Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Science
4
Research Areas
Fall Entry Term
Apply by jan. 1st
Tucson
campus Location
Discover how to research and implement innovative solutions to address challenges at the individual, family, and community levels, fostering meaningful and positive impacts through our Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Science program.
About the Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Science
Our Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science is designed for students aiming to pursue research, consulting and teaching careers at the college level. This rigorous program, typically completed in five years of full-time study, provides comprehensive exposure to developmental, interpersonal and family theories, alongside developing robust research skills and expertise. It's important to note that our program does not provide training in counseling or clinical skills.
Additionally, students participate in special topics seminars tailored to their interests and complete coursework in a chosen minor area. Our graduates have gone on to become research scientists and professors in diverse fields, including human development and family studies, family health, adolescent sexuality, criminal justice, psychology, and anthropology.
Does the Norton School provide counseling or therapy training?
No. We do not provide training in counseling, therapy or diagnosis of clinical disorders. Our graduate programs do not lead to licensure as a mental health professional. If you are interested in mental health service careers, we recommend visiting the American Psychological Association, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and National Association of Social Workers.
How to Apply
A completed application includes any required self-reported grades, transcripts, application fee (fee waivers are available based on financial need), and proof of English proficiency, if required. Review our graduate admissions information and visit the University of Arizona Graduate College for a complete list of admissions requirements.
What to expect from the program
The Human Development and Family Science Ph.D. program offers numerous benefits, including opportunities to work with renowned professors with successful grant histories and access to a regular colloquium series featuring leading researchers. Students receive:
- grants to support thesis and dissertation research
- strong assistantship support
- opportunities for co-authorship of research publications and presentations
The program boasts an excellent career placement record and provides financial support for attending national conferences and conducting research, along with leadership opportunities through student roundtables and participation in faculty meetings and committees. Review our graduate handbook for a comprehensive look into program requirements and policies.
The doctoral program follows an apprenticeship model in which students work closely with faculty mentors. Faculty and students conduct research in HDFS' core research areas. The department’s active research initiatives are supported by the Frances McClelland Institute. With your advisor and advisory committee’s guidance, you will choose from an array of courses and research opportunities to bolster fundamental knowledge and expand your horizons, including graduate-level courses on our four core research areas:
- Resilience and health of marginalized populations
- Early childhood and adolescent populations
- Romantic and family relationships across the lifespan
- Innovative methods and models for studying families and development
The curriculum also includes core courses such as:
- Analysis of Family Studies
- Theories of Human Development
- Foundations & Applications of Family and Interpersonal Theory
- Research Methods
- Statistics
Build stronger, healthier relationships. Nurture families. Improve communities. The people-focused, hands-on coursework in the Human Development and Family Science program challenges students to devise, defend, discuss and refine research-based solutions that enrich the quality of life for families, individuals and communities.
M.S./Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Science
You will earn an M.S. degree after completing required coursework and a master's thesis (no terminal master's program is offered). Ph.D. requirements include a pre-candidacy meeting, minor and major coursework, comprehensive exams and a dissertation.
Access to Research Initiatives
Supported by the Frances McClelland Institute, HDFS faculty and graduate students are actively involved in three research initiatives: Youth Development and Resilience, Latinx Families, and Early Relationships and Children’s Development.
Academic & Industry Career Outlooks
Our Ph.D. alumni graduate with exciting career placements in post-doctoral research, faculty positions and industry career tracks at universities around the world and organizations like the American Institutes for Research and the U.S. Administration for Children and Families.