The Human Development and Family Sciences Ph.D. program at Texas Tech University offers exceptional theoretical and methodological training which will prepare you for a career in academia as well as research jobs in a variety of settings.

Texas Tech’s Ph.D. program in HDFS excels at shaping your career because:

• We do cutting-edge research. As a Ph.D. student, you will work closely with a faculty advisor who will supervise your research experiences at Texas Tech. You will have access to our powerful combination of research facilities: the Child Development Research Center, the Center for Early Head Start, the Iva Lea Barton Research Suite, and the Neuroimaging Institute. Our faculty conduct cutting-edge research on individuals, romantic relationships, and families throughout the entire lifespan, from prenatal to older adulthood.

• We have a highly respected faculty. Our faculty publish regularly in the top journals in our field. They have leadership roles in our professional organizations, serve on editorial boards, and receive national awards.

• Outstanding student support. Our Ph.D. program offers generous assistantship stipends, scholarships, and unparalleled travel and professional development financial support to our doctoral students. The Texas Tech Graduate School offers grant opportunities to support students’ own independent research as well as scholarship and fellowship opportunities.

• Students receive a well-rounded education. Graduates of our program receive extensive training in both quantitative and qualitative methods, including two methodologies courses and four statistical courses. Students also take two theories courses as part of our core curriculum. Ph.D. students have ample opportunities to take electives within the department and across the university as they hone their specialization and expertise.

• We train you to teach. Our Ph.D. students complete a two-semester teaching practicum. In Teaching Practicum I, students work closely with faculty to develop syllabi, assignments, and exams and conduct several guest lectures under faculty observation. In Teaching Practicum II, you will teach independently under the close supervision and mentoring from experienced faculty. This experience will help you develop practical skills necessary to lead college-level classrooms effectively and give you exceptional teaching experience that will help you to be competitive on the job market.