MEd in family education with parent and family education license
Do you have a passion for working with families? Are you currently working with parents and children but want to enhance your knowledge and skills? This paired master’s and licensure program will prepare you to design, deliver and evaluate parent and family education programs that help parents and families navigate today’s changing world.
In this program track you will:
- Deepen your knowledge of family systems theory; diversity, equity, and inclusion principles; parent-child relationships; curriculum development; group facilitation skills; and program evaluation.
- Meet requirements approved by the State of Minnesota to obtain a license to work in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) programs. You will be prepared to conduct home visits, lead classes for parents of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, provide outreach services, and work with diverse and multilingual families.
- Earn a master’s degree to advance your career options within a school district or within county agencies, non-profit adult and family education programs, or private family education companies.
The family education MEd professional studies degree is a terminal degree for family education practitioners and is not recommended for students who intend to pursue a research degree (i.e. PhD).
This program has provided me with many opportunities to learn about families, diverse people, and myself. I look at the world with a different lens now.
Program requirements
The MEd program requires 30 credits total (18 credits of parent and family education coursework and 12 elective credits) and completion of a capstone interview at the end of the program.
Courses are chosen in consultation with your advisor. See the Parent and Family Ed Program Manual’s MEd with license program tab for more information. The Course Planning tab has elective course planning information, or review the program checklist [PDF].
Application deadlines
- March 1 for summer/fall admission
- October 1 for spring admission
Begin your application
Learn about the requirements and deadlines.
If you have any questions, please e-mail famed@umn.edu, or call 612-625-3116.
Financing your education
Visit OneStop Student Services: Finances for information on tuition, fees, and financial aid.
Visit assistantships, fellowships, and 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.
Inquiry form
More information
Already have your license or live in an area where a license is not required? Learn more about the MEd in family education.
The Parent and Family Education Program Manual holds important information about licensure, online coursework, tuition and financial aid, and more.