red, patterned chair in front of green, granite like wall

Human Ecology MS

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Human Ecology offers multi-disciplinary coursework that focuses on current theories and strategies for creating, managing, and evaluating settings that promote human and community development. Students are exposed to current research and practice that integrates: (a) the promotion of human and family development with (b) perspectives on building effective organizations and sustainable communities. Students create their own specialization through elective courses and the completion of a real-world capstone project. Specializations are designed so that students can name their expertise to prospective employers.

This program is intended as a terminal, professional degree. Students interested in a PhD, MFA or other graduate degrees in the School of Human Ecology may apply separately to these programs.

The Masters program is geared toward students who are both new to the field and those who have had some direct practice, applied research, educational or advocacy experience. This MS degree can be completed in 3 semesters of full time study or 4 or more semesters if students are part time. The program prepares students for careers working in a wide range of settings including:

  • Community-based organizations (e.g., family support, youth work, community organizing, social justice, intervention and prevention programs, consumer and financial coaching)
  • Intermediary and “backbone” organizations (e.g., technical assistance providers, philanthropic foundations, applied research and evaluation organizations, capacity building providers, community-based economic development)
  • Government agencies (e.g., child and family services, public health, legislative support)
  • University outreach (e.g., Cooperative Extension, community partnerships and coalitions, public service, multicultural offices, academic support and education)

Recent Graduates

Zipi Diamond

Credentials: MS 2025

Masters Project: Uplifting Family and Child Care Provider Voices: Insights on Meaningful Engagement in the Early Care and Education System

Project Partner: City of Madison Early Care and Education Department

Hilary Hartman

Credentials: MS 2025

Masters Project: Program Evaluation of Oregon Mental Health Services School-Based Mental Health Services in the Mount Horeb Intermediate Center

Project Partners: OMHS and Mt Horeb SD

Nabila Isnandi

Credentials: MS 2025

Masters Project: Updating the “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” Fact Sheets

Partner: UW-Madison Division of Extension Human Development and Relationships Institute

Yevai Matenga

Credentials: MS 2025

Masters Project: Bridging Gaps: An exploration of African international student’s community engagement in Greater Madison,

Project Partner: African Center for Community Development

Juliet Onebe

Credentials: MS 2025

Masters Project: Empower the Minds Initiative

Project Partner: CHACHI ( Community Health Care Initiative, Uganda)

Micah Robinson

Credentials: MS 2025

Masters Project: 2025 Vision Report

Partner: GSAFE

Darouny Bonal

Credentials: MS 2024

Masters Project: Impact of food policy interventions on farmers and low resource communities

Project Partner: Dane County Farmers Market and Food Council

Ian Steele

Credentials: MS 2024

Masters Project: Culturally Responsible Foods Initiative

Project Partner: Second Harvest

Student Stories

An advocate for improving Madison’s housing climate: Meet Emilee Hendricks

“I’m excited to get to learn and work among people who care so deeply about the world,” Hendricks says.

The power of persistence: One student’s fight to educate himself and others

“Running a nonprofit, you want to make sure you’re doing the right thing, addressing the root cause. You don’t want to just address the symptom,” he says. “I feel like we always want to make our organization better, not just stay in our own comfort z

Program Contacts

Graduate Program Coordinator

Jose Conde-Coss

4185 Nancy Nicholas Hall

gradprog@sohe.wisc.edu

Graduate Program Committee Chair

headshot of professor with glasses and a black top seated

Professor Matt Calvert

4255 Nancy Nicholas Hall

608-890-1023

mcalvert@wisc.edu