Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services

Department of Human Development and Family Studies

Students in the PhD program complete a major research dissertation that makes a significant contribution to the theoretical and empirical knowledge in human development and/or family studies. Students can be admitted into the program with a bachelor’s of science degree if they have adequate research experience (post-BS PhD), or after they complete a Master of Science (or Master of Arts, with additional research experience; post-MS PhD).

The core course requirements for both tracks of the PhD include multiple credits in human development and family studies theories, research methods and statistics. Students also take courses in their areas of concentration and electives.

Doctoral students complete additional courses relevant to HDFS, and within their area of concentration. Areas of concentration include Human Development, Family Relations, and Marriage and Family Therapy (the MFT concentration is only available if the student has an existing degree in Marriage and Family Therapy).

In addition to coursework and the dissertation, students demonstrate research, teaching, and professional competencies, and pass a comprehensive exam. For more specific information, see the Graduate Student Handbook at https://hdfs.usu.edu/programs/graduate/graduate-handbook.