Scholarships & Financial Aid
HDFS students may apply for a variety of financial aid options. To be eligible for financial aid, students must be admitted to a degree-seeking program. Some scholarships also require full-time enrollment.
Assistantships
Graduate assistantships may be available for HDFS students. For information about current opportunities, contact muhdfsgrad@missouri.edu.
Scholarships
HDFS graduate student scholarship applications are reviewed once each year in the spring, with awards distributed during the following fall and spring terms. By completing the Graduate Student Scholarship application by April 1, both current and prospective students are automatically considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible.
Learn more about Undergraduate and Graduate Aid in the College of Education & Human Development.
External Scholarships
The TEACH Missouri scholarship supports early childhood professionals across Missouri by providing scholarships for college coursework, the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, and degrees in early childhood education—often with minimal out-of-pocket cost. Participants receive personalized scholarship counseling and financial support that promotes career advancement, increased compensation, and long-term retention, ensuring high-quality, consistent care for Missouri’s youngest children.
Student Organizations
Child Life Student Association (CLSA)
The Child Life Student Association (CLSA) brings together undergraduate and graduate students interested in child life to build community, develop leadership skills and explore the profession through service, advocacy and professional engagement. Members promote awareness of child life and pediatric advocacy through volunteer opportunities and events such as Child Life Month and Relay for Life, while also gaining valuable experience through networking opportunities, conference participation and activities that support children and families in the community.
Faculty Advisor: Nora Hager
HDFS Graduate Student Association
The HDFS Graduate Student Association is a student-led organization that supports the academic, professional and social experiences of graduate students in Human Development and Family Science. Open to all HDFS graduate students, the GSA fosters professional development, strengthens connections among students and faculty, and creates opportunities for collaboration, networking and community building within the department.
Faculty Advisor: Sarah Killoren
MU Council on Family Relations
The MU Council on Family Relations (MU-CFR) is a student organization affiliated with the National Council on Family Relations and dedicated to supporting students interested in working with or studying children, families and communities. Through professional development programs, networking events and research opportunities, members build valuable skills and connections that prepare them for careers in human services, education, counseling, research and related fields.
Faculty Advisor: Sarah Killoren
Human Development & Family Science Honors
The Human Development & Family Science Honors Program prepares students to become scholars, researchers and leaders in the fields of human development and family science. Through advanced coursework, faculty mentorship and original research experiences, students deepen their understanding of children, families and communities while developing valuable academic and professional skills.
A defining feature of the program is the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on independent research projects, allowing students to explore topics of personal and professional interest while gaining experience in the research process.
Honors Experiences
Advanced Coursework: Honors students engage in enriched academic experiences that encourage deeper exploration of topics in human development and family science, while strengthening critical thinking, communication and analytical skills.
Faculty-Mentored Research: Students work with faculty mentors to learn about research methods, develop scholarly inquiry skills and explore issues affecting individuals, families and communities.
Independent Honors Project: Students complete an independent honors project focused on a topic of interest within human development and family science. This culminating experience allows students to apply their knowledge, contribute to the field and showcase their research and professional growth.
Professional Development: The program encourages students to develop leadership, presentation and professional skills that prepare them for graduate study, research opportunities and careers in human services, education, health and related fields.
Through these experiences, honors students gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence human development and family well-being while joining a community of engaged scholars committed to making a positive impact.
The HDFS Honors program is a three-semester sequence of courses and mentored research for students who meet eligibility requirements.