PhD in Human Development and Family Science

The field of Human Development and Family Science explores the growth of individuals throughout the lifespan, the function and dynamics of family and close relationships, and the role of context. Students in our department develop their expertise and skills by engaging in rigorous courses, conducting research under the supervision of their advisor and other research mentors in two research practica, co-teaching courses in a teaching practicum, attending Department, College, and University sponsored professional development opportunities, and working actively with faculty advisors and mentors. Graduates of this program have careers in research at universities, government, or other agencies, in teaching at the college or university level, or in leadership positions in public and private institutions.

Degree Requirements

All PhD students must have at least 72 post-Baccalaureate credit hours, 30 of which may be from an MA/MS program. Students who are admitted directly into the PhD program with only a Bachelors degree are required to complete a Master of Science degree.

The following coursework is required: 

  • Content Courses (minimum 21 hours): These are the courses that will not only provide students with a strong foundation in HDFS theory and concepts, but also support their line of research. 

  • Research Methods/Statistics (minimum 21 hours): These courses will help students learn to understand and conduct research well. 

  • Collateral (9-15 hours): The collateral area represents a focused area of study (e.g., gerontology, women’s and gender studies, quantitative statistics) chosen by the student.

  • Research and Practica (minimum 23 hours): Built into the plan of study is 2 credit hours of professional development seminars (H_D_FS 8087 ), 6 credit hours of research practica (H_D_FS 9210 ), 3 credit hours of teaching practicum (H_D_FS 9100 ), and 12 dissertation hours (H_D_FS 9090 ).

Admission

The University of Missouri sets minimum requirements for admission. In addition to these minimum requirements, HDFS students must also submit:

  1. Three letters of recommendation from sources who can evaluate the applicant’s ability to succeed in graduate work. These recommendations are submitted directly by the recommender to the Graduate School online application system.
  2. A resume or curriculum vitae.
  3. A personal statement that is well-written and demonstrates a goodness of fit with the department
  4. Essay responses to prompts, as approved by graduate faculty and stated on our website

The completed application is reviewed in steps:

  1. The HDFS Graduate Committee reviews applications to ensure they are complete and to make recommendations for admission.
  2. The HDFS graduate faculty reviews applications, facilitates interviews, votes on admission, and assigns an advisor.
  3. The Graduate School reviews applications to ensure they meet the minimum University standards and formally notifies students.