Overview

The Applied Human Development and Family Sciences programme at Northern Illinois University provides students with an advanced understanding of human growth and domestic dynamics. This curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in social services or for further doctoral research in related behavioural fields.

This degree offers a comprehensive exploration of youth work, gerontological programming, and family life education. Students can choose to complete the general degree or pursue specific specialisations in areas such as marriage and family therapy or leadership in aging studies. The programme requires 30 credit hours for the non-specialised track and offers the choice between a research thesis or a comprehensive examination.

Why Applied Human Development and Family Sciences at Northern Illinois University?

The university provides a robust learning environment through the School of Family and Consumer Sciences. Students benefit from hands-on experience at the Child Development and Family Centre and the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic. These facilities allow for the direct application of theoretical knowledge in supervised, real-world clinical and educational settings.

The faculty members bring diverse expertise in human ecology and developmental psychology, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to education. The programme emphasises the ability to promote public policies that benefit children and families while fostering professional communication and cognitive skills essential for modern social service administration.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 775 per credit
National fee: USD 388 per credit
Local fee: USD 388 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Family Relations
Child or Lifespan Development
Family Theories
Child Development Theories
Youth Work
Gerontological Programming
Child Life Programmes in Hospitals
Infant and Childcare Programmes
Family Support Services
Family Life and Parenting Education

Careers with Applied Human Development and Family Sciences

Graduates are well-positioned for diverse roles within the social and human services sectors. Common career paths include working as marriage and family therapists, clinical supervisors, or researchers. The programme also prepares individuals for administrative positions in early education and childcare centres.

Alumni often find employment within judicial systems, health departments, and non-profit organisations. Specific employers of past graduates include the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and various juvenile court services. The demand for professionals in child development and family wellness continues to grow steadily.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Educational Statistics

Seminar in Human Development and Family Studies
Research Methods

Biostatistical Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-10 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Family & Consumer Science Developmental Psychology View 207 other Masters in Family & Consumer Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent recognition.

Achieved a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent.

If you received a three-year degree awarded through the Bologna process in Europe or a three-year Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration awarded in India, you are eligible to apply (provided you are seeking admission to the MBA or OMIS program).

Transcripts

Letters of recommendation.

Statement of purpose.

Test scores (if required).

Resume or curriculum vitae (optional)

Additional materials required by your program.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11925 USD / year

≈ 11925 USD / year
Out-of-State

5955 USD / year

≈ 5955 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

5955 USD / year

≈ 5955 USD / year

Additional Details

National and International: 878.99 per credit Local: 509.75 per credit

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Applied Human Development and Family Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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