Michigan State University College of Social Science 11 courses 30 total credits
The program focuses on the behavioral, psychological, biological, and contextual processes that promote positive developmental outcomes in infants and young children. Key contexts of development emphasized in the program include family, early childhood educational settings, and culture. Courses are available in areas such as development across cultures, infant development, language and literacy research and practices, social-emotional development, approaches to early education, parenting, intervention and prevention programs, and child and family policy. Laboratory experiences in early childhood education are available in the Child Development Laboratories, and research experiences are available through work with faculty mentors. Both thesis (Plan A) and non-thesis (Plan B) options are offered. Those pursuing Plan A are prepared for doctoral study in a variety of related fields. Two concentrations are available for Plan B: (i) Early Childhood Leadership, Administration, and Policy, which includes a transcriptable Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy, and (ii) Early Childhood Development and Practices. Admission Students must have:
| Total Credits | 30 credits |
All of the following courses
Two additional developmental electives chosen in consultation with the student's advisor, with at least one in HDFS 6
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HDFS 811 | Lifespan I: Prenatal to Pre-Adolescence | 3 |
| HDFS 825 | Families of Children with Disabilities: An Ecological Perspective | 3 |
| HDFS 840 | Families in Social and Cultural Contexts | 3 |
| HDFS 880 | Research Design and Measurement | 3 |
| HDFS 881 | Quantitative Methods in Human Development | 3 |
| Total All of the following courses | 24 credits | |
All of the following courses
An additional elective chosen in consultation with the student's academic advisor 3 Students who have taken HDFS 449 as an undergraduate student may substitute this course for HDFS 825.
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HDFS 473 | Administration of Early Childhood Programs | 3 |
| HDFS 811 | Lifespan I: Prenatal to Pre-Adolescence | 3 |
| HDFS 825 | Families of Children with Disabilities: An Ecological Perspective | 3 |
| HDFS 840 | Families in Social and Cultural Contexts | 3 |
| HDFS 865 | Capstone GPIDEA | 3 |
| Total All of the following courses | 18 credits | |
All of the following courses
These courses are to be taken through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA). These courses are offered online only and may be taught by faculty at another university participating in the IDEA.
All of the following courses
Students who have taken HDFS 449 as an undergraduate student may substitute this course for HDFS 825.
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HDFS 473 | Administration of Early Childhood Programs | 3 |
| HDFS 811 | Lifespan I: Prenatal to Pre-Adolescence | 3 |
| HDFS 825 | Families of Children with Disabilities: An Ecological Perspective | 3 |
| HDFS 840 | Families in Social and Cultural Contexts | 3 |
| HDFS 865 | Capstone GPIDEA | 3 |
| Total All of the following courses | 15 credits | |
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