Human Development and Family Studies (Doctoral) at Michigan State University

Programme overview

The HDFS Ph.D. offers concentrations in Child Development, Couple & Family Therapy, and Diversity, Youth & Family Development. The department offers graduate education in an inclusive, interdisciplinary environment with faculty expertise in child development, couple and family therapy, and diversity, youth and family development. The department sets aside teaching and research assistantships for entering Ph.D. students.

Faculty: College of Social Science | Department: Human Development and Family Studies | Study mode: full-time | Location: East Lansing, MI, United States

What you will study

Required methods courses HDFS 880, 881 and 960, with advanced electives such as HDFS 961 and 962 (structural equation modeling). Students complete coursework, comprehensive exams, a dissertation and a professional portfolio. Concentrations: Child Development, Couple and Family Therapy (COAMFTE-accredited) and Diversity, Youth and Family Development.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

HDFS graduate applicants: GRE not required (as of Fall 2023; scores from the last five years encouraged for PhD, MS Plan A and international applicants). At least three recommenders submitted through the MSU portal (at least one academic or work supervisor). Academic statement, personal statement and resume or CV; writing sample encouraged. Applicants whose native language is not English submit scores from an MSU-accepted English proficiency exam. Official transcripts required. PhD applicants name at least one faculty member for research mentorship and choose a concentration. Deadline: Fall, December 1.

Requirements published at program group level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Intake: Fall (December 1)

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/graduate-students

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