Human Development and Family Studies/Gerontology, PHD

About the Program

The research-focused Human Development and Family Science doctoral program in Purdue’s College of Health and Human Science’s takes a multilevel approach to human development. The graduate program in HDFS prepares scholars to define problems and conduct rigorous original research that informs policies and practices aimed at supporting the well-being of individuals and families. A central focus of the program is multiple sources of diversity among individuals and social contexts. The doctoral program emphasizes integration and critical evaluation of research relevant to the development of individuals and families as well as interventions aimed at supporting the well-being of individuals and families. Specifically, students demonstrate that they are sophisticated in the use of:

• Theories of individual and family development;

• Multiple research strategies to answer specific research questions, and;

• Theory and research to plan and evaluate interventions (policies and programs) designed to enhance individual and family well-being.

Both the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered. Because the graduate program is designed to prepare research scientists, students are admitted to the doctoral degree program only. Students may, but are not required to, receive a Master’s degree in the process of completing doctoral program requirements. Students who wish to obtain a Master’s degree prior to obtaining their Ph.D. may do so by completing the appropriate Plan of Study for the Master’s degree.

Dual-Title PhD in Gerontology: Students may enroll in the groundbreaking dual-title PhD in gerontology. This degree program links the disciplinary depth of a traditional PhD with the interdisciplinary breadth of gerontology. Students are admitted through and meet all course requirements in their home department, while taking courses in aging in at least three disciplines and focusing their dissertation on an aging related issue or problem.

Program Website: Human Development and Family Studies

Program Website: Gerontology

Program Requirements

90 Credits Required

(18 credits from a Master’s may be applied.) 

Geronotology Requirements for Dual Title

GPA Requirements

The total number of hours of academic credit used to satisfy degree requirements consists of all course credit hours with a grade of ‘C-’ or better (core courses require a grade of ‘B-’ or better) that appear on the Plan of Study and research (HDFS 699 and/or 698) credit hours with grades of S that appear on the Purdue transcript. 

Additional Information

• Students who wish to receive a Master’s degree prior to obtaining their Ph.D. may do so by notifying the graduate coordinator by the end of their first year of graduate study. Students will complete the appropriate Plan of Study for the Master’s degree. This coursework is applicable to doctoral program requirements.
• HDFS graduate students should have experience in data collection through 690 credits, a research assistantship that involves data collection, or their thesis or dissertation. This experience is documented via the annual review.
• Students are encouraged to explore opportunities for graduate minors and other available programs aligned with their interests and career goals.

Graduate Programs Disclaimer

• The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
• Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary. 
• Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
• Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
• Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.