Human Development and Family Science, PhD
Doctorate in Human Development and Family Science
Curriculum
The PhD program offers two routes: a 60-hour program for Master of Science graduates and a 90-hour program for Bachelor of Science graduates. Students can concentrate on human development or family science. The program offers flexibility for students and their advisory committees to create educational experiences to help students reach their academic goals. Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) coursework includes:
- 15 credit hours (minimum) in human development and family science content
- 15 hours inhuman development and family science methods classes
- 12 credit hours in research and statistics
- 3 credit hours in human sciences
- 15 credit hours of dissertation research
We prepare students for academic careers
Research and Faculty
Our nationally known faculty are engaged in a cross section of collaborative research focused on risk and resilience. The department is home to the Center for Family Resilience, a community resource that translates faculty research about families. Faculty are successful in earning external grants and contracts that often fund graduate research assistantships.
Explore faculty research specializations
Article: "Family Resilience: Moving into the third wave"
Institute for Developmental Disabilities
Admissions
Applications are accepted twice a year with the following deadlines:
Fall Priority: December 1
Fall Final: December 15
Spring: October 15
To apply to the PhD in Human Sciences, specialization in human development and family
science, submit the following: 
- Graduate College application
- Due to COVID-19, the Department of Human Development and Family Science is waiving the GRE test score requirement as part of the application process for fall 2021 admission.
- Official academic transcripts (3.0 minimum GPA required)
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of professional goals
- Resume or CV
Cost & Assistance
Students may be eligible for tuition waivers or graduate assistantships from the department. Currently enrolled students are also eligible for scholarships offered through the College of Education and Human Sciences.