Human Development and Family Studies
Doctoral Degree Program
A healthy life, their whole life
Dig deep into human development across the lifespan
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.
Connect HDFS research with practice
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.
Signature research areas:
- Transitions across the life course
- Resilience and health across the lifespan
- Families in sociocultural contexts
- Policies and applications of developmental and family science
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.
Human development and family studies research in action

The Family Policy Group actively conducts research on a range of family policy topics such as child care, child welfare, parenting education, family processes and work-family fit.

Ines de Pierola
HDFS PhD student
Ines has been selected to be part of the 2024 cohort of doctoral research scholars at the Social Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis.
“I chose Oregon State to pursue my PhD in HDFS due to its strong research focus across disciplines. The HDFS program provides an environment that fosters collaboration with numerous faculty members and fellow students. Currently, I am researching the financial outcomes of paid leave programs for families.”
What to expect as an HDFS doctoral student
The PhD program in human development and family studies prepares you for success in research-oriented careers in academic or applied professional settings.
Our 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 PhD program and who have not yet completed a research-based master’s thesis.

Tuition and funding
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.
Learn more about graduate student funding.
Career opportunities with a PhD in HDFS
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 graduates 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.

Eric Cerino, PhD ’19
Assistant professor, Northern Arizona University
“A PhD in HDFS at OSU provides an unparalleled offering of strong methodological and statistical training, theoretical and conceptual foundations to research questions, and impactful scholarship opportunities with community impact and public health relevance.”

Student spotlights
Our HDFS graduate students have been awarded competitive scholarships, fellowships and grants — a testament to their innovative and promising scholarly work.
They have also co-authored manuscripts published in well-known developmental and family science journals.
Graduates of the program follow diverse career paths in research and practice, academic and nonacademic tracks.
We’re here to help
For questions about the application process and requirements, contact College of Health graduate admissions.
For questions regarding application fee waivers, please visit graduate application fee waivers.
To discuss curriculum and research, and for all other questions, please contact the HDFS Graduate Program Director John Geldhof, PhD.