PhD in Human Sciences - Human Development and Family Science in Tallahassee United States | Florida State University

The Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) Ph.D. program prepares students to emerge as future scholars, faculty members, and research professionals. Alumni have secured coveted roles at prestigious universities across the nation.

Our HDFS coursework examines relationship dynamics and family systems in modern contexts, including unmarried partners, blended families, military households, and foster care situations. Faculty members specialize in researching childhood peer relationships, romantic partnerships, domestic abuse, child-rearing approaches, cultural identity formation, and related subjects.
Family and Child Sciences ranks in the top five U.S. programs for faculty publications and federal grant acquisition. Our research-driven curriculum explores the intricacies of family functioning and lifespan development. Graduate education prioritizes applying rigorous research to practical interventions that benefit individuals and family units. We champion hands-on learning through direct involvement in research and instruction.
The doctoral programs in Family and Child Sciences feature a distinctive curriculum blending human development theory with marriage and family therapy applications. This intentional merger fosters dialogue between academic research and clinical practice. Candidates must complete preliminary examinations before beginning dissertation work, with required coursework including thirty department-specific credits and fifteen credits in research methodology or statistical analysis.