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Human Development and Social Policy Ph.D. Program

The Human Development and Social Policy Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Degree, offered by the Family and Consumer Studies Department, involves intensive research on important polices and issues in the family, community and social life. The program takes a broad perspective on human development as interdependent with social policies that address human well-being in family, economic, and community contexts. Only a few students are admitted each year, so that students can benefit from close association with faculty.

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

Ph.d. Course Requirements PDF

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.

Man smiling sitting at computer

Career Opportunities

  • Policy development and analysis 
  • Non-governmental and governmental agencies
  • Planners, administrators, and evaluators of services
  • Advocates for families and communities
  • Academic careers

2 students study with notes and a laptop

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.

Last Updated: 11/11/24