Transforming the Master's Degree in Human Development and Family Science

This study chronicles the transformation of a master's program from a traditional degree format to a more integrated, flexible, efficient, and relevant approach. The transformative strategies involve cohort learning, creative concentrations, portfolio documentation, and outreach presentation. Through integrating resources and goals, the new program efficiently promotes student success and excellence. Ongoing assessments include interviews with prospective employers, marketing questionnaires with prospective students, and evaluation data from students and alumni. Relative to the traditional program, the new program doubled applications, expanded enrollment, and reduced time to completion. Overall, graduates reported substantial satisfaction with the program and secured relevant positions in the field. The findings from the assessments and process of transformation suggest programmatic implications for navigating curriculum change in the 21st century.