Designed to immerse you in a specialized area of human development and family science, the M.S. program provides a strong emphasis on policy, research, and practical knowledge of the field.
Master of Science Specializing in Developmental Science
This M.S. program is designed to immerse students in a specialized area of human development and family science, while providing a strong emphasis on policy, research, and practical knowledge of the field. Graduates from this program are prepared for positions in human service and education administration, research and policy organizations, and for advanced academic work at the Ph.D. level.
Master of Science Specializing in Couple and Family Therapy
Program requirements: a minimum of 36 credits of approved graduate courses, 12 credits of pratica, 12 credits of internship, a comprehensive examination, and a research project. This program involves intense clinical practice, including a year-long clinical placement at approved agencies and the department鈥檚 Family Therapy Clinic.
September 2025
University of Rhode Island
Kingston Campus,
75 Briar Lane,
KINGSTON,
Rhode Island,
2881, United States
Applicants must have a bachelor鈥檚 degree from an accredited institution in the United States or the equivalent of a four-year degree at an international university that is evaluated by an approved agency. Most four-year degrees from accredited non-U.S. institutions are recognized as equivalent, but three-year bachelor鈥檚 degree programs from universities in India and some other Asian countries are not. Strong candidates have a 3.3 GPA or higher.
If you have a non-equivalent three-year degree, you will need to complete an additional year of undergraduate study, usually 18-to-24 credits at the 300-400 (advanced undergraduate) level.
Language Proficiency
Required scores on the Internet-based (iBT) and Computer-based TOEFL:
An overall score of 80 or above (82 for teaching assistantship consideration), AND Minimum scores in the following areas: Reading: 19; Writing: 18; Listening: 17; Speaking: 18 (the suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 20).
Other scores that may be accepted in place of TOEFL scores (please check with your department):
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): All scores must be sent directly to URI. Required minimum score of 6.5, AND minimum scores in the following areas: Reading: 6.5; Writing: 6.5; Listening: 6.5; Speaking: 6.5 (The suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 7).
Duolingo English Test: Required minimum score of 105 (Score of 110 for a teaching assistantship)
Pearson Test of English: Required minimum scores are Reading 53, Writing 59, Listening 47, and Speaking 47 (62 for international teaching assistants)
Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): Required minimum score of B2
Applications are due on January 15th for admission in the fall semester.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
