HDCFS Graduate Handbook
HDCFS Graduate Assistant Application
Graduate School
Program Mission
The graduate program in the Department of Human Development, Consumer and Family Sciences integrates theoretical and research-based knowledge with human-based needs and values. The mission of our graduate program is to improve the quality of life and well being of individuals, families, and the community. We value and embrace collaboration, thoughtfulness, passion, equity, diversity, and integrity in our work with students, and a commitment to the land grant mission of integrating teaching, research, and outreach.
Program Goals
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To offer high quality professional educational and research-based programs in the areas of early childhood education, family financial planning, and human development and family studies.
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To offer opportunities and experiences for students to learn and demonstrate an understanding of the research process and the application of research methods and skills.
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To prepare students for professional, advocacy, and leadership roles in business, education, government, industry, and the human service professions.
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To provide opportunities and experiences for students to develop the knowledge, capacity, and potential necessary to meet the real needs of people in the diverse contexts of their lives.
Admission to HDCFS Graduate Program
Students must be admitted to the Graduate School before enrolling in any graduate course, whether or not they are pursuing an advanced degree. For students applying to the Family Financial Planning specialization, a completed application must be filed with the Graduate School at least one month before the beginning of the first term of graduate work.
Students applying to the ECE or HDFS specialization areas must submit completed application by March 1 of each year to be considered for fall admission. Students will not be admitted in spring or summer semesters.
Admission Requirements
1. Application Form – a completed form supplied by the Graduate School must be submitted and accompanied by a non-refundable application fee (send to the Graduate School).
2. Official Transcripts – official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work must be sent directly to the Graduate School.
3. Letters of recommendation – Three current (prepared within the past year) letters of recommendation from persons acquainted with the academic ability or professional competency of the applicant should be sent directly to the Graduate School.
4. Written goals essay – submit a 2-3-page essay indicating professional goals and how completion of a M.S. degree will assist in meeting these goals. Send directly to the HDCFS Department.
5. Vita or resume – recent vita or resume must be sent directly to the HDCFS Department.
Degree Requirements
Students can choose either the thesis (Option A) or non-thesis (Option B) options. Course requirements vary for the two options. The thesis option requires 30 semester hours, 5-7 of which must be thesis credits. The non-thesis option requires 36 credits, 2 credits of which must be an Individual Research Paper.
Career Opportunities
Recent graduates of the program are employed in a variety of human services and educational settings including:
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Assistant Director of corporate-based child care center
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Executive Director of violence prevention agency
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Coordinator of teen pregnancy prevention program in public school
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Instructor at community tribal college
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Instructor of early childhood education at state university
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Director of child care center
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Family and Consumer Sciences Education teacher
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County Extension Educator
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Doctoral student in Human Development and Family Studies
Further Assistance
For an application packet and additional information on graduate study at South Dakota State University in the Human Development, Consumer and Family Sciences Department, contact:
Andrew J. Stremmel, Ph.D.
Professor and Head
Human Development, Consumer and Family Sciences Department
Box 2275A, NFA 369
South Dakota State University
Brookings, South Dakota 57007
Phone: 605-688-6418
E-mail: andrew.stremmel@sdstate.edu
Graduate School
Administration 130, Box 2201
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007
Phone: (605) 688-4181
To Download the Human Development, Consumer and Family Sciences Department Graduate Handbook, Click Here.
