Skip to content
University of Colorado Denver CU Denver
  • Webmail
  • UCD Access
  • Canvas
  • Quick Links
 

Tools

  • Webmail
  • UCD Access
  • Canvas
  • Campus Directory
  • A-Z Index
  • Campus Map

Resources

  • Events Calendar
  • Newsroom
  • Human Resources
  • Student Services
  • Auraria Library
  • CU Denver Police
  • University Policies
  • Public Health Resources

Schools & Colleges

  • College of Architecture and Planning
  • College of Arts & Media
  • Business School
  • School of Education & Human Development
  • College of Engineering, Design and Computing
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • School of Public Affairs

Campus Affiliates

  • CU Anschutz Medical Campus
  • CU Boulder
  • CU Colorado Springs
  • CU Denver
  • CU Online
  • CU System

Announcement: CU Denver is Celebrating 50 Years

Whether you’re an alumnus, current student, member of the faculty and staff, donor, or neighbor, you’re a valuable part of the CU Denver community. Help us celebrate the last 50 years and a future that works for all.

Learn More

  • Admissions
    • Apply Now
    • How to Apply
    • After Admission
    • Transfer Credits
    • Undergraduate Admissions
    • Transfer Admissions
    • International Admissions
    • Graduate Admissions
    • Non-Degree Admissions
  • Tuition & Cost
    • Cost of Attendance
    • Financial Aid
    • Scholarships
  • Academics
    • Degrees & Programs
      • Undergraduate Degrees
      • Graduate Degrees
      • Certificates & Continuing Education
      • Non-Degree Programs
      • Health Programs
      • Honors & Leadership Programs
      • High School Programs
      • Online Programs
    • Schools & Colleges
    • Research
    • Academic Help & Services
    • Computing
  • Life at CU Denver
    • Living On & Around Campus
      • Life in Denver
      • Health & Well-Being
      • Student Transportation & Parking
      • The Auraria Campus
      • Housing & Dining
    • Campus Resources
    • News
    • Events
  • About CU Denver
    • Visit CU Denver
      • Location & Maps
      • Transportation & Parking
    • Our Campus & Community
      • Anchor of Engineering
    • Our Impact
    • Our Leadership
    • Our History
    • Contact Us
    • Our History & 9th Street
    • 50th Anniversary
University Quick Links

Explore CU Denver Programs

Use the search tool below to discover degree and certificate programs offered by CU Denver. If you are unable to find a program that is right for you, please contact Admissions or a school or college for more information.

  • Home
  • Programs
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Family Science and Human Development

Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Family Science and Human Development

Explore
Program Overview
Student Testimonials
Request Information
FAQ
Program Overview
Student Testimonials
Request Information
FAQ

Program Overview

This PhD program takes a multi-disciplinary approach to preparing students for college and university teaching and research, as well as the development and evaluation of programs that seek to expand equity in opportunities and outcomes for children, youth, and families.

Our program helps to prepare scholars to define problems and conduct research that informs programs and policies aimed at promoting the health and well-being of individuals and families, with a focus on historically marginalized individuals and families. To do so, we ground our work in family diversity and take a systems approach to examining problems faced by children, youth, and families in contemporary society.  

Students in this program will:

  • Critically examine the theoretical literature that undergirds family science and human development.

  • Study the complex interplay of biological, developmental, interpersonal, and contextual determinants that protect and/or undermine the health and well-being of children, youth, and families.
  • Integrate a strength-based perspective on individual and family diversity—including race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, and language—into knowledge generation and program development.

  • Conduct applied and translational research that makes connections among research, programs, and policies to help reduce inequities in opportunities and outcomes and to promote social justice. 

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development Program of Study

Students trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare them for excellence in their career as a faculty member or researcher. The university and school are recognized for preparing leaders of distinction who value educational excellence and social justice. Additionally, CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report's “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top education schools in the country.

Program of Study

Students complete a plan of study that includes 48 semester credits of coursework and 27 semester credits of dissertation. PhD coursework is intensive and substantive, requiring significant writing, analysis, and critique of theory and professional literature. All students in the Family Science and Human Development concentration take 12 credits in foundational courses, 3 credits in professional seminars, 18 credits in research methods courses, and 15 credits in concentration area courses (including one elective). Students also complete a research apprenticeship and higher education teaching practicum or equivalent experience.

The curriculum includes a combination of on-campus, hybrid, remote, and online courses each semester.

Every student must be available to attend on-campus courses each semester.

Program Description

Our program helps to prepare scholars to define problems and conduct research that informs programs and policies aimed at promoting the health and well-being of individuals and families, with a focus on historically marginalized individuals and families. To do so, we ground our work in family diversity and take a systems approach to examining problems faced by children, youth, and families in contemporary society.  

