Penn State HDFS PhD Graduate Program 2027

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Pennsylvania State University has opened applications for its 2027 Doctor of Philosophy programme. The programme is designed for students seeking advanced academic and research training in human development, family studies and the behavioral sciences.

The Penn State HDFS PhD programme provides students with opportunities to work closely with faculty researchers while developing expertise in research design, data collection, analysis and scientific communication. Students participate in an active research environment and can work with mentors whose research interests align with their academic and professional goals.

The programme may be suitable for students interested in developmental science, family development, intervention and prevention, research methodology and related areas of behavioral science. Penn State also provides funding support to admitted doctoral students who remain in good standing, including graduate assistantships, tuition support, stipends and an insurance subsidy.

About the Penn State HDFS PhD Programme

The Human Development and Family Studies programme at Penn State is built around interdisciplinary research and a lifespan approach to understanding individuals, families and social contexts.

Graduate students are expected to become involved in faculty research and work with mentors whose research fits their interests. Students can contribute to research projects involving participants, data collection, analysis, academic publications and conference presentations.

The department does not offer a standalone master’s degree. Applicants should therefore apply for the PhD programme rather than applying for a separate master’s programme.

Programme Areas

Graduate students can develop research expertise across several areas of Human Development and Family Studies, including:

• Family development

• Childhood development

• Adolescent development

• Adult development and aging

• Intervention and prevention

• Research methodology

Opportunity Benefits

• Guaranteed funding for a minimum of four years for admitted doctoral students who remain in good standing

• Full tuition support through standard departmental graduate assistantships

• Ten month stipend through standard graduate assistantships

• Insurance subsidy

• Teaching assistantship opportunities

• Research assistantship opportunities

• Fellowship opportunities for incoming graduate students

• Traineeship opportunities for eligible students from the second year onward

• Potential summer funding through teaching, administrative or research opportunities

• Financial support opportunities for conference registration and travel

• Support for workshops and research related expenses

• Opportunities to work directly with faculty researchers and research mentors

• Opportunities to conduct research, analyse data, publish findings and present at academic conferences

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have an academic background and professional interests that align with human development, family studies, behavioral science or related research areas.

• Applicants must apply to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in HDFS

• Applicants entering with a bachelor’s degree will complete a master’s degree en route to the PhD

• Applicants should demonstrate preparation and potential for advanced graduate study and research

• Applicants should have research interests that can be supported by the department’s faculty and research environment

• International applicants may apply and must meet the additional requirements established by the Penn State Graduate School

• Applicants should be prepared to provide all required academic and supporting documentation

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare the following programme specific materials:

• Scientific writing sample

• Official academic transcripts

• Curriculum vitae or résumé

• Statement of professional and career plans

• Three letters of recommendation

How to Apply

1. Review the Penn State HDFS PhD programme and identify faculty research areas that align with your interests.
2. Review the Penn State Graduate School admission requirements for the doctoral programme.
3. Prepare your scientific writing sample, academic transcripts, CV or résumé and statement of professional and career plans.
4. Arrange three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic, research or professional potential.
5. Complete the Penn State Graduate School application and select the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Development and Family Studies.
6. Upload all required documents through the admissions portal.
7. Review your application carefully to ensure that all required materials have been submitted.
8. Submit the complete application by December 1, 2026, taking Penn State’s Eastern Standard Time zone into account.