Program Overview

Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development, PhD

The doctoral program in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development (ISHD) provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation in developmental theory and research, and prepares students for faculty positions and research careers.

The ISHD Ph.D. program combines the study of social, emotional, and cognitive aspects of human development considered within cultural contexts and relevant to social policies. The program offers students the opportunity to create a specialized program of study that leads to an enriched understanding of the diverse perspectives of human development across the lifespan. Students create an individualized program of study in close consultation with an academic advisor.

Program Requirements

• Each student creates his or her own program of study in consultation with faculty mentor.
• Recommended Courses include:
  • EDUC 5480: Education and International Development
  • EDUC 5522: Psychology of the African-American
  • EDUC 5570: Qualitative Studies of Developmental Interventions
  • EDUC 6510: Cultural Perspectives on Human Development
  • EDUC 7509: Peer Relationships in Childhood and Adolescence
  • EDUC 7539: Poverty and Child Development
  • EDUC 7564: Cognitive Processes
  • EDUC 8680: Complex, Multilevel, and Longitudinal Research Models
• Electives: 8 course units of elective coursework chosen in consultation with advisor
• Additional Requirements:
  • Students must complete all University Milestones for Doctoral Candidates in addition to specific milestones for GSE.
  • A Qualifications Evaluation (also known as Program Candidacy)
  • A Preliminary Examination (also known as Doctoral Candidacy)
  • An Oral Defense of the Dissertation Proposal
  • Final Defense of the Dissertation
• Total Course Units: 16

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

• Qualifying Evaluation
• Candidacy Examination
• Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam
• Dissertation Deposit

Required GSE Milestones

• Qualifications Evaluation (Also known as Program Candidacy): A Qualifications Evaluation of each student is conducted after the completion of 6 but not more than 8 course units.
• Preliminary Examination (Also known as Doctoral Candidacy): A Candidacy Examination on the major subject area is required.
• Oral Proposal: All doctoral candidates must present their dissertation proposals orally and in person to the dissertation committee.
• Final Defense of the Dissertation: The final dissertation defense is approximately two hours in length and is based upon the candidate’s dissertation.

Required Milestones

Qualifications Evaluation (Also known as Program Candidacy)

A Qualifications Evaluation of each student is conducted after the completion of 6 but not more than 8 course units.

Preliminary Examination (Also known as Doctoral Candidacy)

A Candidacy Examination on the major subject area is required.

Oral Proposal

All doctoral candidates must present their dissertation proposals orally and in person to the dissertation committee.

Final Defense of the Dissertation

The final dissertation defense is approximately two hours in length and is based upon the candidate’s dissertation.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.