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.
What makes Oregon State’s HDFS PhD program stand out?
- Study family science and human development with nationally recognized experts
- Focus your doctoral research on children, families, health or aging
- Gain hands-on teaching experience through assistantships
- Prepare for leadership roles in academia, research or public service
Funding and support
Most PhD students in HDFS receive a fully funded graduate assistantship, which includes full tuition remission, a monthly stipend and health insurance. Assistantship opportunities include:
Teaching assistantships
Support faculty in teaching, grading, and student engagement or take the lead on undergraduate courses or activities in the Child Development Laboratory.
Research assistantships
Collaborate with faculty on innovative, funded research projects.
Program administration assistantships
Support key academic programs, such as internships.
Eric Cerino, PhD ’19
Assistant professor, Northern Arizona University
How OSU’s HDFS PhD program prepared Eric for a research career
“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.”
Learn from leading researchers in family science and human development
As a PhD student in HDFS, you’ll be mentored by faculty who are advancing knowledge in early childhood, family dynamics, aging, social policy and more.
You’ll collaborate on research, co-author publications and grow as a scholar.
Alexis Merculief, PhD ’23
Assistant professor, University of Oregon, Ballmer Institute for Child Behavioral Health
Why Alexis chose OSU’s PhD in HDFS
Alexis Merculief, an Aleut tribal member, chose Oregon State’s PhD in Human Development and Family Studies for its supportive community and its focus on how cultural and environmental contexts shape child development.
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.