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The doctoral program includes basic and applied courses, which provide broad exposure to relevant theories and research methods and encourages ongoing student involvement in research, including but not limited to the thesis and dissertation. In addition to major coursework, a student is required to choose a minor outside of the major to enhance the student's ability to solve problems from an interdisciplinary perspective. Other elements of the doctoral program are the research mentorship program, research methods and statistics courses, and the doctoral dissertation. Through the doctoral program, a student will acquire a firm foundation in theory and research methods relevant to their emphasis area and will also become competent in advanced statistical techniques necessary for conducting research. A primary expectation for all entering graduate students (including international students) is that their written communication skills in the English language are at an appropriate level for the graduate program. Therefore, students should possess appropriate knowledge of, and proficiency in, academic formal writing, including mastery of English grammar and punctuation, ability to organize ideas, and logical presentation of ideas. Students wishing to hone skills in writing may avail themselves of a variety of graduate writing tutorials, institutes, and workshops offered by the Graduate College (see https://grad.arizona.edu/new-and-current-students). In addition, the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) offers an academic writing/speaking course, ENGL 407, for nonnative speakers/writers. Students may also be requested to enroll in specific courses by the Graduate Committee if deficiencies are identified in their writing skills.
School of Family & Consumer Sciences
The John and Doris Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences provides instructional, research, extension and outreach programs that enable families, individual family members and consumers to achieve an optimum quality of life throughout the life span. Instructional programs prepare professionals for careers serving families and consumers in a culturally diverse and rapidly changing society.
There are two broad areas of study at Norton School, Family Studies and Human Development and Retail and Consumer Sciences. Currently we only offer a Ph.D. program in Family Studies and Human Development.
The FSHD graduate program curriculum is designed to provide broad exposure to developmental and interpersonal and family theories, to develop research skills and expertise, and to build in-depth knowledge in a content area chosen by the student.
Ph.D. Program in FSHD
Students interested in research, consulting, and/or teaching at the college level may pursue a doctoral degree with a concentration in family studies and human development. The program typically takes five years and combines advanced study in human development with family and interpersonal theories, research, and special topics.
Courses required for the Ph.D. include Analysis of Family Studies, Theories of Human Development, Foundations of Family and Interpersonal Theory, Application of Family and Interpersonal Theory, Research Methods, Statistics, and special topics seminars chosen based on student interests. Doctoral students also complete coursework in a chosen minor area.
Recent program graduates have taken positions as research scientists and professors in the fields of human development and family studies, family health, adolescent sexuality, criminal justice, psychology and anthropology.
For more information about our program, please visit our website. You may also contact the Graduate Coordinator, Jessica Bee at jbee@email.arizona.edu
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
University of Arizona - Main - Tucson
We do not accept terminal masters, all applications must be for the PhD program
Required test(s):
GRE
Domestic & International Applicants:
International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.
4832
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FSHD 696Z – Professional Development for First Year Graduate Students (3 units)
FSHD 546 – Foundations of Family and Interpersonal Theory (3 units)
FSHD 567 – Theories of Human Development (3 units)
FSHD 507a – Research Methods in Family Studies and Human Development (3 units)
Quantitative Analysis/Additional Research Methods (3 courses/9 units)
Class offerings: EDP 541, PSYC 510, FSHD 537A, EDP 641, FSHD 537B, PSYC 507A/597A, ANTH 595D, EDP 646a, FSHD 617C, FSHD 617A, EDP 558
Topics in Core Areas of Family Studies and Human Development (2 courses/6 units)
FSHD 601 Topics in Adolescent Health and Development
FSHD 602 Topics in Family, Interpersonal Relationships and Well-Being
FSHD 603 Topics in Social and Psychobiological Development in Childhood
FSHD 604 Topics in Diverse Contexts for Development and Relationships
FSHD 605 Topics in Applied Developmental Science
FSHD 607 Topics in Family Studies and Human Development
Research (6 units with primary professor)
FSHD 910 – thesis research units
Independent Research (3 units with primary professor)
FSHD 900
See required coursework
See required coursework
Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.