Social Justice is a core strength of our research-based PhD program in Family Science and Human Development. Our students learn to use a social justice perspective to understand and help strengthen diverse individuals, families, and communities through research, policy, and prevention and education programming.
Overview
Family Science and Human Development is an interdisciplinary field that teaches you how to understand individuals, families, and communities holistically. Our holistic approach incorporates research from psychology, social work, sociology, economics, history, women and gender studies, biology, and many other fields.
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Social Justice Focus

Tab Group
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- Faculty in Higher Education
- Grant Writers
- Government and Non-Profit Agency Directors
- Program Administrators
- Researchers and Evaluators
- Policy Makers
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Research & Faculty
Superior Nationally and Internationally Recognized Faculty:
Adolescent Development ● Aggression and Bullying ● African American Families ● Aging Families ● Family Transitions ● First-Generation College Students ● Immigrant Families ● Intimate Partner Violence ● LGBT-Headed Families ● Parenting ● Program Development and Evaluation ● Remarriage and Stepfamilies ● Siblings ● Substance Abuse, Depression, and Suicide
Curriculum
Our PhD program offers full- and part-time options. We are a 48-hour program with our students concentrating in human development or family science. The program offers flexibility for students and their advisory committees to create educational experiences to help students reach their academic goals. Family Science and Human Development coursework includes:
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- 12 credits in Core Courses – Conceptual Foundations
- 9 credits in Core Courses – Praxis/Application
- 9 credits in Research Techniques
- 3 credits of Electives
- 15 credits of Dissertation Research and Advisement
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Spotlight

Student Spotlight – Duane Williams
The best parts of the program in my opinion are the conversations, both difficult and interesting, that I am able to have with my peers and various faculty. One of the most important things that contributes to my learning is open and fluid conversations; these happen whether in class, over coffee or tea with faculty, or even in chat rooms created by cohort members!
Application Requirements:
The deadline to apply for the fall cohort is January 15, 2025.
To apply online, please visit The Graduate School website.
- Location:
- University Hall 4144
- Email:
- phdfamily@montclair.edu