PhD in Human Development and Family Studies in Urbana United States | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

This program equips students to critically examine and effectively tackle modern societal challenges affecting children, adolescents, families, and communities. Our alumni build careers across various sectors including education, research, private practice, and public service. Doctoral candidates without a master's degree will earn one as part of their initial doctoral coursework. Those entering with a non-thesis master's must submit a thesis-equivalent paper during their first two years of doctoral study.
PhD candidates can additionally pursue an applied HDFS specialization. This supplementary track readies students for leadership roles in administration, social services, policy development, global humanitarian organizations, and government, alongside academic positions in teaching and research.