Start your journey
Earn your master's and gain a broad foundation in family science and human development
This program will prepare you to use multi-disciplinary research to discover and apply knowledge, build communication skills, and develop as a lifelong learner and effective leader.
Partnering with individuals, families and communities, FSoS faculty and students use quantitative and qualitative research methods – including surveys, interviews and focus groups – in community-based participatory action research to advance knowledge and support partners as well as create a vibrant teaching and learning environment. You will study:
- conceptual theoretical frameworks
- research and evaluation methodologies
- implementation and translational research
- community collaborations and system change initiatives
Admissions to this program are currently paused.
Careers
A master's degree in family social science will prepare you for a variety of careers in academia, clinical administration and leadership, policy-related firms, government agencies, independent research institutions, school systems, and social service or health care organizations.
Admissions requirements
Application deadline is March 1
- GPA: 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) is preferred for admission.
- Significant social and behavioral coursework strongly preferred: i.e., family and consumer sciences, human development, psychology, economics, sociology.
- Coursework in research methods as well as statistics, including one course in advanced undergraduate statistics.
Admission to the Department of Family Social Science (FSoS) is based on a review of multiple sources of information:
- Evidence of strong academic preparation and the ability and desire to perform graduate level scholarship, including research.
- Alignment of applicant's professional goals with FSoS faculty scholarship and with the department's mission.
- Unique contributions applicant would make to FSoS values, including social relevance, collaboration, inclusiveness, excellence, innovation, and diversity.
The program of study for the master's degree is planned by the student and the faculty adviser, approved by the director of graduate studies, and then filed with the graduate school.
Contact: fsosgrad@umn.edu
Contact
Catherine Solheim
Director of Graduate Students
Sumitra Madhuri Ramachandran
Graduate Program Coordinator
Tuition and funding
CEHD Fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, and grants for graduate students
As a graduate student in CEHD, you may be eligible for fellowships, grants, and scholarships from the University of Minnesota, from our college, and from your academic department. Check this link out to get more information on funding opportunities!
Funding
Learn more about funding opportunities through the Department of Family Social Science.
Financial aid
Financial aid for your graduate program works a little differently than financial aid at the undergraduate level. It’s important to know the differences and explore your options. Check out this One Stop link for more information on eligibility, required steps, and timelines. If you have questions, you should contact Sumitra Ramachandran, graduate program coordinator, at fsosgrad@umn.edu
Questions about funding
University Funding Opportunities: 612.625.7579 | gsfellow@umn.edu
Request info
What our alumni say
Quote from Amy Majerle
The faculty mentorship and academic rigor in the FSoS department have strengthened my ability to manage high-impact research and build strong community partnerships to translate important findings into best practices.
Coursework
The Master's in family social science program offers you two options:
- Completing a capstone thesis (Plan A) that prepares students for an advanced degree. For more information view the capstone thesis checklist [PDF].
- Completing a capstone project (Plan B) that is designed for students planning to do applied research. For more information view the capstone project checklist [PDF].
Plan A - 30 credits with thesis
FSOS 5014 - Quantitative Family Research Methods I - 3 credits
FSOS 5015 - Family Research Laboratory - 1 credit
FSOS 8001 - Conceptual Frameworks in the Family - 3 credits
FSOS 8013 - Qualitative Family Research Methods - 3 credits
FSOS 8200 - Orientation for Family Science - 1 credit
Statistical Methods
EPSY 8251 - Statistical Methods I - 3 credits
EPSY 8252 - Statistical Methods II - 3 credits
Thesis
FSOS 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master’s - 10 credits
Plan B - 30 credits, no thesis
FSOS 8001 - Conceptual Frameworks in the Family - 3 credits
FSOS 8200 - Orientation for Family Science - 1 credit
One of the following 3-credit research methods courses:
FSOS 5014 - Quantitative Family Research Methods I (3 credits) w/concurrent enrollment in FSOS 5015 - Family Research Laboratory (1 credit) - 4 credits
OR
FSOS 8013 - Qualitative Family Research Methods 3 Evaluation Research Methods - 3 credits
Statistical Methods
EPSY 8251 - Statistical Methods I - 3 credits
One 3 credit course outside FSOS - 3 credits
Project
FSOS 8755 - Master’s paper: Plan B Project - 4 credits
Contact
We’re here to help. Simply complete this form and a member of our department will be in touch.
Faculty and staff
Sumitra Madhuri Ramachandran
Graduate program coordinator, fsosgrad@umn.edu
Stacey Horn
Department head, professor, Campbell Leadership Chair in Education & Human Development, sshorn@umn.edu
Catherine Solheim
Director of graduate studies and professor, csolheim@umn.edu