The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest achievement in preparation for active scholarship and research. The PhD in Human Development and Family Studies provides strong integrative training in theory, research methods, and statistics relevant to a primary and secondary concentrations in:

• Family Relations
• Human Development
• Marriage and Family Therapy

Most of our PhD graduates are currently teaching and/or conducting research at the university level. Some are employed at research organizations or in research extension positions.

PhD students work closely with a faculty mentor (committee chair), at least three other faculty members from within the department, and at least one faculty member from outside of the department. Depending on students’ and faculty interest, availability of existing data, and a number of other factors, students may develop their own independent research projects under the oversight of faculty, and/or work with faculty on existing studies.