OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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A healthy life, their whole life
HDFS research, teaching and outreach help people live their healthiest, most successful and resilient lives.
The Oregon State University doctoral degree program in human development and family studies provides research-based training for an interdisciplinary understanding of individuals and families, preparing you for a successful career in research and teaching.
Our graduates go on to work in top-tier programs and universities where they have an opportunity to generate and share knowledge that promotes the health and well-being of all people and families.
As a doctoral student in HDFS, you will collaborate with world-class faculty members on interdisciplinary research in one of the top HDFS programs in the country.
You will work closely with faculty on cutting edge, federally funded research projects, peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences, giving you the skills needed to become an independent scholar working in the academic, public or private sectors.
Our signature research areas:
Svea Gordon Olsen, MS
HDFS PhD student
Svea’s research interests center on immigrant and refugee youth in the United States.
She seeks to understand how sociopolitical context influences youth from diverse backgrounds and affects youths’ social determinants of health in order to determine how schools and communities may best support them.
PhD in Human Development and Family Studies
The PhD program in human development and family studies prepares students for success in research-oriented careers in academic or applied professional settings.
The program emphasizes strong research specialization while maintaining an understanding and appreciation of broader issues and applied problems in human development and family studies.
The dissertation and associated research enable you to develop in-depth knowledge of a specific area of study. You’ll also gain experience in planning, conducting and reporting on an original study.
We offer a master's degree for students enrolled in the Ph.D. program and who have not yet completed a research-based master’s thesis.
What you'll learn and details about your experience.
HDFS Doctoral Program handbook
Which courses you'll take as an HDFS student.
Courses
How you’ll develop professional skills.
Professional opportunities
What your research experience will entail.
HDFS research
You can receive funding through research and teaching assistantships, with additional scholarship and fellowship opportunities available.
Assistantships include a monthly stipend, full tuition remission and health insurance per the bargaining agreement with the Coalition of Graduate Employees.
Upon completing graduate study in HDFS, alumni are employed at colleges and universities known for teaching and research, community colleges, public and private research institutes, and federal and state agencies. Some enter private consulting and practice.
Graduates also contribute to program and policy development and analysis for employers such as the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Providence Hospital Medical Center, Oregon Social Learning Center, and divisions of state government such as Oregon Adult and Family Services and Oregon Senior and Disabled Services.
We’re happy to connect with you by email, phone or virtual meetings.
For questions about the application process and requirements, contact College of Health graduate admissions.
To discuss curriculum and research, contact program director John Geldhof, Ph.D.
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