M.Ed. | Family Social Science

Education at the foundation of society

Family is the basic building block of society—the environment where we first learn about the world, build skills for our earliest explorations, and acquire the beliefs and behaviors that can help or hinder us throughout life.

The Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) in Family Education recognizes this vital role and our tremendous responsibility to equip parents and caregivers with evidence-based tools and knowledge that will foster stronger, healthier families and children.

Career options

Designed for experienced educators and practitioners, this degree will prepare you to design, deliver, and evaluate family-focused curricula and programs for adult learners, including a fully online track that fulfills requirements for obtaining a license to teach in early childhood family education programs in Minnesota.

Master's degree students who reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the knowledge they gained in their program.
Student Experience in the Research University survey

Master's degree students who said their analytical and critical thinking skills had developed to a large or very large extent.
SERU survey

Program options

The M.Ed. in Family Education offers you two options:

A 30-credit master's program with an oral exam (non-licensure track). For more information view the program checklist (PDF).
A 31-credit master's program with an oral exam (completing requirements for licensure). For more information view the program checklist (PDF).

Learn more about these options in the Parent and Family Education program manual.
View current departmental course offerings.

How to apply

Application deadlines:

M.Ed. in Family Education

March 1 for fall admission

M.Ed. in Family Education (license subplan)

March 1 for summer/fall admission
October 1 for spring admission

Apply online

The Department of Family Social Science also has specific application requirements.

If you have any questions, please e-mail famed@umn.edu, or call 612-625-2705.

Financing your education

Visit OneStop Student Services: Finances for information on tuition, fees, and financial aid.

Visit Assistantships, Fellowships, & Other Funding for more information on funding opportunities through FSoS, CEHD, and UMN.

Admissions

Admission to the Department of Family Social Science (FSoS) is based on a review of multiple sources of information:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. academic institution or foreign equivalent, evidence of strong academic preparation, and the ability and desire to perform graduate level scholarship.

Alignment of applicant's professional goals with the Parent and Family Education program's goals to prepare practitioners to design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs for parents and families.

Unique contributions applicant would make to FSoS values, including social relevance, collaboration, inclusiveness, excellence, innovation, and diversity.