Darin Knapp, Ph.D.

Dr. Darin Knapp is a Professor of Practice in Human Development and Family Science, and Associate Director of the Norton School of Human Ecology at the University of Arizona, where he oversees curriculum and course management for four undergraduate majors, five minors, and two graduate programs.

His educational journey began at Brigham Young University, earning his bachelor's degree in family science (2011) and master's degree in marriage and family therapy (2013), before completing his doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy in 2016 from Kansas State University. His clinical experience spans working with couples, families, and individuals facing relationship challenges and mental health struggles, including prior work supporting children and families in the foster care system.

What truly energizes Dr. Knapp is being in the classroom, teaching courses on family dynamics, mental health in the family, suicidology, and counseling skills. His dedication to teaching excellence earned him fellowship in the Bart Cardon Academy for Teaching Excellence (CATE). He co-developed a school-wide teaching workshop series focused on evidence-based teaching practices and regularly presents on teaching and learning at national conferences. His expertise is recognized through his service on editorial boards and as a reviewer for academic publications in his field.

Beyond the university, Dr. Knapp maintains credentials as a licensed associate marriage and family therapist in Arizona, Certified Family Life Educator, and QPR Certified Gatekeeper Instructor. He frequently presents to the community on mental health, family relationships, and suicide prevention—work that feels essential to creating healthier communities.

His research interests include the science of teaching and learning in family science, attachment and intimacy in adult relationships, and relationship maintenance. Clinically, he focuses on couples therapy, family therapy, parenting interventions, infidelity, anxiety-related issues, and suicide prevention.

Dr. Knapp is especially excited about recently developing and launching a new master's degree program in marriage and family therapy at UA. Currently accepting applications for the inaugural cohort beginning Fall 2026, this program represents the perfect intersection of his passions—combining his love of teaching with his commitment to training the next generation of marriage and family therapists. Dr. Knapp is the Director of Graduate Studies for this new program.