Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Studies

HDFS is an interdisciplinary lifespan approach to the study of children, youth, and families. It encompasses specialty areas in infant and child studies, youth studies, family studies, family resource management, and gerontology. Graduates will make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and their families. They will become future leaders who will develop, manage, and evaluate early childhood, youth development, family support, and community-based programs. They will advance research and policy in areas related to young children, youth, and families.
The School of Human Sciences offers both master's and doctoral degrees in Human Development & Family Science. HDFS is an interdisciplinary lifespan approach to the study of children, youth, and families. It encompasses specialty areas in infant and child studies, youth studies, family studies, family resource management, and gerontology. Graduates will make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and their families. They will become future leaders who will develop, manage, and evaluate early childhood, youth development, family support, and community-based programs. They will advance research and policy in areas related to young children, youth, and families.

have earned a baccalaureate degree in HDFS or a related field,
have completed a minimum of 30 hours of master's level course work in HDFS or a related field,
have completed the following courses or their equivalents: AIS 8803 Research methods, HS 8823 Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Relations, 3 hours graduate-level statistics, and HS 8813 Seminar in HDFS, contingent acceptance may be granted for students to complete required courses within one calendar year,
have earned a grade point average of 3.0 on all previous graduate coursework,
submit three letters of recommendation, with at least two of the letters coming from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic work,
submit a sole-authored writing sample,
submit a personal statement (500-1,000 words) describing the applicant's purpose for undertaking graduate study, professional plans, career goals, and detailed research interests,
complete an interview with members of the HDFS graduate faculty.
IELTS - 6.5 and above, TOEFL iBT - 79 and above