Doctor of Philosophy in Family Science

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Family Science provides an interdisciplinary, research-oriented approach to the discovery and application of knowledge about families. This exciting program examines both internal family processes and the dynamic interaction of families with the biological, psychological, social, political, and economic aspects of their environment. Graduates are prepared for a number of careers in the public, non-profit, and private sectors, including university teaching, research, family policy analysis, and administrative positions in human service programs. The Ph.D. program adopts an ecological or systems approach to the study of families and the problems they face in today's society. The program of study provides doctoral students with a broad knowledge of family theory, research methodology, family policy, family programs, ethnic families, and major issues confronting contemporary families. Students also learn to design, implement, and evaluate culturally-sensitive interventions addressing family needs and to analyze the consequences of public/private policies on family well-being.

The approach is interdisciplinary, emphasizing individual, interpersonal, and social change. The program of study is based on a system or ecological paradigm, combining the perspectives of interrelated professional fields including family science, couple and family therapy, maternal and child health, family policy, behavioral science, and human services. Graduates are prepared for careers in the public, non-profit and private sectors, including university teaching, research, family policy analysis, and administrative positions in human service and public health programs.

A Bachelor's degree
Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Transcripts from all previous coursework
English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) (international applicants)
Statement of purpose and objectives, including career and educational goals, professional experience, and research areas of interest
Three letters of recommendation
Resume or curriculum vitae
One writing sample is required. Example writing samples include published manuscript, undergraduate or graduate thesis, research paper, etc. If you submit a published manuscript and you are not the first author, describe the contributions you made to the publication.
Diversity Statement
GRE scores are waived for this program. Please do not submit GRE test scores.
Applicants being considered for the program will be invited for an interview. iBT TOEFL - 96 Overall (Speaking 22, Listening 24, Reading 26, Writing 24)
IELTS - 7 Overall (Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7, Speaking 6.5)