Ph.D. in Education: HDFS | College of Education and Human Development

Ph.D. in Education: Human Development and Family Science

The Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science provides students with a strong foundation in developmental, interpersonal, and family theories, in-depth research skills and expertise, and builds in-depth knowledge in a content area chosen by the student in consultation with their advisor. The Ph.D. emphasis in HDFS is designed to prepare students for academic positions in departments of Human Development and Family Science or equivalent advanced positions.

World-Improving Research and Creativity

We encourage students to develop skills in identifying families’ strengths and to develop an appreciation of diversity in age, race and ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, learning styles and abilities.

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� Our Program

Students will investigate the ways in which individuals interact within the family system and with the larger sociocultural environment, as well as the process of biosocial, psychosocial and cognitive development across the lifespan.

To better appreciate the complexity of families, the program strives to foster in students an awareness of the development of family systems, roles and reciprocal interactions. We encourage students to look at families as more than just interpersonal interactions and to address family resources that can contribute to stress or resilience during times of crisis or change.

Our goal is to provide graduates who are prepared for roles in professions requiring:

Knowledge of biological, cognitive and socio-emotional characteristics of humans across the lifespan
Knowledge of family systems and family interactions
Knowledge of effective communication for working with individuals and families
Assessment and improvement of resources needed by individuals, families and their communities
The ability to provide education about individual development and family life
The ability to combine elements of education, prevention and early intervention
The ability to work in an intergenerational context and with diverse families.

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Admission Deadlines

Applications and all associated documents must be received by Jan. 15 to be considered for the Fall Semester.

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Program Handbook

Program structure

The graduate program aims to generate graduates who are well versed in relevant theories, research methods and the conduct and dissemination of quality research so that they are able to understand the current body of literature in HDFS and are prepared to expand this knowledge base through research of their own.

We value out-of-the-classroom training and provide our students with ample time to conduct research in the field relevant to their area of interest. Graduate students are also encouraged to take part in research with their advisor or any one of our world-class faculty members.

As part of the doctoral degree requirements, students are required to complete a comprehensive dissertation project involving empirical research and successfully defend their dissertation orally.

Looking for a Graduate Assistantship?

The College of Education & Human Development has a limited number of Graduate Assistantships for full-time students admitted to masters or doctoral programs.

Learn about graduate assistantships

Learn about financial aid

Program Faculty

Melissa Burnham, Ph.D.

Department Chair and Professor of Human Development, Family Science and Counseling; and Executive Coordinator of the Child & Family Research Center she, her, hers

(775) 784-7012

mburnham@unr.edu

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