The Prevention Science Specialization coursework focuses on lifespan developmental processes and normative family functioning, as well as theories of prevention science and risk and resilience. Students gain skills such as program planning and evaluation, program administration, grant writing, research design, and technical communication. Graduates of this specialization enter careers in managing prevention and intervention programs in human services and the non-profit sector, program evaluation, policy analysis, and education.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
- Identify methods for planning and implementing interventions for mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
- Design and adapt research-based prevention programs from a school-, family-, and community-centered, developmentally appropriate perspective.
- Plan and implement evidence-base prevention programs, leading to greater sustainability of community based programs.
Effective Fall 2023
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HDFS 500 | Issues in Human Development & Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 524 | Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 549 | Research Methods I | 3 |
| HDFS 550 | Research Methods II | 3 |
| HDFS 592 | Grant Writing--Research/Program Development | 3 |
| HDFS 607 | Prevention Science Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| HDFS 608 | Program Planning and Implementation | 3 |
| HDFS 609 | Prevention Program Evaluation | 3 |
| HDFS 610 | Risk and Resilience | 3 |
| HDFS 650 | Multivariate Research Methods I | 3 |
| Selected Courses | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Early Child Development | ||
| Adolescent Development | ||
| Adult Development and Aging | ||
| Aging and the Family | ||
| Family Issues: Intimacy and Human Sexuality | ||
| Family Issues: Parenting | ||
| Seminar: Lifespan Socioemotional Development | ||
| Seminar: Lifespan Cognitive Development | ||
Electives 1 | ||
| Thesis | ||
| HDFS 693 | Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| HDFS 699 | Thesis | 3 |
| Program Total Credits: | 42 | |
A minimum of 42 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
Select enough 500-level or above elective credits with approval of advisor and graduate committee to bring the program total to 42 credits.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |