The online Master of Prevention Science Practice trains graduates to implement evidence-based prevention programs for use at the community-level in preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. The course work emphasizes 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, and technical communication. The curriculum adheres to the Society for Prevention Research’s criteria for online Master’s programs in Prevention Science. M.P.S.P. graduates are competitive for positions in a variety of health care, social service, or educational agencies with titles such as Social Service Specialist, Social or Community Service Manager, Health Promotion Specialist, Mental Health Consultant, Child Welfare Specialist, Behavior Health Specialist, or Prevention Specialist.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
- Examine developmental theory, methods, intervention, and standards of evidence in preventing mental, emotional and behavioral disorders.
- Practice research-based prevention programs from a family-centered, developmentally appropriate perspective.
- Explain concepts and practices in prevention science and program evaluation.
- Select evidence-based prevention programs for greater sustainability of community-based programs.
Effective Spring 2022
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HDFS 505 | Human Development for Helping Professionals | 3 |
| HDFS 524 | Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 545 | Program Evaluation Methods and Statistics | 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 |
| Selected Courses | ||
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Early Child Development | ||
| Adolescent Development | ||
| Adult Development and Aging | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 30 | |
A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.
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 |