Ph.D. in Human Science, major in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS)

In the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) Ph.D. program, we train students to become the next generation of scholars, university faculty, and researchers. Our graduates have successfully obtained positions of their choice in some of the nation’s leading academic institutions.

The HDFS curriculum addresses relational and family process in contemporary families, such as cohabiting couples, families of divorce and remarriage, military families, and foster families. Faculty are noted for their study of children’s friendships, couple dynamics, intimate partner violence, parenting practices, racial socialization, among other topics.

Research Training

Doctoral students have access to the entire departmental faculty as part of their education and professional development. Students select their major professor and supervisory committee based on areas of scholarly interest and expertise. The doctoral supervisory committee provides mentorship throughout the doctoral experience. Doctoral students have access to computer laboratories, statistical software, and on-campus and remote access library resources.

Degree Completion

For students admitted to a doctoral program after completing a Master’s degree, a preliminary examination is usually completed within 3 years but no longer than 5 years from beginning coursework.

When students complete coursework, they then complete a preliminary examination. Upon successful completion of the exam, the student enters into “candidacy,” where original research is undertaken, culminating in a dissertation. Although some students complete their dissertation within a year, others take longer. The period of candidacy is limited to 5 years.

We make every attempt to provide financial support to full-time enrolled students through Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships. Students typically provide 20 hours of service to the department through these assignments.

M.S./Ph.D. Option

Students can enroll in the Ph.D. program in Human Sciences with a concentration in Human Development and Family Science directly following the completion of a bachelor’s degree. In this degree program, students earn an M.S. in Family and Child Science as they progress toward a Ph.D. in Human Sciences with a concentration in Human Development and Family Science.