研究的核心领域计划有两个重点：儿童发展和青少年发展。攻读核心课程的学生可以选择以下两种方法之一来完成其硕士学位课程：论文或综合考试。这两个课程都为学生提供了在各种人类服务岗位上工作的机会，并可以攻读博士学位。<br>该核心研究领域旨在加深对从婴儿期到学龄前儿童的理论和研究的理解，并为学生做好准备从事各种社会科学工作，重点关注儿童的家庭和学校经历。要求学生在以儿童为中心的环境中完成实习。
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of New Hampshire offers a program of study leading to a master of science degree in HDFS with a Core Area of Study in Child Development. Students also explore the ways in which a child's social, emotional, moral, and cognitive development is impacted by family, school and community.<br>Grounded in an ecological and social constructivist framework for understanding the development of children from infancy through the early school years.<br>Access to work and conduct research at CSDC, a laboratory school of 120 children age infant through Kindergarten, and the Family Connections Center, whose work strengthens the connection between incarcerated parents and their families while facilitating ties to the community through education and support. <br>Students will be expected to develop a deep understanding of how the social construction of childhood has shaped and continues to shape parenting, schooling, and social policy. Students will be required to complete an internship in a child-focused setting.<br>This core area of study is intended for students with experience working with young children and their families and who desire opportunities to work in leadership roles with children in community contexts, including a variety of social service positions. In addition, professionals seeking to enter doctoral programs with a focus on research, leadership and practical applications can develop advanced knowledge and understanding of child development in context through this program of study.<br><br>POTENTIAL CAREER AREAS - Administration, Community centers, Education, Guidance counseling, Healthcare<br>Human service organizations, Marriage and family therapy, Research, Social work