University of Central Missouri, State of Missouri Partner to Offer Tuition Scholarship for Employees

 

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) has partnered with the State of Missouri to offer a 20% tuition scholarship for eligible Missouri employees pursuing a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS).

 

The agreement comes as Missouri continues to face workforce shortages in social services and seeks to expand access to advanced training for public service professionals.

 

The scholarship is designed to make graduate education more accessible and affordable for working professionals who serve individuals and families across Missouri. The M.S. in Human Development and Family Science is offered fully online and can be completed part-time. This tuition benefit is exclusive to the Human Development and Family Science option.

 

Jaimee Hartenstein, Ph.D., is the program coordinator and an associate professor of Human Development and Family Science at UCM.

 

“This scholarship represents a valuable opportunity for the Human Development and Family Science program to support the growing demand for social services across Missouri,” Hartenstein said. “By reducing financial barriers, the scholarship expands access to higher education and enables individuals employed by the State of Missouri to complete the program online, strengthening the workforce dedicated to serving Missouri communities.”

Under the agreement, eligible state employees who are admitted to and enroll in the program may apply for the award, valued at 20% of the university’s board-approved online graduate tuition rate. The scholarship applies to tuition only each semester and does not cover mandatory fees.

 

The 30-credit-hour program emphasizes applied learning, research, and evidence-based practice. Students complete an integrative project culminating in a research proposal or service grant proposal. A thesis option is also available, depending on professional goals.

 

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Missouri’s public-service workforce by expanding access to advanced education aligned with human services and family support roles.

 

“UCM is committed to creating accessible pathways for working professionals to advance their education while continuing to serve their communities,” said Tim Crowley, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “This partnership strengthens Missouri’s public service workforce by connecting state employees with flexible, high-quality graduate education that can deepen their expertise and expand their impact across the state.”

The M.S. in Human Development and Family Science prepares graduates for careers in family and human services agencies, government organizations, courts and corrections systems, advocacy and research organizations, hospitals, and youth development programs.

 

To maintain eligibility, employees must meet the HDFS program's admission requirements, provide proof of employment with the State of Missouri, and remain in good academic standing. Students may begin the program in the fall, spring or summer.

 

For more information about the program and scholarship, visit ucmo.edu/hdfs-ms or contact Hartenstein at hartenstein@ucmo.edu or 660-543-8358.