Why pursue a PhD in family and human development at the Sanford School?
Our doctoral program in family and human development focuses on social processes, family relationships, and human development throughout life stages, with specializations in social and emotional development, quantitative methods, and diversity and inclusion science. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in areas like academic research and government policy. Our faculty value student mentorship and provide a wide array of courses and research experiences.
What sets our program apart?
- Top-ranked family and human development program with cross-disciplinary training to shape your area of expertise
- Professional research and mentorship opportunities in local, national, and international partnerships
- Advanced training in quantitative methods, such as Bayesian methods, structural equation modeling, longitudinal data analysis, and social network analysis
- Opportunities to study with teams of scientists in areas such as social development, gender, peer and family relationships, emotion regulation, and health and well-being
- Strong emphasis on theory and research on culture, ethnicity, and race, with faculty who work with and belong to Asian American, Indigenous, and Latinx communities
What financial support is available?
Students receive financial support including research or teaching assistantships (with a stipend for living expenses), tuition remission, health insurance, and travel funding to attend professional conferences.
#1
Family and Human Development Program in the Southwest
#3
Family and Human Development Program Nationwide
$
Up to 6 years of full financial support
Specializations
Optional specializations in inclusion science, quantitative methods and statistical analysis, and social and emotional learning with flexible courses, from research opportunities to a range of electives to shape your area of expertise.
Adjustment and well-being
American Indian Children, Families, and Communities
Asian American Youth
Child and Adolescent Development
Family Processes
Gender Identity and Development
Infancy and Toddlerhood
Interpersonal Relationships
Intervention, Prevention and Policy
Latinx Children, Youth, and Families
Neighborhoods
Peer Relationships
Positive Youth Development
Quantitative Methods
Risk and Resilience
Romantic Relationships
School Safety
Self-regulation Abilities
Social and Emotional Development
Stress and Coping
Substance Abuse
Transition to Adulthood
Work with faculty
Student experience
Students engage in cutting edge research at a University ranked #1 in innovation and benefit from individualized mentorship model approach with one or more faculty members to gain experience in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research while working in an environment that supports inclusive excellence.
Life in Tempe
At ASU’s Tempe campus, the heart of Sun Devil nation, student life is always buzzing. With a strong and diverse community, and hundreds of interest-based clubs to choose from, there is always something going on and like-minded people to find.
After graduation
Graduates of the FHD Doctoral Program are successful and engaged in a variety of careers including academic positions at research and teaching institutions, policy work, research careers, data analysis, and project management.
Apply by December 1st
How do I apply to the Doctoral Program in Family and Human Development?
Applications are due by December 1st to begin the program the following fall. Admissions made for the fall semester only.
Follow these steps to complete the application process.
1. Graduate College Application
- Complete the Graduate College at ASU application at https://admission.asu.edu/contact
Send official materials to Graduate Admission Services
https://admission.asu.edu/graduate/apply
ASU transcripts do not need to be sent
2. Other required supplemental materials
Submit all of the following materials online via the Graduate College Application at https://webapp4.asu.edu/dgsadmissions/Index.jsp
- Resume or curriculum vitae. Must summarize the academic and employment experiences of the applicant.
- Personal Statement. Must be four to six pages, double-spaced, and address the following:
- State your professional goals and reasons for desiring to enroll in this program.
- Describe your strengths that will help you succeed in the program and in reaching your professional goals.
- Describe, in detail, your research experience (include a description of your master's thesis if applicable). Describe the relevant responsibilities you have held.
- Indicate your personal research interests as specifically as possible.
- Identify two or three faculty whose research interest matches your own. Explain why you believe these are good matches (view faculty interests).
- Include any additional information that you feel will help the committee evaluate your application.
- Three letters of recommendation. Must include at least one from an instructor at the applicant's institution where undergraduate or graduate work was completed. These letters should be from people who know you as a student or in a professional capacity. Letters from family members or friends do not meet this criterion.
As part of the online graduate application you will submit the names and work email addresses for your three recommenders. Your recommenders will be sent instructions on how to electronically send their recommendations.
3. International Students – Required additional materials
International applicants must also meet all of the requirements and supply all of the information requested by the Graduate College at https://admission.asu.edu/international/graduate-apply.
How are admissions decisions made?
Admission to the Doctoral Program in Family and Human Development is competitive. Applicants will be short-listed based on a review of all submitted materials, including official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work, verbal, quantitative, statement of goals relevant to the doctoral program, three letters of recommendation, resume or CV, and complete application for admission to the Graduate College. Those applicants who make the short-list will be invited to visit in the spring for an interview. Final admissions decisions will be made following the interview.
Students are admitted for the fall semester only.
If you have any questions about the online application procedures or about the program, please contact [email protected]