MASTER OF SCIENCE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission status (conditional or non-conditional state) to any of the graduate degree tracks in the HSCS Department is dependent upon one’s meeting the general Graduate School admission requirements and having the requisite undergraduate courses that provide the necessary background for success in the selected HSCS discipline track. Students admitted to the HSCS graduate program are expected to follow a degree plan (specific to their chosen specialization focus) developed in collaboration with a department graduate advisor.

HSCS graduate students entering the graduate program during the fall semester must register for HSCS 510 and English 501 (if the GRE verbal score is less than 3.5) and/or a specialization course. Those entering during the spring semester are advised to enroll in English 501 (if their GRE verbal score is less than 3.5) and a specialization course and enroll in HSCS 510 during the fall semester.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN SERVICES AND CONSUMER SCIENCES
The Master of Science degree in Human Services and Consumer Sciences allows students the option of concentrating in one of three focus areas: Child and Family Development, Foods and Nutrition, or Human Services and Consumer Sciences Comprehensive. The program further provides the option of selecting two plans: Plan A, which requires 30 semester credits and an acceptable thesis; or Plan B, which requires 36 semester credits and an acceptable research project or mini thesis. Both plans are explained below under Degree Requirements.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Human Services and Consumer Sciences offers two programs leading to the Master’s degree:
1. Plan A Master of Science degree — a minimum of thirty (30) semester credit hours and an acceptable thesis.
2. Plan B Master of Science degree — a minimum of thirty-six (36) semester credit hours and an acceptable research project. Major areas of specialization include Child and Family Development, Foods and Nutrition, Human Services and Consumer Sciences.

Students who select either Plan A or Plan B must meet the general requirements for all graduate students as prescribed in the Graduate Catalog. The chair of the department and the program advisor must approve degree plans prior to their submission to the Graduate School. Additionally, any identified content deficiencies must be removed as advised. If there are content deficiencies, students will be required to enroll in leveling courses.

PLAN A. Master of Science (Thesis)
This plan is designed to provide instruction to prospective and in-service teachers, practitioners, professional career students and others who wish to supplement their undergraduate education and expand their research capabilities in Human Services and Consumer Sciences through additional study at the graduate level. Students desirous of pursuing an advanced degree beyond the master’s level are especially encouraged to consider this plan.
General Requirements: A minimum of thirty (30) semester credit hours and an acceptable thesis.

Allocation of Thirty Semester Credit Hours
Course Requirements
Core Course (Required) .................................................................................................... 15 SCH
HSCS 510 (3); HSCS 512 (3) HSCS 534 (3)
HSCS 760; (3) HSCS 762 (3)
Major Course (Required or as advised) ............................................................................12 SCH

Specialization 500 level; Specialization 600 level
1. At least twelve semester credit hours in one of the following fields:
• Child and Family Development
• Human Services and Consumer Sciences
• Foods and Nutrition
2. Human Services and Consumer Sciences majors must complete at least six (6) semester credits in each of two (2) fields
3. One 400* level course may be substituted for three (3) semester credit hours of graduate credit in this block
Graduate Catalog 2012-2014 College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences | 87
Electives or Cognates ........................................................................................................3 SCH
TOTAL .............................................................................................................................30 SCH
*Advanced undergraduate/graduate course

PLAN B. Master of Science (Non-thesis)
This plan is designed to provide instructional enhancement to meet the needs of prospective and in-service teachers, practitioners, professionals, career students and others who wish to supplement their undergraduate education in human services and consumer sciences. It provides a non-thesis option.

Allocation of Thirty-Six Semester Credit Hours
Course Requirements
General Requirements: A minimum of thirty-six (36) semester credit hours and professional paper (mini-thesis) or research project.

Core Courses (Required) ..................................................................................................15 SCH
HSCS 510 (3); HSCS 511 or HSCS 512 (3);
HSCS 534 (3); HSCS 760 (3); one other optional HSCS 500 or 600 level course (3)

Major Courses (Required or as advised) ...........................................................................15 SCH
Specialization courses at the 500 and 600 level are required as advised.
1. At least fifteen (15) semester credit hours in one of the following fields:
• Child and Family Development
• Foods and Nutrition
• Human Services and Consumer Sciences
2. Human Services and Consumer Sciences majors must complete at least six semester credit hours in two (2) HSCS
specialization fields.
3. One 400* course may be substituted for three (3) semester credit hours of graduate credits in specialization block.

Electives or Cognates ........................................................................................................6 SCH

TOTAL .............................................................................................................................36 SCH