The Ph.D. program in human development and family studies is designed to prepare scholars for positions as researchers, professors or leaders in human service fields. This program has a strong emphasis on understanding theory and research as it relates to individuals and their families.
Course work is designed to provide a strong background in the theoretical and empirical knowledge of family studies, human development and research methods. Using an interdisciplinary approach that includes education, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and other disciplines, the graduate program is for students who want an applied degree focus based upon multidisciplinary understanding. A research-based dissertation is required.
The chief task of the IFS doctoral program is in the development of researchers and scholars who want to apply their expertise in some aspect of human development and family studies. Additionally, students may develop skills for teaching and training in institutions of higher education. The Ph.D. program has a strong basis in family and human development theory and empirical research. Individual students work with faculty members to develop expertise in areas such as early care and education service delivery, family support, disabilities, program evaluation, and using technology with young children. Other students may focus their skills on culturally diverse families, intergenerational issues, families in crisis, family processes, families who have a member with a disability, or "off time" events such as teen pregnancy.
Graduate Student Association
