Human Development and Social Policy Ph.D. Program
What makes this program great?
Rigorous training in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, plus study design, data analysis, and scholarly writing
Interdisciplinary foundation across human development, economics, sociology, and psychology with a focus on linking research to social policy
Professional experience through teaching and collaborations with nonprofits and government, preparing graduates for academic and non-academic careers
Who might benefit from our program?
Individuals with a related master's degree with interests in human development and social policy
Individuals with a related undergraduate degree in FCS, Psychology, Economics or a related social science area of study
Individuals who are currently working in government and non-profit organizations on related policy issues
Career Paths for Human Development and Social Policy PhD Graduates
Our graduates pursue careers across a wide range of sectors, including academia, research, government, policy, and non-profits. The interdisciplinary training prepares them to make meaningful contributions in roles such as:
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Academia & Teaching: Assistant Professor, Lecturer
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Research (Government or Non-Profit): Research Analyst, Research Associate
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Policy & Government: Policy Analyst, Program Evaluator, Director of Policy or Family Services
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Program Administration & Non-Profits: Program Director (e.g., Head Start), Project Coordinator, Community Advocate
Faculty Areas of Research
Family Economics
Family Relationships
Human Development
Social and Health Inequalities
Social Policy
Dissertation Research
Students are encouraged to select publication goals and formats that will serve their careers, such as:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles
- Program evaluations that would be presented at governmental or nonprofit agencies
- Research-based curriculum or training, including translational work to complement traditional research
Qualifying Examination or Alternative
Students develop a project to demonstrate competency in bridging disciplinary approaches to areas of interest in Human Development and Social Policy. The student's supervisory committee evaluates this work to ensure that the student is adequately prepared to accomplish his or her dissertation research. Given the interdisciplinary and policy-relevant nature of the program, the examination may include alternatives to a traditional examination, such as a program evaluation, evaluation proposal, white paper, academic paper, grant proposal, or other professionally-relevant product.
Coursework
(67 total credits)
- 20 credit hours from HDSP core and advanced classes from the FCS Department
- 18 credit hours, 9 each from two specialization areas that include other departments, such as Economics, Sociology, Political Science, or Psychology, or from particular cross-department themes, such as Health or Geospatial Analyses
- 9 credit hours from allied courses
- 6 credit hours of advanced methods/statistics
- 14 (or more) doctoral dissertation research credits