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Human Development and Family Sciences Program

The Human Development and Family Sciences program at Texas Tech University offers a comprehensive education in human development and family studies. The program features world-class facilities and nationally renowned researchers, providing exceptional training for academic careers.

Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences

The Ph.D. program in Human Development and Family Sciences is designed to prepare students for faculty positions in the field. The program excels at shaping faculty careers due to its national reputation, cutting-edge research, dual focus on qualitative and quantitative methods, and emphasis on teaching experience.

• The program has a national reputation, with a degree from Texas Tech making a strong impression in faculty search committees.
• Students have access to unique research facilities, including the Child Development Research Center, Early Head Start program, and Neuroimaging Institute.
• The program focuses on both qualitative and quantitative methods, supporting various research areas, including addiction, risk-taking behavior, blended families, gender issues, family violence, and obesity.
• Students receive at least two semesters of teaching experience, with close supervision and mentoring from seasoned faculty, developing practical skills necessary for leading college-level classrooms.

Program Requirements

The Ph.D. program in Human Development and Family Sciences consists of required course subjects, including:

• Theories of human development
• Family theories
• Research methods
• Quantitative statistics
• Qualitative research methods
• College teaching practicum (two semesters)

Students will also take the lead on a research project prior to becoming a doctoral candidate and complete the Ph.D. program with a doctoral dissertation supported by at least 12 hours of research.

Post-Bachelor's Degree Ph.D. Option

The post-bachelor's Ph.D. option in Human Development and Family Sciences allows students with research experience to apply directly to the Ph.D. program. Applicants must demonstrate a history of involvement in research and a strong interest in continuing to conduct research. Students will first fulfill the courses and requirements of the master's degree program before moving on to the Ph.D. program requirements.

Academics and Majors

The Human Development and Family Sciences program offers various undergraduate and graduate degree options, including:

• B.S. in Human Development & Family Sciences
• B.S. in Early Childhood Education
• B.A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education
• Online B.A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education
• Accelerated BS to MS Degree
• M.S. in Human Development & Family Sciences
• Online M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies Gerontology Concentration
• Online M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies Youth Development Concentration
• Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Sciences

Research

The Human Development and Family Sciences program is involved in various research areas, including:

• Addiction
• Risk-taking behavior
• Blended families
• Gender issues
• Family violence
• Obesity

The program features research facilities such as the Child Development Research Center, Early Head Start program, and Neuroimaging Institute, providing students with hands-on research experience.

Career Pathways

The Human Development and Family Sciences program prepares students for various career pathways, including:

• Faculty positions in human development and family sciences
• Research positions in academia, government, or private industry
• Practitioner positions in fields such as counseling, social work, or education

Graduates of the program have gone on to secure tenure-track faculty appointments at major universities across the country.