Ph.D.

The goal of our graduate program is to promote the integration of knowledge and professional practice in human development and family science through rigorous training and class work.

Your Training

You are enabled to gain and to demonstrate competence in acquiring, integrating, and applying:

1. Substantive and theoretical knowledge of both child and family development.
2. Knowledge of and skills for conducting research on individual and family development and behavior.
3. Skills for engaging with individuals, families and other professionals in processes that prevent or solve problems and promote competence and well-being.

To accomplish these goals, both formal course work and practicum experiences in research, teaching, and service are required. These are described in the doctoral handbook.

Admission

Students with a master's degree in HDFS or related area can apply for admission to our doctoral program. Most students who enter the Ph.D. program with a master's degree complete the doctoral program in 3-4 years.

We also offer admission to our doctoral program to excellent applicants who have a B.S. in HDFS or related area. Students who apply for the Accelerated MS to PhD program have excellent GPA and GRE scores, stellar letters of recommendation, some research experience at the undergraduate level, and a clearly articulated goal to obtain a Ph.D. These students are required to complete the master's degree within two years of admission. Most students entering the Ph.D. program with a bachelor's degree complete the doctorate in 5 years.

Emphasis

We also offer a Ph.D. with an emphasis in Couple and Family Therapy.

Curriculum

The goal of our graduate program is to promote the integration of knowledge and professional practice in human development and family science through rigorous training and classwork. To accomplish this goal, students achieve the following three objectives: (a) develop expertise in integrating, and applying substantive and theoretical knowledge in human development across the life course and family relationships; (b) learn advanced analytic skills and methodologies for conducting and disseminating research on individuals and families; and (c) develop the skills necessary to translate basic research into application through outreach, clinical practice, or preventative interventions. Accordingly, the curriculum includes courses in the following areas:

• Advanced Human Development
• Diversity
• Applied Statistics
• Theories in family relationships
• Advanced Research methods – Quantitative and Qualitative
• Area of Specialization

Sample Program of Study

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program have obtained positions within various universities as professors and researchers.

Recent Employers

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I complete the program online?
2. Which faculty is accepting new students?
3. Do you offer funding or assistantships? 
4. How do I apply to the UGA HDFS Doctoral program?
5. What is the application deadline? 

Can I complete the program online?

No, this is a face-to-face graduate program. The required coursework must be taken in person at our Athens campus.

Which faculty is accepting new students?

Reach out to graduate faculty members with similar interests to find out if they are accepting new students.

Do you offer funding or assistantships? 

It is expected that students with positive annual evaluations on both scholarly work and assistantship work may receive assistantships funded by the department for up to four years at the doctoral level.  

How do I apply to the UGA HDFS Doctoral program?

Follow the instructions on the How to Apply page to complete your application. Be sure to submit all required materials. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

What is the application deadline? 

Applications are accepted in the fall of each year for admission the following fall. The application deadline is December 1st. We do not accept students for spring or summer admission.