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: cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/graduate/handbook.

In addition to the department’s requirements, the following are the School of Graduate Studies guidelines and are the minimum requirements for students to complete a degree.

PhD (Post-MS): 60 credits min.
PhD (Post-BS): 78 credits min.

Degree Verification

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or a similarly recognized international university is required for admission to and completion of a graduate program.

Overall Graduate GPA at least 3.0 and no grades of C- or lower

Graduate Students may earn no more than two “C’s” in their courses.

Course Number Acceptability

The Program of Study for a doctoral degree if the student has a master’s degree must include at least 15 semester credits at the level of 6000 or above. Credits in the following areas are not acceptable in a degree program: foreign languages (unless included in an approved Program of Study), continuing graduate advisement, individual home study, military science, and courses numbered below 6000.

Matriculation Start Semester

A doctorate degree must be completed within eight years of entering the degree program. Additional time may be requested by the student’s advisor and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review.

Coursework Validity

Coursework over eight years old at the time of degree completion may not be used for a graduate degree unless it is revalidated by the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies.

Required for all defense degrees:

Successful defense and submission of the dissertation to the library.

Doctoral forms:
- Approval of academic forms required for doctoral students by the School of Graduate Studies.
  - Complete RCR training
  - Supervisory Committee
  - Program of Study
  - Application for Candidacy
  - Appointment for Examination
  - Record of Examination
  - Dissertation Format & Style
  - Authorship and Copyright
  - Department, SGS, and library review and approval

Human Development and Family Studies - PhD

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Program Overview

Program Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes