Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science
Human Development and Family Science is the advanced scientific study of familial, societal and cultural factors that shape human development and family relationships throughout the lifespan, from infancy to end of life. The program provides advanced theoretical knowledge and extensive experience with diverse research methodologies under the guidance of widely published faculty researchers.
The Human Development and Family Science Department offers a Ph.D. for students interested in investigating critical issues such as factors influencing academic success in childhood and adolescence, intimate partner violence in teen dating relationships, coping with changes that occur in the later stages of life and social and cultural factors that influence developmental outcomes across the course of life.
Interested in how policy and place shape health and aging?
Explore the Policy, Place, Population Health and Aging (P3HA) Training Program, an NIH-funded opportunity for Human Development and Family Science, economics, public administration and sociology doctoral students. Visit the Policy, Place, Population Health and Aging Program for more information.
Doctoral Faculty
If you are interested in the doctoral program, please look at the profiles of our faculty to identify who is available to take on new students and which faculty members are a fit with your research interests. You will need to list possible mentors as part of your application. We recommend that you email faculty to discuss their research and opportunities within their lab.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Garcia is accepting applications from doctoral students with a strong interest in aging and older adulthood, particularly in relation to minority aging, Latinx communities, and the social determinants of health. Preferred candidates will have experience in social statistics and/or a background in ethnic studies, public health, sociology, psychology, or related fields.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Newstrom is accepting applications for new doctoral students for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Associate Professor
Dr. Ramadoss is accepting applications for new doctoral students for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Associate Dean of Interdisciplinary Affairs and Partnerships, Professor
SELF (Social-Emotional Learning and Functioning) Regulation Lab
Dr. Razza is accepting applications for new doctoral students for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Professor, Pearl S. Falk Endowed Professor
Dr. Roopnarine is not accepting applications for new doctoral students.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Tadros is accepting applications for new doctoral students for the 2027-2028 academic year. Her research focuses on incarcerated couples and families as well as dating and relationships.
Doctoral Program Director, Associate Professor
Health Experiences and Adolescent Relationship Trajectories (HEART) Lab
Dr. Vasilenko is accepting applications for new doctoral students for the 2027-2028 academic year. She is looking to recruit students in with an interest in at least one of two areas: 1) normative development of sexual behavior and romantic relationships in adolescence and young adulthood and 2) how digital media use is associated with health, well-being, and relationships in adolescence and young adulthood.
Admissions
Completed applications are due December 15, and will need to include transcripts of graduate and undergraduate work, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement which describes your background, research interests, and fit with potential mentors at SU. The GRE is not required, but can be included as part of your application if desired. Click here to submit your application.
Note that we do not have a terminal master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science. Students who enter the doctoral program without a master’s degree may complete an MS in Human Development and Family Science part of their doctoral training. In addition, our department offers a terminal MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, which is offered both in-person and online.
Financial Support
All doctoral students are admitted with a guaranteed four years of funding through graduate assistantships. Additional years of funding and summer funding may be possible, but are not guaranteed. Students typically gain experience serving as both a teaching assistant and a research assistant. Students will receive a stipend and tuition remission to cover the full course of study.
Contact
Please contact the Director of the PhD Program, Dr. Sara Vasilenko (savasile@syr.edu) with questions about the doctoral program.