Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development

Students gain advanced knowledge in the theories, methods, and research that provide the basis for expanding knowledge and understanding of human development from an interdisciplinary perspective. The program 1) incorporates study of the biological, cognitive, and social-emotional developmental domains, 2) organizes the study of human development across the lifespan from conception to death, and 3) emphasizes the context within which human development takes place, including cultural institutions such as families, schools, and hospitals, the environmental conditions related to nutrition, health, and disease, and the social and legal policies that affect development. Students graduate with the quantitative and qualitative skills necessary for careers in university research and teaching, administration of programs, consultation, program development, etc., in a variety of settings including those in education, medicine, mental health, public health, social services, and government. We offer a two year Master of Science program and a five year PhD program. These programs offer students an in-depth, interdisciplinary examination of cognitive and socio-emotional development from infancy through adolescence (MS) and all the way through adulthood (PhD).

UC Davis requires academic records from each college-level institution you have attended. You will be instructed to upload scanned copies of your transcripts after you have submitted your online application.
Three letters of recommendation
GRE is NOT required
Writing sample of up to 25,000 words (e.g. scholarly paper)
Personal History
Statement of Purpose
The minimum overall TOEFL score required for admission to graduate study at UC Davis is an 80 on the TOEFL internet-based test (iBT). The minimum overall band score required for admission to graduate study at UC Davis is 7.0 on a 9-point scale.
A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) from the institution where you have earned or will earn your bachelor's degree.