The Family Science Ph.D. program requires 53 graduate credit hours including 32 core credits (theory, issues, research methodology, statistics), 6 elective credits, 3 research internship credits, and 12 dissertation credits. Students may only gain admission to the Ph.D. program in family science after successful completion of a master’s degree in Family Science or a related discipline.

Occasionally, students with only a B.S. who desire an M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy and a Ph.D. in Family Science will be jointly admitted to both programs. Students who wish to be considered for this joint degree must apply to each program, and indicate this intention on the applications. Students who are accepted for this program must complete the M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy before beginning coursework for the Ph.D.

Students admitted full-time to the Ph.D. program complete this program within four years. Ph.D. students must also pass a qualifying examination and complete a dissertation and oral defense.

Program Courses (53 credits)

Graduate Forms

There are a variety of forms you may need to access during your graduate career here in the Department of Family Science. You can access those forms here.

Honor Pledge

The University has a nationally recognized Honor Code, administered by the Student Honor Council which should be handwritten and signed on the front cover of all your papers, projects, or other academic assignments.