Human Ecology: Human Development and Family Studies, Ph.D.

Program Overview

This Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) Ph.D. program emphasizes research and its application to practice, programs, and policy. Students study families and individuals across the lifespan with an interdisciplinary approach, earning an MS degree along the way. The program's faculty bring diverse perspectives from psychology, sociology, and other fields, and graduates are prepared for careers in academia, government, and human and family service programs.

Program Outline

Outline:

This Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) graduate program option emphasizes research and its application to practice, programs, and policy. Students delve into studying families and individuals across the lifespan with an interdisciplinary approach. The program provides an opportunity to earn the Human Ecology MS: Human Ecology Research degree along the way to the Ph.D. upon successful completion of coursework and research. The program includes 11 full-time faculty members, and affiliated faculty members, who bring diverse perspectives from psychology, human development and family studies, sociology, education, and psychiatry to their work. Current areas of scholarly activity focus on early childhood, couple relationships, contemplative practices, mind-body well-being, parenting, family caregiving, and vulnerable populations.

Careers:

Graduates are prepared for careers in academic or applied settings, including higher education, government, and human and family service programs. They are equipped for a life of scholarship and service, regardless of their career path.