|
|  |
Graduate Program Overview
The graduate program in Human Development and Family Sciences
(HDFS) consists of 16 primary faculty members, 6 associated faculty members from
related departments. and approximately 30 graduate students. As a small program
within a large university, it couples an intimate graduate experience with the
facilities and intellectual stimulation of a major research university.
Initiated in 1962, the program is interdisciplinary and
confers both masters and doctoral degrees. It emphasizes advanced study of relationships
within families, the development of children and adults in those relationships,
and the social and economic conditions that influence both individuals and relationships.
As their graduate training proceeds, students in the program tend to emphasize
either child development or adult relationships.
However, the processes that shape children and adults
overlap considerably and the interdependencies between them both define families
and determine their impact. Thus, the program maintains no separate specializations.
Although a variety of applied experiences and internships are available, the program’s
principal focus is research and research training. Students participate in ongoing
faculty research from the moment they enter the program and gradually acquire
the skills needed to do research independently. HDFS students use this training
to enter teaching and research careers in colleges and universities; in private,
governmental, and philanthropic organizations; and in organizations that develop
or implement programs for children and families.
The program brings together a group of faculty
members who, on the one hand, are all interested in how children and
families function yet, on the other, bring to bear different perspectives
and approaches. Aside from an emphasis on the scientific method, the
program stresses no one theoretical or methodological slant. Life span
developmental, attachment, interdependence, social learning, attribution,
information-processing, dynamic family systems, action control, and
role theories are just some of the diverse theoretical perspectives
represented among the faculty. In terms of methods, the faculty vary
from those who specialize in microanalytic approaches – for example,
use log-sequential analyses to assess frame-by-frame the interactions
of family members – to those who specialize in macroanalytic approaches
– for example, use multilevel modeling on large national surveys
to understand social conditions that affect child and family well-being.
The intersection of these disparate theories and methods in a collegial
environment makes for a graduate experience that promotes a broad-based
and rigorous understanding of the field. Although the Ph.D. program
can be completed in four years, typically students finish the program
in five. Students typically complete the masters degree in two years.
The
University of Texas at Austin
One of the nation’s premier research universities, the
University of Texas at Austin serves approximately 38,000 undergraduate and 12,000
graduate students from all 50 states and over 100 foreign countries. It has 196
graduate degree programs, many ranked among the best in the United States. Its
faculty attract about $300 million annually in research grants and contracts.
The main campus covers more than 350 acres and is supplemented by off-campus research
centers such as the McDonald Observatory, the Marine Sciences Institute, and the
Winedale Historical Center. HDFS students regularly take advantage of excellent
programs in Psychology, Educational Psychology, Communications, Social Work, Public
Affairs, and Sociology.
The
City of Austin
A metropolitan area of more than a million people, Austin
is routinely mentioned in national periodicals as one of the best places to live
in the United States. It couples a warm climate and diverse culture environment
with the natural beauty of the hills and lakes of central Texas. By attracting
major facilities for IBM, Sematec, Dell, Texas Instruments, and similar firms,
Austin has become one of the high tech centers of North America. Sometimes known
as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” it also supports a vibrant music community.
Many nationally acclaimed musicians have launched major music careers here. Outstanding
regional theater is also present, along with a number of first rate art museums.
In addition to the rich cultural environment of the city, the university’s own
Performing Arts Center features internationally-renowned performers of dance,
classical music, jazz, popular music, and theater. Austin has over thirty miles
of hike-and-bike trails and scores of parks, lakes, and nature preserves within
the city. A major lake system to the north provides both natural beauty and plentiful
recreation. In brief, Austin is one of the more interesting and beautiful places
to live while getting a graduate education.
The
Graduate School Professional Development Program provides courses,
workshops and resources for UT graduate students.
For more information
contact:
Sally Eddleman
Graduate Coordinator - HDFS
The University of Texas at Austin
Division of Human Development and Family Sciences
SEA 2.412/A2700
One University Station
Austin, TX 78712
USA
512-475-8800
Admission
and Application
Scholarship Information
Research and Facilities
Course
Descriptions
ITA English Proficency Website
for International Students
Graduate Student Handbook
Online
Graduate
Programs and Coordinators University-wide
| UT
Directory | UT
Offices A-Z | Campus &
Parking Maps | UT Site
Map | Calendars |
UT Direct | | |
