Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


Life Span Human Development (Ph.D.)



The Applied Human Sciences  department participates in the Ph.D. degree program awarded from the College of Health and Human Sciences with a specialization in Life Span Human Development. The Life Span Human Development doctoral program is concerned with the development of individuals across the life cycle, the varying contexts of human development, and the processes underlying development. This specialization provides students with a strong, substantive foundation, in theory, research, and research techniques in human development. Emphasis is placed on continuous and systematic changes in the development of individuals as they interact with their physical and social environments. Personal and environmental factors which enhance, support, or impede human development are examined. This multidisciplinary program encompasses theory and research in infant, child, and adolescent development; adult development and aging; family studies; and thanatology.

All students plan a program of study with their major professor and graduate committee to fit their individualized career goals. Developmental periods or processes may be emphasized in individual programs of study.

Post-bachelor’s degree course requirements


Ph.D. students are to have the following graduate courses or their equivalents in their graduate credit M.S. and/or Ph.D. work:

Life Span Human Development (21 credit hours)


Dissertation Proposal Seminar (1 credit hour)


Dissertation Research (18-30 credit hours)


Ph.D. students are required to have at least 12 hours of 900-level or advanced 800-level courses. At least two FSHS 930 Human Development Seminar courses are required and additional Human Development Seminars, 900-Level courses, or advanced 800-level courses are recommended. If appropriate Human Development Seminars are not offered, then students may substitute other Ph.D. level courses with the consent of their Supervisory Committee.

Supporting Area Courses (0-12 credit hours*)


Depending on the area of focus within the specialization, students will select additional courses with the guidance of their Supervisory Committee.

*To meet the 90 credit minimum for the doctoral degree.