Human Development and Family Science – Doctor of Philosophy

Program Overview

The Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) PhD program at The Ohio State University focuses on improving the lives of individuals, couples, and families through a multidisciplinary examination of intimate and familial relationships. The program emphasizes systems and bioecological perspectives, incorporating diversity into its research programs and curricula. Graduates are prepared for careers in research, teaching, clinical work, policy development, and advocacy in various settings, including universities, research institutions, and non-profit organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) Doctor of Philosophy program at The Ohio State University focuses on improving the lives of individuals, couples, and families through a multidisciplinary examination of intimate and familial relationships.

Objectives:

• To nurture independent scholars who analyze the development and behavior of human beings within social contexts from various disciplinary perspectives.
• To provide intensive training in research methods, statistics, and areas relevant to individual research interests.
• To prepare graduates for careers in research and teaching in academic or other settings.

Program Description:

The HDFS graduate program emphasizes systems and bioecological perspectives, which acknowledge that individuals are interconnected with their social contexts and that human development and adaptation are influenced by multiple factors (e.g., genes, family relationships, school, community, society). The program incorporates diversity into its research programs and curricula, reflecting the multicultural society and global economy.

Outline:

Program Content:

The program covers general content areas of:

• Human development and adaptation
• Family relationships
• Schooling
• Society

Program Structure:

Individual Modules:

Students develop their individualized course plans in consultation with their advisors.

Faculty:

The program's faculty have diverse research interests, including:

• Adolescent development
• Aging and the life course
• Child development
• Couples and family therapy
• Cultural influences on development
• Early childhood education
• Family policy
• Health and well-being
• Parenting
• Risk and resilience
• Social justice
• Youth development

Unique Approaches:

The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to human development and family science, integrating perspectives from various disciplines.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the HDFS program are prepared for careers in:

• Research
• Teaching
• Clinical work with couples and families
• Policy development
• Program evaluation
• Advocacy
• Consulting

Career Opportunities:

Graduates may find employment in various settings, including:

• Universities
• Colleges
• Research institutions
• Government agencies
• Non-profit organizations
• Private businesses

Career Outcomes:

The program's website provides links to career stories of HDFS alumni.