Child Development Bachelor's + Master's

How Can You Get Your Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees in 5 Years?

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) offers undergraduate students in the BK major the option to apply for early admission into the HDFS Child Development master’s program. Early admission in the 4+1 shared program allows academically strong students to complete their undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in five to five-and-a-half years (depending on scheduling). This shared program option enables students to complete two degrees in a shorter amount of time while also saving money and provides an exceptional start to students’ professional careers.

Master’s Degree Tract Options for Shared Program Students

The Child Development master’s program has two options. Students may elect to complete a focus on early childhood administration and policy, resulting in a master’s degree in early childhood development, with a transcriptable certificate in early childhood policy.  The policy focus in the master’s degree is offered via the Interactive Distance Education Alliance (IDEA). IDEA is a consortium of universities, including MSU, offering online graduate programming. Four of the policy focus master’s courses are offered online via IDEA. Alternatively, students may complete a focus on early childhood educational practices, including advanced coursework in early childhood development and practices, resulting in a master’s degree in early childhood development. Read more about the program options below. Most students will be able to complete both the undergraduate and graduate degree in five to five and-a-half years. Academic advisors will work with students to plan a timely dual program. Students earning undergraduate minors or double majors would require greater time.

Shared Program Admission Information

Successful applicants will have strong academic records at the undergraduate level; a GPA of 3.0 is recommended but not required. Students must earn a 3.0 or greater on courses taken at the 400 level to be included in the master’s program. The GRE is not required to apply for the graduate program.

Step 1: Interested students should talk with their academic advisors early in their junior year about their preparedness for the 4+1 shared program option as soon. Students interested in the 4+1 Child Development Master’s Degree should complete a form with the advising office, indicating which courses would be included in the shared program.

• Step 2: Students will submit an online application for graduate study and complete the Shared Program Request form. The advising office
  • Students interested in the 4+1 Child Development Master’s Degree should formally apply to the master’s program by December 1 of their senior year. On the application form, select "Child Development Professional/Project Track (Plan B); code 7702.  
  • Applications require
    • 3 letters of recommendation from instructors or employers who can speak to the student’s knowledge, skills, and preparedness for graduate study.
      • One of the 3 letters should be from the student’s HDFS academic advisor who will confirm their eligibility and identify the courses that will be included in the shared program
    • an academic statement in which the student describes their interests in early childhood policy or practice and their career goals
    • a personal statement about how the student’s life experiences (including social, economic, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges and obstacles you’ve overcome) motivate the student’s career interests and their decision to pursue a graduate degree. The student should describe any obstacles that they have overcome to pursue their educational goals.
  • When completing the online application, students should email an electronic copy of their undergraduate transcript/s and a copy of the Shared Program Request form to Phil Reid at Gradhdfs@msu.edu

Additional Information

Admitted students with an approved shared program status may take 9 credits from courses (6 credits from 400-level courses; 3 credits from 800-level courses) in their undergraduate programs that will be applied to earning the 30 credits required in the master’s program. Courses to be included in the shared program must be confirmed with the advising office before students take the courses.

For financial aid purposes, students will hold undergraduate status until the 120 credits for the baccalaureate are earned and will be charged undergraduate tuition rates for the 9 shared program enrollment course credits completed at undergraduate status. After completion of undergraduate degree requirements, students are considered as holding graduate student status, and graduate tuition rates are charged. Students are not eligible for financial aid as graduate students until the semester after the 120 credits required for the bachelor’s degree are completed.