New master’s degree track in Human Development & Family Studies being introduced

In response to a growing need for capable practitioners who want to expand their career opportunities within social and human services professions, Purdue University Calumet is introducing a graduate degree specialization in Human Development and Family Studies.

Effective with the spring semester beginning in January, students can enroll in the new master’s degree curriculum. The program is intended for professionals working in human and social service settings and recent baccalaureate degree graduates who desire to further their education at the graduate level.

“The area of human services is one of the most rapidly growing occupational fields, according to the U.S. Department of Labor,” Michael Flannery, head of Purdue Calumet’s Department of Behavioral Sciences, said. “This master’s program will prepare professionals already in the field for leadership roles and career advancement in such diverse settings as family, child and youth service agencies; preschools; Head Start programs; programs for the elderly; mental health centers; group home facilities; and other human services professions.”

Purdue Calumet Program Coordinator and Professor of Psychology Sandra Singer added that projected job growth in this industry is due primarily to greater demand for services and programs serving the elderly, individuals with special needs, preschoolers, and individuals or families in need of counseling.

“In response to the many baby boomers approaching retirement age, programs and jobs relating to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day care and home care are expanding, and government agencies are demanding an increase in quality for their support dollars,” she said.

The new Purdue Calumet program will offer both a professional track for current practitioners and an academic track for recent baccalaureate degree graduates who want to continue their education at the graduate level.

The professional track is designed to provide students with skills and knowledge they need to move into leadership positions in their area of expertise. Students can select electives in areas of family studies/services, gerontology studies/services, disabilities studies/services, human/social services management and preschool education management.

“These electives will help students focus on their personal interests or on their individual career needs,” Flannery said.

The academic track will emphasize research methodology, statistical analysis and theories of human development.

To accommodate work schedules, classes will be offered during weeknights and via distance
learning. Purdue Calumet is the only higher educational institution in northwest Indiana to offer the program.

Additional program details and enrollment information can be obtained by contacting Professor Singer at 219/989-2341; 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 2341; or by e-mail: smsinger@calumet.purdue.edu.

News Release Date: October 13, 2008