HDFS Graduate Program
Elevating research in human development across the lifespan
Research and graduate training for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State provides students with the knowledge needed to contribute to the field of human development. Students engage in cutting-edge research in the study of individuals and families across the lifespan, with an emphasis on the development and application of new methodological approaches.
![HDFS graduate students sitting around a table in a lab](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_callout_group_image_large/public/human-development-and-family-studies-hdfs/graduate-program/human-development-and-family-studies-hdfs-graduate-program-hdfs-grad-program-students-around-table.jpg?h=72794fdc&itok=5135YQlv)
About the Program
About the Program
Understand the broad, substantive themes of the department—individual development, family studies, prevention and intervention, and developmental methodology.
Read about the foundations of an HDFS degree![HDFS grad student using a virtual reality headset in a lab](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_callout_group_image_large/public/human-development-and-family-studies-hdfs/graduate-program/human-development-and-family-studies-hdfs-graduate-program-hdfs-grad-program-student-using-vr.jpg?h=0ed9cdee&itok=VBxegstZ)
Degree Requirements
Degree Requirements
See the core coursework and program milestones involved in earning a degree in HDFS.
View the requirements![Rob Roeser, Molly Countermine, and Blake Colaianne at the Arts Fest Art of Discovery booth](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_callout_group_image_large/public/human-development-and-family-studies-hdfs/graduate-program/human-development-and-family-studies-hdfs-graduate-program-hdfs-grad-program-student-and-faculty.jpg?h=b8ee9f12&itok=HOQFzaVF)
Contact Us
Contact Us
Reach out to program administrators and faculty to ask questions and learn more about the program.
View the directory![HHD Building](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_callout_group_image_large/public/human-development-and-family-studies-hdfs/human-development-and-family-studies-hdfs-hhd-building.jpg?h=9629e1ec&itok=jO8IcuD4)
Application Process
Application Process
Review the application requirements and deadline.
Learn more about the application![Bo Cleveland and Kyler Knapp at Angor Wat in Cambodia Bo Cleveland and Kyler Knapp at Angor Wat in Cambodia](/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_call_to_action_portrait/public/human-development-and-family-studies-hdfs/graduate-program/human-development-and-family-studies-hdfs-graduate-program-kyler-knapp-and-bo-cleveland-cambodia.jpg?h=2d164e98&itok=QzdIDryq)