Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders MS
The HDCD degree prepares students to work with young children in early childhood intervention programs
The Master of Science in Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders (HDCD) degree prepares students to work with young children (birth to five years) and their families in early childhood intervention programs in professional settings such as schools, hospitals and clinics.
In addition to building a strong foundation in children’s physical, cognitive, emotional and social development, the program provides specialized training in developmental assessment, identification and intervention techniques for developmental disorders, and family-centered developmental guidance for parents. The degree combines coursework with practical experiences in a variety of settings at UTD affiliated sites and in the community.
Watch the recording of the MS HDCD breakout session held on 10/29/2024 from the Department of Psychology’s Virtual Grad Info Fair.
Graduates of the HDCD program qualify to work as Early Intervention Specialists and Development Specialists. With one additional year of work experience, students typically qualify for Level 2 Infant Mental Health Endorsement by First3Years, an internationally recognized credential that supports and recognizes the development and proficiency of professionals who work with or on behalf of infants, toddlers, and their families.
Degree Program
The Master of Science in Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders degree is a full time program that requires a minimum of 39 graduate credit hours: 21 hours of core courses, nine hours of approved electives, and nine hours of practicum and internship in applied settings designed to prepare students to work with children and their families.
Practicum and internship placements are tailored to students’ interests and training needs and take advantage of the diverse and innovative early intervention programs serving young children and their families in North Texas, including those conducted by the UT Dallas Center for Children and Families. All off-campus field experiences, including practicum and internship placements, require a criminal background check; students who fail the criminal background check will not be able to complete the master’s degree.
The UT Dallas graduate catalog provides more information on the Master of Science in Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders degree. The university’s course look-up site, CourseBook, describes specific courses in the HDCD program.
Career Paths
The HDCD master’s degree program is designed for students who are interested in careers serving young children who show or are at risk for developmental delays and disorders and their families. Graduates of the program go on to professional careers as early intervention specialists, developmental specialists, and parent educators in a variety of professional environments including preschools, schools, non-profit organizations, hospitals, and medical/therapy clinics.
Admissions
Admission to the HDCD master’s degree program is based on a review of the applicant’s grade point average (GPA), three letters of recommendation, and a “statement of purpose” essay. The “statement of purpose” essay is extremely important as it describes the applicant’s specific interests and career goals. GRE scores are currently optional. See the UT Dallas graduate admissions page for general information on the application process.
Priority application deadline for the fall semester is February 15. The program will consider applications on a rolling basis until May 1.
Although the program is designed for students with backgrounds in psychology, special education, physical and occupational therapy, early childhood education, speech/language pathology and communication disorders, students from other disciplines who have relevant experiences and interests are also encouraged to apply. Application fees may be waived for members of some professional organizations serving underrepresented groups, such as Teach for America, McNair Scholars, and the Institute for the Recruitment of Teachers (IRT).
* GRE scores waived for Fall 2023-Fall 2025 applicants. Submission of GRE scores (general or subject tests) are optional.
Specific questions about applying to the HDCD master’s degree program should be directed to Kristi Noel.
Graduate Application Fee Waiver Program
The Office of Graduate Education and the Office of Admission and Enrollment at The University of Texas at Dallas are pleased to offer a Graduate Application Fee Waiver Program to qualified participants (past or present). To qualify, students must be applying for a PhD or Master’s degree at UT Dallas. Non-degree applicants are not eligible for fee waivers. Only U.S. citizens, or permanent residents, are eligible to request a fee waiver.
Financial Aid
We understand that the cost of education can be a significant financial burden. For general financial aid information, please visit the main graduate admissions financial aid page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Master’s Degree Program Provide Scholarships or Financial Aid?
There are limited resources for supporting incoming master’s students. Students can apply for need-based financial assistance, including loans, grants and work-study positions, through the University’s Office of Financial Aid. Students offered work-study as part of their financial aid package may find opportunities for employment at the University, including some clerical and research positions. Competitive scholarships also are available which, when awarded to non-resident students, allow them to pay resident tuition. There is no separate application required for these. Other hourly positions are periodically available through faculty research grants and as needed to provide teaching assistance in two of the program’s courses and other program activities.
Can I Visit the Master’s Degree Program?
The program welcomes visitors before or after admission. We do not have a specified visitor’s day, but are always happy to answer your questions and visit with you about the program. It is always best to email the program to schedule a time to visit.
What are the GPA and GRE Requirements for Admission?
Although there is no specific GPA or GRE cutoff for admission, we recommend a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a GRE of 300 or higher.
How Many Students do you Accept Each Semester?
The program is small, which allows for plenty of individual attention and directed training. We typically enroll 12-18 students who start in the fall semester.
What are the Requirements for Students Coming from Out-of-Field?
The HDCD program is ideal for people who want to work with young children (birth to five years) and their families in early childhood intervention programs. Although not required, applicants are encouraged to have a strong academic and/or professional background in child development or a related field. We also welcome applicants from a variety of other fields, including sociology, social work, nursing, and public health. The diversity of backgrounds and experiences enriches the educational experience for everyone. We do not specify any prerequisite coursework, but recommendations may be made for some additional coursework in some cases. These courses may be taken at UT Dallas or elsewhere.
What are the Outcomes for Master’s Degree Graduates?
Master’s degree graduates enjoy a variety of positions and careers, including careers in early childhood intervention programs, both as early intervention specialists and as supervisors, trainers, and directors in such programs. There also are career roles available in positions as developmental specialists and child life.
How Big is the Master’s Degree Program?
The UT Dallas master’s degree program in human development and early childhood disorders is a relatively small program, with approximately 35 students enrolled in the program each year. Courses typically contain 8-18 students, but some that are taken by both master’s and psychology doctoral students may have 30 students in class. Weekly reflective supervision is an important learning and growth-promoting experience for all students during the semesters they are completing their practicum and internship placements, which are requirements of the program. These group supervision meetings contain no more than 15 students and provide the opportunity for individual attention and personal guidance in students’ career preparation.
How Do I Make the Most Out of My Experience in the Program?
This degree introduces and opens pathways to many types of positions working with young children with special needs and their families. Students will gain the knowledge and skills of a developmental specialist who can assess and work with the developmental concerns and strengths of the whole child, as well as attain skills for working with the families. Taking advantage of all the experiences the program has to offer, both formally and informally, as well as the many opportunities for placements, can lead to job offers after graduation. Opportunities can occur in a variety of community service agencies and schools working with young children with special needs and their families.
Program Contacts
Program Head
Meridith Grant, PhD
Office: GR 4.820
Phone: 972-883-4108
mgrant@utdallas.edu
Program Coordinator
Kristi Noel
Office: JO 4.302
Phone: 972-883-2368
hdcd@utdallas.edu
Program Mailing Address
Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders Master’s Degree Program
School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences
The University of Texas at Dallas
800 W. Campbell Rd, GR41
Richardson, TX 75080
Program Resources
HDCD Recommended Plan of Study
Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders MS Fast Facts
This document provides a quick, printable overview of the program.
