MS in Family Studies

Earn your MS in Family Studies in 12-18 months for less than $15,000*. Designed for working professionals, this program is offered up to 100% online. 

*Cost based on full-time, in-state tuition (Fall 2023 rates).

Request more information

A master's in family studies prepares students to work in a variety of satisfying career roles aimed at strengthening families and creating positive futures for everyone. Family studies graduates have careers in:

  • Human services
  • Family-related agencies
  • Working with families in social service agencies ranging from child to geriatric
  • Services to church and family planning agencies
  • Parent or family life educators

Program Features

  • 33-34 credit hours*
  • Up to 100% online
  • Face-to-face course options in Denton
  • Seven-week courses
  • Options for thesis, professional paper, or professional portfolio
  • Knowledgeable and supportive faculty with expertise in human development, family studies, and family and consumer sciences

*Individual requirements may vary

Degree Plan

Program Information

The master’s degree in family studies covers content in:

  • Family development
  • Family economics
  • Family systems
  • Public policy

Students explore major theories and empirical research on families and family dynamics, and learn how to apply their knowledge to work with children and families. A master's degree in family studies prepares students for careers to strengthen families and create positive futures for everyone.

Courses offered by semester

CFLE (Certified Family Life Educator) and NCFR (National Council on Family Relations) logos

The MS in Family Studies curriculum has been approved by the National Council on Family Relations as meeting the standards and criteria for the Provisional Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation. Relevant coursework for each of the 10 family life substance areas needed for the provisional designation must be taken and graduates must qualify to complete the abbreviated CFLE process.

The deadline to apply via the abbreviated process is two years after your date of graduation. When applying, include the application, course checklist and a transcript.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MS in Family Studies

Department Admission Contact:

Anna Stokes, M.S.
940-898-2686
astokes1@twu.edu 

Application Deadlines

Fall - July 15
Spring - November 15
Summer - April 15

Admission Requirements

  • Completed bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency, or an equivalent degree from a foreign college or university.
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 60 semester credit hours of coursework.
  • Submit the following documents into the application:
    • Curriculum Vitae/Resume highlighting relevant education, experience, and employment.
    • Email address for an academic or professional reference who can speak to your academic abilities and potential (they will be contacted with a link to upload their letter.
    • Letter of Intent/Essay that meets the following expectations: 
      1. Clearly state the reasons for pursuing a master's degree in Family Studies
      2. State your professional and educational experiences and goals
      3. Be sure that your goals align with program outcomes
      4. Indicate why you would be a good fit for this program
      5. Use professional, formal language and tone
      6. Use correct grammar, spelling, and syntax

 

Graduate Admission

Begin by reviewing your program's website to see if there are additional admission requirements and application deadlines prior to applying.  

  1. Apply online.
    Apply to Graduate Programs  via the TWU Online Graduate Application Portal following instructions below.  
  2. Submit transcripts to TWU.
    • Domestic Applicants must submit official transcripts for each college or university attended, both undergraduate and graduate. See the Information on Transcripts website for more details. Original transcripts for each college/university attended must be submitted, even if referred to on another schools transcripts.
    • International Applicants are now required to provide an evaluation prepared by a NACES or AICE member evaluation service. International transcripts should not be sent directly to TWU. See the International Admissions website for more details.
  3. Submit Recommendation Requests
    If your program requires you to submit names for recommendations you will need to do it in the application. List of programs-majors.  
  4. Pay the application fee.
    The $50 fee ($75 fee for International applicants), which applies to all new and returning applicants, can be paid by:
    1. Credit card - Pay Online through the application as the last step before submitting the application. The second portion of the application will not be available until the application fee has been received.
    2. Fee Waivers - Graduate applicants who are certified McNair Scholars are eligible for a McNair Scholar Application Fee Waiver. TWU Alumni may be eligible for the Alumni Advantage Fee Waiver. Check your eligibility here: https://twu.edu/alumni-advantage/. If eligible submit the request using the Application Fee Waiver Submission
    3. Following fee payment return to the application dashboard where supplemental application documents can be uploaded. The online application will list which documents are needed to fulfill the program admission requirements. You can also check the program's website.
  5. Submit Program supplemental documents
    1. Submit all program requests for Resume, Statement of Purpose, Artist or Research Statement, Scholarly Writing Sample, Custom Essay, Portfolio Document, Video Submission, Licensure, Department Specific Application, Teaching Service Record, Teaching Certificate, etc. following submission of your application fee.

Watch for emails from your new program/department that may come to your TWU email address.

For more information or assistance with the application or graduate admissions, visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Students who wish to apply for a Graduate Assistantship must meet the General Criteria for Appointment of Graduate Assistants.

Contact Information

Melissa McInnis Brown, PhD
Associate Professor & Division Head
mbrown50@twu.edu  
940-898-2675

Page last updated 3:34 PM, October 14, 2024