Human Development and Family Studies

Department Code
HD FS
Interdepartmental Program
No
The Lifespan Certificate at Iowa State University will provide human and family service, education, and mental health professionals a greater understanding of developmental variations that occur within the United States.
New growth from old concept. Recycled tree stump growing a new sprout or seedling.

The Lifespan Development Certificate at Iowa State University will provide human and family service, education, and mental health professionals a greater understanding of development variations that occur within the United States.


Degrees Offered:

  • Certificate

 

Program Degrees Offered
515 294 8502

Tricia Neppl

hdfs-grad-adm@iastate.edu
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Fall term - June 15, Spring term - Nov 15, Summer term - March 15.

International students should apply at least three months before the start of term they are applying.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2025) 115
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Certificate Director
tneppl@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate at Iowa State University will provide family service, education, and mental health professionals a greater understanding of infant and early childhood mental health that occur within the United States.
Cute kids playing together indoor. Preschool early education.

The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate at Iowa State University will provide family service, education, and mental health professionals a greater understanding of the factors associated with social and emotional development in young children along with prevention and intervention services that support children and families.


Degrees Offered:

  • Certificate

 

Program Degrees Offered
515 294 8502

Tricia Neppl

hdfs-grad-adm@iastate.edu
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Fall term - June 15, Spring term - Nov 15, Summer term - March 15.

International students should apply at least three months before the start of term they are applying.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Certificate Director
tneppl@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
The Family Well-Being in Diverse Society Graduate Certificate at Iowa State University will provide human and family service, education, and mental health professionals a greater understanding of racial, cultural, gender, education, economic, abilities, sexual variations as they relate to family well-being that occur within diverse societies.
Beautiful couple with little children pose for photo. Preschool kids sit on sofa with Hispanic parents at home smile look at camera.

This graduate certificate will provide human and family service, education, and mental health professionals a greater understanding of racial, cultural, gender, sexual, educational, economic, and ability variations as they relate to family well-being that occur within diverse societies.


Degrees Offered:

  • Certificate 

 

Program Degrees Offered
515 294 8502

Tricia Neppl

hdfs-grad-adm@iastate.edu
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Fall term - June 15, Spring term - Nov 15, Summer term - March 15.

International students should apply at least three months before the start of term they are applying.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Certificate Director
tneppl@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Deepen your expertise in understanding human development and family dynamics through our specialized Graduate Certificate program. Tailored for professionals in psychology, sociology, social work, and related fields, this certificate focuses on advanced research methodologies essential for impactful scholarship and practice.
Family in the Museum. A family stands in front of a mammoth skeleton in the Museum of paleontology.

Dive into advanced topics such as longitudinal studies, experimental designs, and mixed-method approaches, equipping yourself with sophisticated skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis. Whether advancing your career in academia, research, or applied settings, our program empowers you to conduct rigorous research, influence policy, and address complex societal issues in developmental and family sciences.


Degrees Offered:

  • Certificate

 

Program Degrees Offered
515 294 8502

Tricia Neppl

hdfs-grad-adm@iastate.edu
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Fall term - June 15, Spring term - Nov 15, Summer term - March 15.

International students should apply at least three months before the start of term they are applying.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Certificate Director
tneppl@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Deepen your understanding of human growth, development, and relationships with Iowa State University's Human Development and Family Studies graduate program. Our program offers a multidisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in research, counseling, family therapy, social services, and policy development.
Child development

The graduate programs are structured to allow graduate students to custom design their own program of study (POS). Other than core requirements, students, with approval of their Program of Study Committee, may select from all available graduate coursework to complete the degree. This flexible option is designed to meet the unique needs of our graduate students looking for interdisciplinary curriculum and research:


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Adolecent/youth development
  • adult development and aging
  • family studies and policy
  • family economic well-being and financial planning
  • heath and well-being
  • infant and child development
  • lifespan development
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Obtain broad understanding of the scholarly literature in Human Development and Family Studies and a comprehensive understanding of the scholarly literature in area of expertise.
  • Form testable hypotheses/anticipated hypothesized relationships and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of study.
  • Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate acquisition analysis, and reporting of data.
  • Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally, in writing and with appropriate use of images (e.g., tables, figures) and media.
  • Articulate how the graduate program, including coursework and creative scholarship facilitates meets life and career goals.
  • Conduct scholarship, in teams and independently, that consistently demonstrates ethical practice and professionalism.
  • Participate in professional, university and/or community related service.
  • Demonstrate effectiveness in teaching university courses (doctoral students).
515 294 8502

Tricia Neppl

hdfs-grad-adm@iastate.edu
Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Priority Deadline: December 1, 2022 – Applicants whose materials are received by this date will be given priority review for assistantship appointments and scholarships. Final Deadline: January 2, 2023 – The final day to submit application materials for consideration.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Copy of your CV/Resume is needed by department. Please upload within your online application.
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No

Related Programs

Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
tneppl@iastate.edu
Program Staff
dhbarnes@iastate.edu
mjmccunn@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
tneppl@iastate.edu
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