The Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Science emphasizes how basic research in human development can inform programs designed to prevent problems and enhance well-being across the lifespan. Students gain knowledge in lifespan human development theory, basic and applied research skills, and the translation of science into practices and programs to address a wide range of social and public health problems. Graduates from the applied developmental science program are equipped to work in settings such as academia, for-profit, and not-for-profit research and advocacy organizations, governmental and human services agencies, or community agencies that promote the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Students can enter the applied developmental science program with a completed master’s degree or with a completed bachelor’s degree. Students entering with a bachelor’s degree or a master's degree in a different field are required to complete a master’s in Human Development and Family Studies en route to the Ph.D., with a specialization in Prevention Science, Marriage and Family Therapy, or general Human Development and Family Studies.
Learn more about the Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Science on the Department of Human Development and Family Studies website.
Effective Fall 2021
Ph.D. course requirements include a minimum of 80 credits for each of four entry routes:
Entry A: For students who have completed the CSU M.S. degree in Human Development and Family Studies (Prevention Science Specialization) or are enrolled in the continuous Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies (Prevention Science Specialization)/Applied Developmental Science Ph.D. at CSU, up to 43 credits will apply toward partial fulfillment of the required 80 credits.
Entry B: For students who have completed the CSU M.S. degree in Human Development and Family Studies (Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization) or are enrolled in the continuous Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies (Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization)/Applied Developmental Science Ph.D. at CSU, up to 30 credits will apply toward partial fulfillment of the required 80 credits
Entry C: For students who submit a previously earned Master’s degree from an institution other than CSU, up to 30 credits may be accepted toward partial fulfillment of the required 80 credits. Credit for a previously completed empirical master’s thesis will also be granted following approval of the Director of the Applied Developmental Science Program. Students who did not complete an empirical thesis will be required to complete a Master’s in HDFS. All credits accepted toward partial fulfillment of the requirements below must be approved by the Director of the Applied Developmental Science Program, the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, and the Graduate School.
Entry D: For students who do not submit a Master’s degree in partial fulfillment of the required 80 credits, up to 10 credits earned after the bachelor’s degree may be accepted for transfer. Only courses taken at a 500-level or higher will be considered. All credits accepted toward partial fulfillment of the requirements below must be approved by the student’s graduate committee, the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, and the Graduate School.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Content Core Courses | ||
| HDFS 500 | Issues in Human Development & Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 524 | Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 710 | Theories of Applied Developmental Science | 3 |
| Select one of the following lifespan area courses: | 3 | |
| Early Child Development | ||
| Adolescent Development | ||
| Adult Development and Aging | ||
| Research Methods/Statistics | ||
| HDFS 549 | Research Methods I | 3 |
| HDFS 550 | Research Methods II | 3 |
| HDFS 650 | Multivariate Research Methods I | 3 |
| HDFS 750 | Multivariate Research Methods II | 3 |
| Elective 1,2 | 3 | |
| Professional Development Courses | 2 | |
| Professional Development Seminar | ||
| Research/Thesis/Dissertation | ||
| HDFS 698A | Research: Human Development | 12 |
| or HDFS 698B | Research: Family Studies | |
| HDFS 699 | Thesis | 6 |
| HDFS 799 | Dissertation | 12 |
| Elective Courses 1 | ||
| Select a minimum of 21 credits from the following courses: | 21 | |
Development/Theory Electives | ||
Choose at least 3 credits of the following: | ||
| Risk and Resilience | ||
| Aging and the Family | ||
| Family Issues: Intimacy and Human Sexuality | ||
| Family Issues: Parenting | ||
| Family Issues: Family Policy and Programming | ||
| Seminar: Lifespan Socioemotional Development | ||
| Seminar: Lifespan Cognitive Development | ||
Prevention Science and Intervention Electives | ||
Choose at least 6 credits of the following: | ||
| Grant Writing--Research/Program Development | ||
| Prevention Science Across the Lifespan | ||
| Program Planning and Implementation | ||
| Prevention Program Evaluation | ||
| Skills and Techniques in Family Therapy 3 | ||
| Foundations in Family Therapy 3 | ||
Teaching and Applied Research Electives | ||
Choose at least 3 credits of the following: | ||
| Supervised College Teaching | ||
| Internship: Human Development | ||
| Internship: Family Studies | ||
| Internship: Marriage and Family Therapy 3 | ||
| Research: Human Development | ||
| Research: Family Studies | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 80 | |
A minimum of 80 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
Select courses with approval of advisor and graduate committee.
- 2
Select statistics or methodology elective from outside the HDFS department from approved departmental list.
- 3
Admission to Marriage and Family Therapy Program or permission of instructor.