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    The Pennsylvania State University

    Human Development and Family Studies (M.S.)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    University Park, USMSIn-person2 years
    $60,996.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    31
    Credits
    $85.00
    App fee

    Human Development and Family Studies (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is a 31-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in University Park, US. Tuition is $60,996.

    About the program

    The program educates students about research, theory, and methodology related to individuals and families across diverse populations and settings. It emphasizes social institutions facilitating development, risk factors, prevention programs, and strong research methods skills.

    Focus: research

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Dec 1, 2026

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min GRE scores are optional: HDFS uses a holistic review process to evaluate each applicant’s potential to succeed in the program. GRE scores are not required. However, if you believe your GRE scores would strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min TOEFL iBT - Acceptable score: A total score of 80, with a 19 on the speaking section.
    IELTS
    required
    Min IELTS Academic Test - Acceptable score: The minimum acceptable composite score for the IELTS Academic Test is 6.5.

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

    $20,700.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Human Development and Family Studies (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Human Development and Family Studies (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is $60,996 across 31 required credits.
    Is Human Development and Family Studies (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University online or in-person?
    Human Development and Family Studies (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is offered in-person.
    How long does Human Development and Family Studies (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University take to complete?
    Human Development and Family Studies (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is structured around 2 years and 31 credits.
    What work-permit options follow Human Development and Family Studies (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University?
    Post-completion work rights for Human Development and Family Studies (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University: 12 months OPT (US)