 591g, 594, or other approved course) | 4 | 4 |
| Substantive Courses HDFS choose either HDFS 503 or 505 AND one of the following: HDFS 523 or 525 or 526 or 527 or 528 or 540 or HCD 570 CSO choose one of the following: HCD 533 or 534 or 535 or 536 or 537 or 538 |
4 | 4 |
| Professional Development (HDFS 500) | 2 | |
| Elective courses | 6 | 12 |
| Thesis Hours Required– HCD 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 8 | 8 |
| Total HoursA concentration is not required. | 32 | 32 |
| Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: | ||
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 | 12 |
| Other Requirements:* | ||
| If a doctoral student terminates our program early and without a master's thesis, then they are required to complete 36 hours rather than 32. | ||
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 | 2.75 |
Master of Science, Agricultural Education
| Required Courses: | Thesis Option - Required Hours | Non-thesis Option - Required Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Education Foundationsa (AGED 400 and 420) |
6 | 6 |
| Instructional Methods & Design (AGED 430 or 490) | 4 | 4 |
| Educational Research (AGED 545) | 4 | 4 |
| Agricultural Education electives | 3-4 | 3-4 |
| Electives in agriculture or educationb | 10-11 | 10-11 |
| Thesis or Independent Study Hours Requiredc– AGED 599 or 549 (min/max applied toward degree): | 4-8 | 4 |
| Total Hours | 32 | 32 |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12, 8 must be in the unit | 12, 8 must be in the unit |
| Other Requirements:* | ||
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 | 2.75 |
a Requirement may be waived if taken as an undergraduate at UIUC. If waived, student may substitute this credit requirement with an agricultural education or technical subject matter elective.
b Students may take up to four credit hours in agricultural education to fulfill the technical subject matter course requirements. This is only recommended for students completing a thesis (AGED 599 credits) or for students who desire to take an agriculture content course for teachers (i.e. AGED 500 - Special Topics in Agriculture Education).
c The applied research option requires the completion of a thesis, and the program development and online options require the completion of a project in the area of agricultural education, broadly defined, and submission of a research/professional paper.
Doctor of Philosophy
| Required Courses: | Core Degree- Required Hours |
Human Development and Family Studies Concentration- Required Hours |
Community Studies and Outreach Concentration- Required Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory Courses HDFS = HDFS 501 and 521 CSO = HCD 531 and 539 |
8 | 8 | |
| Substantive Courses HDFS = HDFS 503, 503 and two of the following: HDFS 523, 525, 526, 527, 528, 540, or HCD 570 CSO = Choose three of the following: HCD 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 538 |
8 | 12 | |
| Two research methods courses (1 quantitative, 1 qualitative). Choose from list of approved courses | 8 | ||
| Two advanced statistics courses. Choose from list of approved courses | 8 | ||
| Professional Development (HDFS 500) | 2 | ||
| Elective Courses (required hours depend upon content of M.S. degree) | 0-20 | 4-20 | |
| Thesis Hours Required – HCD 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 32 | ||
| Total Hours | 48 plus completion of HDFS or CSO concentration | 18 | 20 |
| Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: | |||
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | |||
| Other Requirements:*A concentration is required. | |||
| MS equivalent, or student will earn MS in first two years of PhD program (see requirements above) | |||
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 | 2.75 | 2.75 |
| Qualifying Exam Required | Yes | ||
| Preliminary Exam Required | Yes | ||
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes | ||
| Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes |
The HCD doctoral program prepares students to be researchers, educators, policy developers, or professionals who develop, evaluate, and implement programs for children, families, and communities. Students select concentrations in either Community Studies and Outreach (CSO) or Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS). Those entering the doctoral program without a master's degree will complete one within their first two years in the doctoral program. Students entering with a non-thesis master's will be required to complete a "thesis equivalency" paper within the first two years of their doctoral program. Requirements for the Ph.D. include 66 (HDFS) or 68 (CSO) graduate hours beyond the M.S. degree, completion of the written qualifying examination, defense of the written dissertation proposal, and a final thesis defense upon completion of the dissertation. Doctoral students may also complete a supporting program in "applied HDFS." This 16 graduate hour option includes 4 hours in program development or policy studies, 4 hours in program evaluation, and two 4 hour internships. The applied optional supporting program prepares students to enter careers in administration, human services, social policy, international aid agencies, and government, as well as traditional careers in teaching and research.
