M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 80

1. Academic Qualifications:

• Applicants should have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• A minimum overall percentage of 83-86 or its equivalent is typically required for admission.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: An overall score of at least 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 79 is often required.

3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) / Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT):

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination): A GRE score of 310 is required.

4. Score reporting required.

Mississippi State University (MSU) recognizes the importance of providing financial assistance to international students to help them pursue their higher education goals. The university offers a variety of scholarships to support the academic achievements and contributions of international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize excellence, diversity, and leadership. 

1. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students based on their academic merit. This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in their previous studies. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable based on maintaining a specified GPA.

2. International Student Scholarships: MSU offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships consider factors such as academic achievement, leadership potential, and contributions to the campus community. Award amounts and eligibility criteria may vary.

3. Intensive English Institute (IEI) Scholarships: MSU's IEI offers scholarships to international students who enroll in English language programs. These scholarships help students improve their English language skills before pursuing their academic studies at the university.

4. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at MSU offer scholarships to international students who are pursuing specific fields of study. These scholarships are often based on academic performance, research interests, and involvement in departmental activities.

5. Cultural Exchange Scholarships: MSU encourages cultural exchange by offering scholarships to international students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships promote diversity and foster a global learning environment on campus.

6. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students may have the opportunity to work as research or teaching assistants, which can come with a stipend, tuition waiver, and valuable work experience.

7. External Scholarships: MSU provides information and guidance to international students seeking external scholarships, grants, or funding opportunities offered by government agencies, foundations, and organizations.

Application Process: The application process for scholarships at MSU may vary depending on the scholarship program. Generally, students need to complete their application for admission to the university before they can be considered for scholarships. Some scholarships may require additional essays, letters of recommendation, or a statement of purpose.

Deadlines: Scholarship application deadlines vary and are often aligned with the university's admission application deadlines.

Earning a Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Development and Family Studies from Mississippi State University (MSU) opens up a wide array of career opportunities in the field of human development, family dynamics, and social services. This program equips graduates with a deep understanding of human behavior across the lifespan and prepares them to make meaningful contributions to the well-being of individuals and families.  

1. Family Therapist or Counselor: Graduates may pursue careers as family therapists or counselors, working in private practice, mental health centers, or social service agencies. They help individuals and families navigate life's challenges, develop coping strategies, and improve their relationships.

2. Child Life Specialist: Child life specialists work in hospitals and healthcare settings, helping children and their families cope with the stress and emotions associated with medical procedures or diagnoses. They use play therapy and education to provide emotional support.

3. Marriage and Family Therapist: Marriage and family therapists specialize in helping couples and families resolve conflicts, improve communication, and build healthier relationships. They often work in private practice or mental health clinics.

4. School Counselor: Graduates can become school counselors, working in K-12 educational settings to provide academic and emotional support to students. They help students with personal and social development, career planning, and academic success.

5. Social Services Manager: Social services managers oversee programs and organizations that provide social services to individuals and families in need. They may work in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or social service departments within healthcare institutions.

6. Human Resources Specialist: Some graduates enter the field of human resources, using their understanding of human behavior to recruit, train, and manage employees. They may work in various industries, ensuring a healthy work-life balance for employees.

7. Researcher or Analyst: Graduates interested in research can work as researchers or analysts for universities, government agencies, or research organizations. They conduct studies on various aspects of human development, family dynamics, and social issues.

8. Gerontologist: Gerontologists focus on the aging process and the well-being of older adults. They may work in senior living facilities, healthcare institutions, or advocacy organizations, helping seniors live fulfilling lives.

9. Family Life Educator: Family life educators provide educational programs and resources to individuals and families, helping them develop skills in areas such as parenting, communication, and relationship-building. They often work in community organizations or extension services.

10. Community Outreach Coordinator: Graduates may become community outreach coordinators, working for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or social service organizations to develop and implement outreach programs that address the needs of vulnerable populations.

11. Child Welfare Case Worker: Child welfare case workers work for government agencies or nonprofit organizations, ensuring the safety and well-being of children in potentially at-risk or troubled family situations.

12. Program Director: Some graduates take on leadership roles as program directors or managers within organizations that provide social services, family support, or community development programs.

13. Consultant: Graduates with expertise in human development and family studies can work as consultants, offering their knowledge and insights to organizations, schools, or businesses seeking to improve family-friendly policies and practices.

14. Policy Analyst: Policy analysts work for government agencies or think tanks, researching and analyzing policies related to family well-being, child development, and aging populations, and making recommendations for policy improvements.

15. Parent Educator: Parent educators teach parenting classes and workshops to help parents develop effective parenting skills and strategies for raising healthy, well-adjusted children.

16. Adoption Counselor: Graduates may work as adoption counselors, assisting birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees through the adoption process, providing emotional support and guidance.

17. Substance Abuse Counselor: Some graduates choose to specialize in substance abuse counseling, helping individuals and families affected by addiction to overcome challenges and achieve recovery.

18. Nonprofit Leadership: Graduates with a passion for social causes may take on leadership roles in nonprofit organizations that focus on family and human development issues.

19. Academic or Researcher: Those interested in academia can pursue doctoral programs and become professors, teaching future professionals in the field and conducting cutting-edge research.

20. Entrepreneur: Some graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit may establish their own counseling practices, consulting firms, or educational services catering to families and individuals seeking support and guidance.