Do you like working with people? If so, a master's in human and family development might be for you. This graduate degree can prepare you to advance within a growing field that helps millions of people every year.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth for community and social services careers between 2022-2032, with approximately 280,000 job openings in the field each year over that period.
Read on to learn more about common human and family development courses, careers, and admission requirements and find answers to frequently asked questions.
Featured Online Human and Family Development Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Human and Family Development Programs
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Human and Family Development Program?
Empathetic, meticulous, mission-driven, and people-oriented students often succeed in graduate-level human and family development programs. After graduation, many excellent human services professionals share these same qualities. You can develop the hard skills and knowledge you need over the course of your program.
Many online master's in human and family development programs require 30-42 credits and take 12-24 months to complete. Some programs take longer to complete, especially for part-time students. Possible concentration options include mental health and trauma, health, equity, and wellness, and human development, among many others.
Some programs require fieldwork or internship experience in the field. Many programs allow you to complete theoretical coursework asynchronously and without on-campus requirements. However, some programs may require on-campus residencies to create a sense of camaraderie and rapport among cohorts. These residencies are also excellent networking opportunities.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Human and Family Development Degree?
Many of these positions are helping occupations involving long hours, often working with other people or clients. While these careers can prove challenging, many professionals find them personally rewarding.
A master's degree in human and family development can lead to managerial or more advanced positions in these fields, often leading to higher salaries and growth potential.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $58,510 |
| Social Worker | $58,380 |
| School and Career Counselor | $61,710 |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | $44,040 |
| Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor | $53,710 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Human and Family Development Programs
While the value of any degree is subjective, an online master's in human and family development often leads to in-demand and rewarding careers. Graduates often make salaries that exceed the median annual wage for all occupations and can pursue various positions.
Furthermore, a master's degree in human and family development qualifies graduates for leadership, advanced practice, and managerial roles.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April, 29, 2024.
