Program Overview

Human Development and Family Science Educational Psychology Ph.D.

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Psychology focuses on generating sophisticated data for key decision-makers. The data can be used by faculty members to advance other fields using critical research methods and develop new approaches, to demonstrate the value of programs serving children and families or social policy, and to help corporations remain competitive.

Program Details

Program Type

• Doctoral Degree

Major

• Human Development and Family Science Educational Psychology

Format

• On Campus

Estimated Time to Complete

• 3-4 years

Credit Hours

• 63 with prior Master's
• 78 with prior Bachelor's

Program Description

The Human Development and Family Science Educational Psychology Ph.D. program focuses on individual growth and development across the lifespan as well as interpersonal interactions within the family context. This concentration also provides advanced study in developmental and family theory, social, emotional, and cognitive development, marriage and family relationships, and diversity in multiple forms and contexts.

Marketable Skills

• Synthesize and apply relevant literature
• Advanced research methods/statistical analysis
• Provide technical assistance to agencies
• Advanced oral and written communication
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve outcomes

Program Highlights

• Our faculty members obtain grants, write books, and publish scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles, and have been recognized by or serve as officers and leaders for many national, international, and regional academic professional organizations.
• We provide you opportunities to present research at national and regional conferences, publish journal articles, apply for grants, and participate in professional activities with faculty mentors.
• The College of Education is also one of Texas' top producers of teachers, administrators, counselors, and other school professionals.
• You have the opportunity to collaborate with scholars in the department's other graduate programs, such as the special education program.
• Additional research opportunities exist at our up-to-date observational laboratory, a testing and computerized data analysis laboratory.
• The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, which means we meet or exceed strict academic standards for excellence in education.

Career Opportunities

• Advocacy and public policy
• Child life (in hospital settings)
• Early childhood intervention
• Faith-based organizations
• Healthcare and family wellness
• Human and/or community service agencies
• Nonprofit and non-governmental organizations
• Parent, family life, or relationship education
• School districts or communities in the schools

Sample Courses

Human Development Across the Life Span (3 hrs)

Processes and stages that individuals undergo as they progress from birth through old age and death are studied from a human ecological perspective. Developmental tasks and concepts are explored.

Cognitive and Language Development (3 hrs)

Comprehensive developmental sequence of cognitive development and language acquisition from birth through adulthood, focusing on theories and research related to cognitive, perceptual, and language development, as well as relationships between language and thought.

Application of Developmental Theories in Research (3 hrs)

Scholarly application of theory to research regarding growth and change across the lifespan, including an ecological perspective. A review of socio-historical influences on theory development as well as practical issues associated with operationalization of theories and their use in professional and research settings.

Social-Emotional Development (3 hrs)

Comprehensive developmental sequence of social and emotional development from birth through adulthood. Focuses on both theory and research pertaining to the development, expression, and regulation of emotions as well as intra- and interpersonal issues of social development.

Diversity in Individuals, Families, and Schools (3 hrs)

Effects of cultural, ethnic, gender, linguistic, religious, and developmental differences on teaching, learning, development, and adjustment of children and families. Educational, psychological, attitudinal, social, legal, and political issues in diversity. Necessity of attention to diversity and acculturation within educational and social organizations.

Foundations of Educational Psychology (3 hrs)

History of educational psychology, advanced philosophical and empirical foundations of learning, cognition, development, individual differences; applications to teaching and learning contexts.