Joint Degree Program
The joint degree focuses on Marriage and Family Services in Human and Community Development (M.S.) and Social Work (M.S.W.), and is a 3-year program designed to prepare students to work with couples and families within agency or private practice settings. Students complete their M.S. in the first year. After completion of their M.S., students transfer into the School of Social Work and complete a M.S.W degree. Please refer to the School of Social Work website for information about M.S.W. degree requirements (www.socialwork.illinois.edu/future_students/MSW_dualdegree.html). All joint degree students are expected to complete both degrees. If a student terminates with an M.S.-only, then they are required to complete 36 hours for that degree.
| Required Courses: | Thesis option - Required Hours | Non-thesis option - Required Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HCD required courses in research methods, family theories, human development theories, family dynamics, conflict management | 24 | 24 |
| Graduate hours of elective courses in HCD | 0 | 8 |
| HCD 599 Thesis Hours Required (min/max applied toward degree): | 8 | |
| Required courses in Social Work to earn the M.S.W. | 56 | 56 |
| Students without a BSW or a BSW more than 7 years old must take 4 additional foundation courses (4 hours also count toward HCD requirements) | 16 | 16 |
| Total Hours | 88 or 100 | 88 or 100 |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall | 24 | 24 |
| Other Requirements:* | ||
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 | 3.0 |
Online Program
Agricultural Education can be pursued as an online degree. The online Master's degree program in Agricultural Education enables students to take a series of Web-based and/or available site based courses, which meet the same requirements as the traditional on-campus degree program. The program has a history of providing courses for anyone interested in learning how to conduct research related to teaching and learning, and how to provide effective instructional programs related to agricultural, consumer and environmental sciences. Students may enroll in individual courses for personal or professional enrichment (non-degree seeking student), or can apply for admission to the master's degree program in Agricultural Education.
To complete the degree, 32 hours of approved graduate level courses must be fulfilled. The submission of a research/professional paper is required for completion of the degree. The Agricultural Education master's program must be completed within five years after admission to the graduate college. Courses required in agriculture for the degree program may be selected from any department in the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), other than in Agricultural Education, including courses from other online programming in ACES.
Please refer to aged.illinois.edu/online.php for more information.
Graduate Minor - Gender Relations in International Development
| Required Courses: | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| HCD 571 | 4 |
| Two electives from a list of 400 & 500 level courses approved by the GRID faculty advisory committee. | 8 |
| Total Hours | 12 |
| Other Requirements: | |
| At least one elective must be at the 500 level | |
| For this multi-disciplinary graduate minor, students must select courses from at least two departments or units. | 3.0 |
Medical Scholars Program
The Medical Scholars Program permits highly qualified students to integrate the study of medicine with study for a graduate degree in a second discipline, including Human and Community Development. Students may apply to the Medical Scholars Program prior to beginning graduate school or while in the graduate program. Applicants to the Medical Scholars Program must meet the admissions standards for and be accepted into both the doctoral graduate program and the College of Medicine. Students in the dual degree program must meet the specific requirements for both the medical and graduate degrees. On average, students take eight years to complete both degrees. Further information on this program is available by contacting the Medical Scholars Program, 125 Medical Sciences Building, (217) 333-8146 or at www.med.illinois.edu/msp.
Graduate Teaching Experience
We do not require our students to teach but recognize the importance of teacher development for their future marketability. Thus, we make teaching assistantships available and encourage students to pursue a variety of teaching experiences as well as mentorship from experienced instructors. We also encourage our students to utilize the variety of teacher training resources that are available across campus.
Faculty Research Interests
Faculty information is available on our department website at www.hcd.illinois.edu/about/faculty_staff.html
Centers, Programs, and Institutes
Child Care Resource Service (http://ccrs.hcd.uiuc.edu)
Child Development Lab (www.cdl.illinois.edu)
Pampered Chef Family Resiliency Program (www.familyresiliency.illinois.edu)
Family Resiliency Center (www.familyresiliency.illinois.edu)
Lab for Community and Economic Development (http://communitydevelopment.uiuc.edu/webworks/files/index.php)
University of Illinois Extension (http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/index.html)
Facilities and Resources
Bevier Hall (www.fs.uiuc.edu/ada/0158.html)
Child Development Lab (www.fs.uiuc.edu/ada/0062.html)
Doris Kelly Christopher Hall
Early Child Development Lab
Financial Aid
We are committed to funding all of our students who are making timely progress. The duration and amount of our commitment varies by program. Funding may include fellowships, research assistantships, and/or teaching assistantships. These opportunities typically include stipends and tuition waivers. In some cases, fees are also waived. All applicants are automatically considered for all department funding opportunities; there is no separate application process. Federal and state financial aid is completely separate from the support provided by our department. For information regarding federal and state financial aid, please refer to www.osfa.illinois.edu/