If you seek a faculty position in Human Development and Family Sciences, Texas Tech University's Ph.D. program provides exceptional training for academic careers. Our Human Development and Family Sciences Ph.D. program features world-class facilities and nationally renowned researchers. Graduates of Texas Tech's Ph.D. program in Human Development and Family Sciences have earned tenure-track faculty appointments at major universities across the country.
Texas Tech's Ph.D. program in Human Development and Family Sciences excels at shaping faculty careers because:
We have a national reputation. A recent nationwide study ranked Texas Tech as one of the top Human Development and Family Sciences doctoral programs in the country. A degree from our program makes a strong impression in faculty search committees.
We do cutting-edge research. You will have access to Texas Tech's unique, powerful combination of research facilities: the Child Development Research Center, Early Head Start program, and Neuroimaging Institute. Our faculty are leading groundbreaking research in many areas of human development and family studies, including addiction, risk-taking behavior, blended families, gender issues, family violence, and obesity.
We excel in both qualitative and quantitative methods. Few Human Development and Family Sciences Ph.D. programs can match Texas Tech's dual focus. No matter what type of research you want to focus on, we have the facilities and faculty to support you.
We will train you to teach. You will get at least two semesters of teaching experience, with close supervision and mentoring from our most seasoned faculty. This experience will help you develop practical skills necessary to lead college-level classrooms effectively. Strong teaching ability will round out your candidacy for faculty appointments, and it helps to explain our graduates' excellent track record in landing tenure-track jobs.
Human Development and Family Sciences Ph.D. Requirements
About half of the hours in the Human Development and Family Sciences doctoral degree program consist of electives. You will have the flexibility to define your own area of specialization before launching your dissertation research.
Required course subjects in the Human Development and Family Sciences Ph.D. program include:
Theories of human development
Family theories
Research methods
Quantitative statistics
Qualitative research methods
College teaching practicum (two semesters)
You will take the lead on a research project prior to becoming a doctoral candidate, and complete the Ph.D. program with a doctoral dissertation supported by at least 12 hours of research.
September 2025
College of Human Sciences
Texas Tech University,
LUBBOCK,
Texas,
79409, United States
The applicant must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - The minimum TOEFL score required is 79.
International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) - The minimum IELTS required score is an overall band score of 6.5 on the Academic version.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - The minimum required PTE Academic score is 60.
Cambridge C2 Proficiency Test (Cambridge CPE) - The minimum required Cambridge CPE grade is a score of 180 or above.
Cambridge C1 Advanced Proficiency Test (Cambridge CAE) - The minimum required Cambridge CAE grade is a score of 175 or above.
Recommended deadlines for international students are as follows:
January 15 for Fall and Summer semesters
July 15 for Spring semesters
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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