Doctoral Degree Program
The Life Span Human Development doctoral program is concerned with the development of individuals across the life cycle, the varying contexts of human development and the processes underlying development. This specialization provides students with a strong, substantive foundation in theory, research and research techniques in human development. Emphasis is placed on the continuous and systematic changes in the development of individuals as they interact with their physical and social environments. Personal and environmental factors which enhance, support, or impede human development are examined. This multidisciplinary program encompasses theory and research in infant, child and adolescent development; adult development and aging; family studies; and thanatology.
All students plan a program of study with their major professor and graduate committee to fit their individualized career goals. Developmental periods or processes may be emphasized in individual programs of study.
Post-Bachelor's Degree Course Requirements
Doctoral students are to have the following graduate courses or their equivalents in their graduate credit M.S. and/or Ph.D. work:
Life Span Human Development (21 credit hours)
- LSHD 810: Child Development (3)
- LSHD 820: Theories of Human Development (3)
- LSHD 822: Transition to Adulthood (3)
- LSHD 845: Adult Development and Aging (3)
- FSHS 850: Family Studies (3)
or
FSHS 852: Contemporary Family Theories (3) - LSHD 930: Human Development Seminar - Human Development Intervention (3)
- LSHD 930: Human Development Seminar - Models of Human Development (3)
or
LSHD 930: Developmental Research Methodologies (3)
Statistics Requirement (6 credit hours)
PSYCH 802: Quantitative Methods (3)- PSYCH 805: Experimental Design (3)
- or
- STAT 705: Regression and Analysis of Variance (3)
Research Methods (6 credit hours)
- FSHS 888: Research Methods in Family Studies and Human Services I (3)
- FSHS 893: Program Evaluation (3)
Dissertation Proposal Seminar (1 credit hour)
- FSHS 990: Dissertation Proposal Seminar (1)
Dissertation Research (30 credit hours)
- FSHS 999: Research in Family Studies and Human Services (Var.)
Doctoral students are required to have at least 12 hours of 900-level or advanced 800-level courses. At least two LSHD 930 Human Development Seminar courses are required and additional Human Development Seminars, 900-Level courses, or advanced 800-level courses are recommended. If appropriate Human Development Seminars are not offered, then students may substitute other doctoral-level courses with the consent of their Supervisory Committee.
Supporting Area Courses
Depending on the area of focus within the specialization, students will select additional courses with the guidance of their Supervisory Committee.
Transfer Courses
Relevant coursework taken for graduate credit previously may be credited toward these requirements with the consent of both your graduate supervisory committee.
Contact Information
Students interested in this option with questions about program requirements or curriculum should contact:
Elaine JohannesChair
Human Development and Family Science
School of Family Studies and Human Services
318 Justin Hall
1324 Lovers Ln.
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-7720
