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 ADS program with a completed master’s degree or with a completed bachelor’s degree. Students entering with a bachelor’s degree will be 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.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learn more about the Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Science on the Department of Human Development and Family Studies website.
Learning Objectives
ADS students will:
- Synthesize and apply in-depth knowledge of theories and research related to systematic developmental changes in humans across the lifespan as well as an ecological perspective.
- Demonstrate the ability to translate theory and research into effective community- or school-based prevention programs and/or policy initiatives that improve human well-being.
- Apply state-of-the-art research methods for conducting laboratory- and field-based research to (a) the design of a methodologically sound empirical dissertation, (b) writing manuscripts for publication of original research in top peer-reviewed journals, and (c) the conduct of sophisticated program evaluations.
- Apply their knowledge of research methodology as well as substantive theory and research to writing a fundable grant proposal.
- Demonstrate the ability to function effectively as educators, exhibiting subject knowledge and skills in the organization and presentation of instructional materials.
Effective Fall 2024
Ph.D. course requirements include a minimum of 80 credits for each of three entry routes:
Entry A: Students who have completed a CSU Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies or are enrolled in the continuous Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies/Applied Developmental Science Ph.D. at CSU, can apply all of their credits earned in the M.S. degree in HDFS at CSU toward partial fulfillment of the required 80 credits.
Entry B: 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 C: 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: | ||
| Family Systems and Psychopathology 3 | ||
| Family Therapy Practice: Treatment Planning 3 | ||
| Family Therapy Practice: Common Factors 3 | ||
| Marriage and Family Therapy 3 | ||
| Grant Writing--Research/Program Development | ||
| Prevention Science Across the Lifespan | ||
| Program Planning and Implementation | ||
| Prevention Program Evaluation | ||
| Family Therapy Practice: Addictions 3 | ||
| Family Therapy Practice: Topics in Sexuality 3 | ||
| 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.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |