Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Studies (PhD-HDFS)

Dr. Brian Vaughn speaking at the Second Hsin Yi Infancy Conference in Taiwan.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Studies, like its allied master's degree, focuses on interpersonal competence across the lifespan and on the dynamics of family relationships.

Our primary aim with this degree is to develop in students who have already demonstrated a strong interest in family systems and/or in human development (evidenced by outstanding performance in related undergraduate and master's work at Auburn or elsewhere) a high degree of research competence. With these competencies, graduates may seek careers as primary contributors to the developing base of knowledge in the field of Human Development and Family Studies. Also essential for the successful doctoral student, we believe, is the ability to communicate that knowledge. Therefore, in addition to the core of course work that doctoral students complete, they also develop individualized competency plans, in consultation with their advisory committee, that take advantage of and build upon their prior experience in research, teaching, and public (or professional) service. The faculty believe that this competency-based approach to doctoral education results in the best prepared and most well-rounded student.

HDFS doctoral graduates have been very successful in the job market. Our graduates currently hold positions at a variety of universities including, Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, Texas Tech University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of New Hampshire, to name just a few. Additionally, our students have been placed in a variety of applied and research settings including, Cooperative Extension and the Center for the Study of Social Policy in Washington, DC.







WHERE ARE THEY NOW?



Ph.D. Procedural Guide



Doctoral Qualifying Exam Policies and Procedures

Required Ph.D.Courses

HDFS 7010 Advanced Child Development (3) or HDFS 7000 Adolescent Development (3)



HDFS 7020 Marital and Family Dynamics (3). Pr., departmental approval.



HDFS 7040 Conceptual Frameworks of Human Development and Family Studies (3). Pr., departmental approval.



HDFS 7050 Research Methods for Human Development and Family Studies I (3) Pr., HDFS 7040




HDFS 7060 Research Methods for Human Development and Family Studies II (3) Pr., HDFS 7050




HDFS 7960 Seminar (1)



HDFS 8010 Relationship Development I: Childhood and Adolescence (3). Pr., HDFS 7010.



HDFS 8020 Relationship Development II: Adulthood (3). Pr., Departmental approval.



HDFS 8040 Advanced Theories of Human Development and Family Studies (3). Pr., HDFS 7040.



HDFS 8050 Advanced Research Methods I (3). Pr., HDFS 7050.



HDFS 8060 Advanced Research Methods II (1-3). Pr., HDFS 7050. Students may enroll in up to 3 modules of specialized research methods at 1 credit each (maximum 3 credits).



HDFS 8990 Research and Dissertation (CREDIT TO BE ARRANGED). (Note: Consistent with Graduate School policy, the HDFS Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 10 credits of HDFS 8990.)



(*These courses also are core to the MS-HDFS option.)

Required Supporting Courses

Additional 13 hours of coursework in HDFS or other related departments.

Required Supporting Courses from Other departments

FOUN 8320 Design and Analysis in Education III (3)