MS Human Ecology Degree Requirements

The Master of Science (MS) in Human Ecology is the non-research capstone MS in the School of Human Ecology.  The MS requires a minimum credit requirement of 32 credits total. The minimum residence credit requirement is 16 credits.  At least 16 credits (half of the 32 total credits) must be completed in graduate-level coursework with the G50% coursework attribute designation. The overall GPA requirement is 3.0. These requirements are in accordance with the Graduate School’s minimum credit and GPA requirements. This 32-credit MS degree can be completed in 3 semesters of full time study or 4 or more semesters if students are working or part-time.

The Master of Science in Human Ecology offers multi-disciplinary course work that focuses on current theories and strategies for creating, managing, and evaluating settings that promote human and community development. Students are exposed to current research and practice that integrate: (a) the promotion of human and family development with (b) perspectives on building effective organizations and sustainable communities. Students create their own “master’s specialization” through elective courses and the completion of a real-world capstone project. Students design their own specializations so they can name their expertise to prospective employers.

This program is intended as a terminal, professional degree. The Master’s program is geared toward students who are both new to the field and those who have had direct practice, applied research, educational, or advocacy experience. The program prepares students for careers in a wide range of settings including:

• Community-based organizations (family support, youth work, community organizing, social justice, intervention and prevention programs, consumer and financial coaching)
• Intermediary and “backbone” organizations (technical assistance providers, philanthropic foundations, applied research and evaluation organizations, capacity building providers, community-based economic development)
• Government agencies (child and family services, public health, legislative support)
• University outreach (Cooperative Extension, community partnerships and coalitions, public service, multicultural offices, academic support and education).