Graduates from the Ph.D. program in Applied Developmental Science (ADS) will gain expertise in conducting high-quality research that has implications for a wide range of social and public health problems. Students leave as scholars with expertise in lifespan development, basic and applied research skills, and the translation of science into practice and programs to enhance well-being across the lifespan. Graduates are well-equipped to work in diverse and impactful careers in 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. Those who enter with a bachelor’s degree will complete a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), and gain expertise and training in Prevention Science or Marriage and Family Therapy.
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
The Ph.D. Degree in Applied Developmental Science will produce scholars capable of understanding, synthesizing, and applying in-depth knowledge of theories and research related to systematic developmental changes in humans across the lifespan and the biopsychosocial perspective.
ADS students will:
- Demonstrate the ability to articulate and translate theory and ethical research to applied implications (e.g., prevention programs, policy initiatives) that improve human well-being.
- Apply state-of-the-art research methods for conducting laboratory- and field-based research.
- Demonstrate the ability to function effectively as communicators, exhibiting subject knowledge and skills in the organization and presentation of materials.
- Conduct research under the supervision of a faculty adviser culminating in a dissertation.
Effective Fall 2025
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Content Core Courses | ||
| HDFS 500 | Issues in Human Development & Family Studies | 3 |
| HDFS 524 | Family Studies | 3 |
| Select one of the following theory courses: | 3 | |
| Marriage and Family Therapy 1 | ||
| Theories of Applied Developmental Science | ||
| 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 |
| Research Methods Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Advanced Psychology: Measurement | ||
| Multivariate Analysis in Behavioral Sciences | ||
| Structural Equation Modeling | ||
| Item Response Theory | ||
| Seminar in Multiple Regression and Path Analysis | ||
| Seminar: Quantitative Data Analysis | ||
| Seminar: Advanced Ethnographic Methods | ||
| Design and Linear Modeling I | ||
| Categorical Data Analysis and GLIM | ||
| Design and Linear Modeling II | ||
| Professional Development Courses | ||
| HDFS 600 | Professional Development Seminar | 2 |
| Thesis/Dissertation/Research | ||
| HDFS 699 | Thesis | 3 |
| HDFS 799 | Dissertation | 12 |
| HDFS 698A | Research: Human Development | 10 |
| or HDFS 698B | Research: Family Studies | |
| Elective Courses 2 | 18 | |
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 1 | ||
| Family Therapy Practice: Treatment Planning 1 | ||
| Family Therapy Practice: Common Factors 1 | ||
| Grant Writing--Research/Program Development | ||
| Prevention Science Across the Lifespan | ||
| Program Planning and Implementation | ||
| Prevention Program Evaluation | ||
| Family Therapy Practice: Addictions 1 | ||
| Family Therapy Practice: Topics in Sexuality 1 | ||
| Skills and Techniques in Family Therapy 1 | ||
| Foundations in Family Therapy 1 | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 72 | |
A minimum of 72 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
Admission to Marriage and Family Therapy Program or permission of instructor.
- 2
Select courses with approval of advisor and ADS director. Other courses can meet this requirement with prior approval of advisor and ADS director.
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 |