Human Development and Family Studies (PhD)

Requirements for the Degree

The PhD program in Human Development and Family Studies focuses on applied theory and research related to families from an interdisciplinary perspective. Emphasis is placed on issues relating to relationships among family members and the relationship of the family system to other systems in society. The PhD in Family Studies requires a minimum of 72 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree or a minimum of 42 credits for students entering with a master’s degree. Core requirements are listed below.

• HDFS 601 - Theories of Human Development (3cr.)
• HDFS 803 - Human Development in Life Span Perspective (3cr.)
• HDFS 815 - Research Issues and Designs (3cr.)
• EDUC 856 - Introduction to Statistical Inference (3cr.)
• EDUC 812 - Regression and Structural Equation Modeling (3cr.)
• 600/800 Level - Qualitative or Quantitative Methods 3 credits
• HDFS 621 - Family Studies I: Empirical and Theoretical Perspectives (3cr.)
• HDFS 855 - Family Studies II: Analysis and Critical Issues (3cr.)
• 600/800 - Area of Emphasis 9 credits *
• HDFS 969 - Doctoral Dissertation (1 to 12cr.)

PhD program timelines:

1. After completion of required course work, the student must pass a written and oral examination covering three areas of concentration: family studies, research methodology and statistics, and an area of emphasis as determined by the student and advisory committee. Failed exams may be retaken once but students must wait 6 months before a re-examination is permitted.
2. Residency Requirement:Students must meet the University requirement of one year in residence (one continuous academic year - 9 credit hours per semester).
3. The student must submit a written dissertation proposal that is defended before the student’s dissertation committee. The dissertation committee consists of a student’s advisor and at least two members of the graduate HDFS faculty. The committee must have no fewer than four (4) and no more than six (6) faculty members. The majority of the committee, including the chair must be within the HDFS Department. A minimum of one (1) committee member must be from outside the HDFS Department. See Office of Graduate and Professional Education website.
4. Dissertation and defense: Students must submit an original work of scholarship, meeting Department, University, and professional requirements, and successful oral defense of the dissertation.