The Family Science Ph.D. program requires 51 graduate credit hours beyond the master's degree, including 27 core credits (theory, issues, research methodology, statistics), 9 elective credits, 3 research internship credits, and 12 dissertation credits. All Ph.D. students must complete foundation coursework required for a master's degree in Family Science. At the discretion of the Department's Graduate Committee, students entering the Ph.D. program with a master's degree in a related discipline may make up deficiencies in coursework through classes taken at the beginning of the program. Ph.D. students must also pass a comprehensive examination and complete a dissertation and oral defense.
Tips for Completing Your Dissertation
Students admitted full-time to the Ph.D. program post-master's can complete this program within three years. Students admitted to the Ph.D. program with only a baccalaureate degree must complete either a master's degree in Family Science (available only to Ph.D. students) or a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy en route to the Ph.D.
Program Courses (51 credits)
Master of Science Degree in Family Science
(Must be completed En route to the Ph.D.)
Students admitted to the Family Science doctoral program with a baccalaureate degree (B.A. or B.S.) must obtain a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a master's degree in Family Science in route to the Ph.D. The Master of Science program in Family Science is designed to study families and the problems they face in today’s society. The Family Science M.S. program explores the dynamics within families and close relationships, as well as the interaction between families, communities, and larger society. Students are taught to describe, explain and improve the quality of family life through applied research, education, program management, policy analysis, and advocacy. Areas of focus include family communication, culturally diverse families, high-risk families, gender issues, intergenerational relations, and family stress and coping.
Coursework
The Family Science master’s program requires 30 credit hours and is typically completed within two years by full-time students. It includes core and elective coursework and the completion of a master’s thesis. The curriculum is listed below with course credits.
