Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Family Sciences, PhD


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The doctoral program is a research-based curriculum that provides a strong foundation in theory, research methods, statistics, and teaching opportunities. It is designed particularly for those desiring a research career in family science, including positions at colleges and universities, program evaluation positions in public and private settings focusing on individuals and the family, and administrative positions in public and private human services prevention and intervention. 

Areas of emphasis within the doctoral program are: (a) adolescent development, (b) aging, (c) family finance and economics, and (d) family processes. 

 

Admission Requirements  

Applicants must submit a statement of clearly developed academic and research goals for the Ph.D. degree, three letters of recommendation, transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate work with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0, and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Master’s level practitioners, educators, and researchers in the social sciences are best suited for the doctoral program. Previous research experience is desirable, but not required. Although students generally must have a master’s degree prior to admission into the doctoral program, particularly outstanding applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree but not a master’s degree may be considered for admission into the doctoral program. Admissions are conducted one time each year; the application deadline is January 15 for admission Fall Semester of the same calendar year. See https://fam.ca.uky.edu/content/doctoral-program for details. 

 

Degree Requirements   

Credit Requirements: 

  • Minimal coursework requirements prior to the qualifying examination include 2 years of residency and 36 credit hours, comprised of 20 credit hours of foundational courses (if not taken in master’s program), 9 hours of research methods and theory, 9 credit hours of statistics, 8 credit hours of professional development, and 15 credit hours in a specialization area.  

Course requirements: 

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