Program Overview

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Human Ecology: Human Development and Family Studies, PhD

The Human Ecology: Human Development and Family Studies, PhD program is a named option within the Human Ecology, PhD. It offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of families and individuals across the lifespan, with an emphasis on research and its application to practice, programs, and policy.

Program Description

Students enrolled in the Human Ecology PhD program have the opportunity to earn the Human Ecology MS: Human Ecology Research degree along the way to the PhD upon successful completion of coursework and research. The HDFS graduate program option is served by 11 full-time faculty members plus affiliated faculty members, who are professionally active with strong records of national and international scholarship.

Faculty and Research

Faculty members bring the perspectives of many different disciplines to their work, including psychology, human development and family studies, sociology, education, and psychiatry. They conduct basic research to understand families and their members and applied research and outreach to promote positive outcomes in human development and family life. Faculty and graduate students in HDFS collaborate on research and outreach-engagement projects in a wide variety of substantive areas, focusing on the well-being of individuals, couples, and families.

Areas of Scholarly Activity

Current areas of scholarly activity focus on:

• Early childhood
• Couple relationships
• Contemplative practices
• Mind-body well-being
• Parenting
• Family caregiving
• Vulnerable populations (e.g., incarcerated parents, children with autism, and historically under-represented groups)

Methods and Approaches

The program explicitly values both qualitative and quantitative approaches to inquiry. Faculty possess expertise in areas as diverse as:

• Multilevel, longitudinal, nonlinear, and dyadic modeling
• Physiological measurement
• Program evaluation
• Observational methods
• Experimental methods
• Survey methodology
• Community-based research

Mission and Applied Work

Central to the mission of the program is the creation, dissemination, and application of scientific knowledge to address real-world problems and issues. Applied work of current faculty and students includes:

• Public policy education
• Community building
• Outreach education
• Prevention programs

Career Opportunities

There is a demand for professionals trained in research, teaching, and outreach in the areas of human development and family studies in higher education, government, and human and family service programs. Graduates are prepared for a life of scholarship and service, regardless of whether they pursue careers in academic or applied settings.

Admissions

Admissions Requirements

• Fall Deadline: December 1
• Spring Deadline: The program does not admit in the spring.
• Summer Deadline: The program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required.
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable.
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Application Process

The Human Ecology Graduate Program reviews applications once per year after the admissions deadline. The faculty admissions committee reviews all complete applications using holistic admissions criteria. Those selected for an interview will be contacted by email. All admitted students will be invited to attend the Human Ecology Graduate Programs Admitted Student Visit Day held each spring.

Funding

Graduate School Resources

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School.

Program Resources

Funding opportunities for Human Ecology graduate students are available and made possible, in large part, by generous donations. These funds are used to fund teaching or project assistantships, award academic excellence scholarships, and provide students with conference travel scholarships and graduate research scholarships.

Requirements

Mode of Instruction

• Face to Face: Yes
• Evening/Weekend: No
• Online: No
• Hybrid: No
• Accelerated: No

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 51 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 32 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required.
• Assessments and Examinations: Doctoral students are required to take a comprehensive preliminary/oral examination.
• Language Requirements: Contact the program for information on any language requirements.
• Graduate School Breadth Requirement: All doctoral students are required to complete a doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate.

Required Courses

• Introductory Courses:
  • INTER-HE 801: Special Topics in Human Ecology (Professional Development Seminar)
  • INTER-HE 792: Theories and Perspectives in Human Ecology
• Basic Theory Courses:
  • HDFS 761: Childhood and the Family: Prenatal Through Pre-adolescence
  • HDFS 763: Aging and the Family: Adolescence Through Later Life
  • HDFS 865: Family Theory I (Survey)
• Content Courses: Students must complete at least 9 credits in Human Development and Family Studies in content courses numbered 700 and above.
• Research Methods and Design: Students must complete 6 credits in this category, including INTER-HE 793: Research Methods.
• Statistics: Students must complete at least one 3-credit, advanced level statistics course.
• Research & Thesis: Students must complete HDFS 990: Research and Thesis.
• Elective: 3 credits
• Breadth: 9 credits
• Total Credits: 51

Policies

Prior Coursework

• Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions: With program approval, students are allowed to transfer up to 18 credits of graduate coursework taken at other institutions.
• Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UWMadison: With program approval, students are allowed to transfer up to 9 University Special student credits in coursework numbered 300 or above.

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School's policy.

Advisor / Committee

Every graduate student is required to have an advisor. An advisor is a faculty member, or sometimes a committee, from the major department responsible for providing advice regarding graduate studies.

Credits Per Term Allowed

15 credit maximum.

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School's policy.

Grievances and Appeals

The School of Human Ecology Graduate Program Handbook outlines the conduct expectations and grievance process.

Professional Development

Graduate School Resources

The Graduate School offers professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch a career.

Program Resources

The School of Human Ecology Graduate Program values the professional development of graduate students and provides financial awards to those who are invited to present at professional conferences/exhibits. Students may receive a maximum award of $650 for travel to support conference participation in a single academic year.