The conceptual framework for the Ph.D. in Family and Child Studies is based on the link between the principles of ecology and systems theory with the study of families. The current interdisciplinary perspective assumes that family dynamics can best be understood within the multiple contexts in which they occur. With the exception of a 12-hour doctoral core, students plan an individualized program with their Committee on Studies that focuses on the area of Family Studies and which may include courses in the graduate unit as well as from other units. To be eligible for the doctoral core courses (advanced seminars in theories, research and legal, ethical and policy issues in Family Studies and Internship), students will be expected to have had graduate courses (Family Studies Master’s Core courses) or their equivalents in human growth and development, family interaction, managing family resources, multicultural issues in working with families and children, introductory statistics and a course in research methods. In addition, students must have 24 credit hours in a secondary discipline and complete 15 hours to meet the inquiry skills requirement.
Family and Child Studies Career Opportunities
Job Titles
Behavior Management Specialist
Case Manager
Hospital Child life Specialist
Child Advocate
Foster Care Case Manager
Parent Educator
Social Services Program Coordinator
Home visitor
Interventionist
Developmental Specialist
Family service providers
Administrators of child and family service programs
Research Scientists
Administrators of policy and advocacy groups and agencies
Work Settings
Adoption Agencies
Churches
Family Advocacy
Federal/State Government Agencies
Homeless Shelters (Healthcare for the Homeless)
Intervention Programs
Residential Care Facilities
Women’s Shelters
Education
Government
Policy and advocacy organizations
Home Visiting Programs
September 2025
College of Education and Human Sciences
ALBUQUERQUE,
New Mexico,
87131, United States
Graduate applicants must have an earned degree that is equivalent to the U.S. bachelor’s degree from a recognized university as determined by the Office of International Admissions.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a U.S. 4.0 scale) or comparable grade point average in upper-division (junior- and senior-level) coursework and in any graduate coursework already completed.
Demonstrated proficiency in English:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - minimum score 6.5; the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score 550 paper-based, or 79-80 Internet-based; the Duolingo English Test - minimum score 105; the University of Cambridge Examinations Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAPE) or Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) - minimum score C; or the Pearson Test of English- Academic (PTE) - minimum score 53
Deadline Dates:
Fall admission February 15th
Spring admission September 15th
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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