PhD in Human Development and Family Studies

The Human Development and Family Studies discipline emphasizes diverse ways that persons develop within their social and familial contexts. Graduate study includes examinations of theory, research, and intervention/practice, and their interplay across the full lifespan of individual development and within the context of family and social systems. The HDFS program at UConn is one of a very select number of programs in the U.S. that offers Doctoral studies in Human Development and Family Studies, including a doctoral level training program in marriage and family therapy. Qualified applicants to the PhD program may enter with either a BA/BS or MA/MS degree in a related profession or discipline including but not limited to: Nursing, Rehabilitation, Marriage and family therapy, Education, Parent education, Public health and health psychology, Psychology, Social work, Early intervention services, Sociology, Counseling, Positive youth development.