Students in this program will:

  • Critically examine the theoretical literature that undergirds family science and human development.

  • Study the complex interplay of biological, developmental, interpersonal, and contextual determinants that protect and/or undermine the health and well-being of children, youth, and families.
  • Integrate a strength-based perspective on individual and family diversity—including race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, and language—into knowledge generation and program development.

  • Conduct applied and translational research that makes connections among research, programs, and policies to help reduce inequities in opportunities and outcomes and to promote social justice. 

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development Program of Study

Students trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare them for excellence in their career as a faculty member or researcher. The university and school are recognized for preparing leaders of distinction who value educational excellence and social justice. Additionally, CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report's “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top education schools in the country.

Program of Study

Students complete a plan of study that includes 48 semester credits of coursework and 27 semester credits of dissertation. PhD coursework is intensive and substantive, requiring significant writing, analysis, and critique of theory and professional literature. All students in the Family Science and Human Development concentration take 12 credits in foundational courses, 3 credits in professional seminars, 18 credits in research methods courses, and 15 credits in concentration area courses (including one elective). Students also complete a research apprenticeship and higher education teaching practicum or equivalent experience.

The curriculum includes a combination of on-campus, hybrid, remote, and online courses each semester.

Every student must be available to attend on-campus courses each semester.

Program Features

Apply by January 1 to start in August.

Application Deadline

Fall

Starting Semester

Multiple Funding Options

Funding

Useful Links

Learn more

Learn more and apply

Student Testimonials

photo of Jennifer Grieving
As a working mom of two, CU Denver was the perfect choice for me to continue my graduate studies. The online courses are well-designed, easy to navigate, and meet my schedule needs. The downtown campus is easily accessible via light rail and other public transit options. My professors worked with my schedule to meet with me outside of classes. I believe that the faculty of this program stand out because they work to create a caring community beyond the classroom. Because the program is about families and communities, the instructors are genuinely interested in my life outside of school because they know that it impacts my performance in school. My instructors know my kids’ names! The faculty and instructors have been understanding of my commitments outside of school and have helped me with course concepts as well as planning and time management. As a graduate student, I’ve enjoyed several different learning opportunities from serving as a teaching assistant to presenting at an international conference. Through the faculty, I’ve connected with so many professionals in the field, resulting in additional opportunities for research and potential future employment opportunities. Serving as a teaching assistant helped me to learn additional material that supplemented my own graduate studies and prepared me for future work as a professor. Dr. Chavez and Dr. Anguiano worked with me to submit and present research at two International Sociological Association conferences, as well as numerous national conferences.

Jennifer Grieving

Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Family Science and Human Development (May 2024)
photo of Corbett Bufton
After retiring from the Air Force and transitioning to a more family-oriented life, I began to reflect on past experiences. Questions arose such as “Why do people make the decisions they do?” and “Why did two people react so differently to the same adversity?” I began a field of study in Human Development and Family Science to attempt to understand the social, biological and psychological influences of development and how these factors shape behavior and resilience later in life. The School of Education & Human Development at CU Denver allows me the flexibility to follow that avenue of research while also balancing a full-time job and family life.

Corbett Bufton

Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Family Science and Human Development (May 2025)
Previous slide
Next slide

Scroll to request information form

Would you like more information about this program?

Request information

Request Information

Please fill the form below and we will reach out to you asap.

Loading...

CU Denver graduates earn more, build community, and make connections. Take the first step toward your future and join an inclusive community of learners while gaining the skills of tomorrow, today.

Apply Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

The financial support we provide our PhD students is often tied to federal and state funding decisions, in association with individual concentration areas. Support may include tuition and fees for up to 18 credit hours per year, and a stipend for the requisite 20 hours per week of research involvement. 

Four to eight years. 

75 

Apply by December 1 to start in the fall of the following year. 

Admission Information

Application Process

CU Denver

CU Denver

Student Commons Building

1201 Larimer Street

Denver, CO 80204


(303) 315-5969

Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn
Resources
  • Admissions
  • Campus Safety
  • Degrees & Programs
  • Events Calendar
  • News
Around Campus
  • Campus Resources
  • Housing & Dining
  • Location & Maps
  • Transportation & Parking
  • Visit CU Denver
Info For
  • Alumni
  • Current Students
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Families
  • Media & Press
  • Contact Us
  • Website Feedback
  • CU System
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility
  • Accreditation
  • Employment
  • Give Now
 

© 2023 The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate. All rights reserved.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. All trademarks are registered property of the University. Used by permission only.

CMS Login
  • Current Students
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Families
  • Alumni

Webmail

UCD Access

Canvas

Opens in a new window Opens document in a new window