Human Development and Family Sciences (PhD)
Department website: https://hdfs.utexas.edu/academics/graduate-study
The graduate program in human development and family sciences is designed to prepare students for research, teaching, and administrative positions in colleges and universities, as well as for positions in government, policy-related research organizations, and other public and private settings. The program emphasizes research and theory on the interplay among individual development, family relationships, and institutions outside the family. Development of the individual is considered within the contexts of the family, peer group, community, and culture. The family is studied as a system of relationships, with attention to roles, communication, conflict resolution and negotiation, and family members’ perceptions of each other and of their family. Public policies and care settings outside the family are among the community influences considered in relation to the development of individuals and families. The program emphasizes the investigation of the family and other social processes that contribute to competence and optimal development in individuals from birth to maturity and how such competence is reflected in interpersonal relationships and family interactions.
Graduate Handbook
Graduate handbook information is updated and maintained by each program. Graduate handbooks are available within each program's office and online. Please contact the program with concerns or questions.
Total Hours Required: 90
Requirements
Detailed descriptions of admission procedures and program requirements are available from the graduate advisor.
- the substantive major, which consists of a cohesive sequence of courses in human development and family sciences and related disciplines;
- coursework in research design and statistics;
- the supporting program, which consists of work complementary to the substantive major;
- ongoing supervised research experience;
- a pre-doctoral research project (the equivalent of a master’s thesis);
- a series of field-relevant tasks, such as preparing manuscripts for publication and applying for external funding in order to advance to candidacy; and
- the dissertation.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All students must also follow the following requirements and policies: | ||
| Graduate Natural Sciences Requirements | ||
| Graduate University Requirements | ||