Human Development and Family Studies

Child development
Deepen your understanding of human growth, development, and relationships with Iowa State University's Human Development and Family Studies graduate program. Our program offers a multidisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in research, counseling, family therapy, social services, and policy development.
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The graduate programs are structured to allow graduate students to custom design their own program of study (POS). Other than core requirements, students, with approval of their Program of Study Committee, may select from all available graduate coursework to complete the degree. This flexible option is designed to meet the unique needs of our graduate students looking for interdisciplinary curriculum and research:


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Adolecent/youth development
  • adult development and aging
  • family studies and policy
  • family economic well-being and financial planning
  • heath and well-being
  • infant and child development
  • lifespan development

Tricia Neppl

hdfs-grad-adm@iastate.edu
515 294 8502

Learning Goals

  • Obtain broad understanding of the scholarly literature in Human Development and Family Studies and a comprehensive understanding of the scholarly literature in area of expertise.
  • Form testable hypotheses/anticipated hypothesized relationships and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of study.
  • Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate acquisition analysis, and reporting of data.
  • Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally, in writing and with appropriate use of images (e.g., tables, figures) and media.
  • Articulate how the graduate program, including coursework and creative scholarship facilitates meets life and career goals.
  • Conduct scholarship, in teams and independently, that consistently demonstrates ethical practice and professionalism.
  • Participate in professional, university and/or community related service.
  • Demonstrate effectiveness in teaching university courses (doctoral students).

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Copy of your CV/Resume is needed by department. Please upload within your online application.
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2025) 105

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Priority Deadline: December 1, 2022 – Applicants whose materials are received by this date will be given priority review for assistantship appointments and scholarships. Final Deadline: January 2, 2023 – The final day to submit application materials for consideration.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

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