Ph.D. Program Information

Concentration in Family Studies

The Family Studies concentration is designed to incorporate knowledge from a variety of disciplines; students are encouraged to enroll in courses representing allied disciplines. Some course work may be in other departments at Tufts or other schools within the Boston Consortium (Boston College, Boston University, and Brandeis University).

The Ph.D. concentration emphasizes the study of theories of family development and interaction, including (but not limited to) the history of family/cultural socialization, and family systems theories. As the student moves through the doctoral program there will be opportunities to apply these theoretical frameworks beyond the classroom in the qualifying papers, internship, and dissertation. The Family Studies concentration provides a background in current research in family studies, with emphasis both on methodological and thematic issues (e.g. family structure, cultural studies). Training in research methods relevant to the family is recommended through courses such as qualitative research methods, evaluation of child/family policy, or through in-depth research apprenticeships or directed readings courses with faculty members. The application of theory and research to current practice may be pursued through various avenues, including participation in family-related practica.

The concentration in Family Studies prepares students for a wide range of careers related to families, extending from positions with agencies that set family policy, to academic positions combining research and teaching, to organizations that serve families with special needs. The field of family studies is expanding rapidly, and provides a growing variety of career options.

The course requirements for the Ph.D. concentration in Family Studies are as follows:

1. Theory: One in each of the following areas:
• CD 151 Advanced Intellectual Development
• CD 155 Development of Language
2. Theory: CD 161 Advanced Personal/Social Development
3. Research Methods: CD 142 Problems of Research: Methods and Design
4. Statistics: CD 140
5. Family Theory Course: One of the following:
   • CD 243 Theories of the Family
   • CD 162 Child, Family & Society
   • CD 143 EP Child Development Diverse Family Settings
6. "Applied" Family Course: One of the following:
   • CD 164 Cultural Diversity in Child and Family Services
   • CD 182 Social Policy for Children and Families
   • CD 199 Community and Field Placement
7. Two Concentration Electives
8. Four Open Electives
9. "In-depth" experience in Family Studies: One of the following
   • CD 141 Independent Study
   • CD 240 Directed Research
10. Internship
11. Two Qualifying Papers
12. Doctoral Dissertation

Ph.D. Family Studies Concentration Electives:

Child Development

• CD 143CG Family and Child Development
• CD 143EP Child Development in Diverse Family Settings
• CD 164 Cultural Diversity in Child and Family Services
• CD 182 Social Policy for Children and Families
• CD 188 Seminar in Government Policy and the Family
• CD 240,241 Directed Research
• CD 263 Cultural Sensitivity in Child and Family Research

Psychology

• PY 119 Family Dynamics and Therapy
• PY 138 Family Interaction

BSOT

• OT 281 Early Intervention: An Ecological Approach

Other related courses may be approved as concentration electives as determined by the student's faculty Program Adviser.

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