Developmental Science Doctorate

The Developmental Science Doctorate program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human development across the lifespan. The program focuses on the theoretical and empirical aspects of developmental science, preparing students for careers in research, academia, and practice.

Program Information

• Credential Offered: Ph.D.
• Application Deadline: February 1
• English Proficiency Requirements: TOEFL ibT 100 (subscores of at least 24 for speaking and 21 for writing); IELTS 7; Duolingo 125

Curriculum

The program offers two tracks: one for students entering with a Bachelor's degree (90 credits total) and one for students entering with a Master's degree (60 credits total).

Curriculum for Students Entering with a Bachelor's Degree

• Development Core: 12 credits
  • HDFS 811: Developmental Concepts and Theories
  • HDFS 813: Social and Emotional Development Across the Lifespan
  • HDFS 815: Physical and Cognitive Development Across the Lifespan
  • HDFS 817: Prevention Science
• Teaching Core: 6 credits
  • HDFS 802: Teaching and Learning in the Human Sciences 1
  • HDFS 892: Graduate Teaching Experience
• Methodology and Statistics Core: 12 credits
  • HDFS 705: Quantitative Methods in Developmental Science
  • HDFS 805: Research Methods and Scholar Development in Human Sciences
  • HDFS 854: Advanced Quantitative Methods in Developmental Science 1
  • HDFS 856: Longitudinal Research Methods and Analysis 1
• Electives: 15 credits
  • Must include 9 credits in didactic 700- or 800-level courses (in HDFS or other departments)
  • Can include HDFS 893: Individual Study/Tutorial, HDFS 894: Practicum/Internship
• Non-Didactic Courses: 7 credits
  • HDFS 890: Graduate Seminar (Orientation/Comps/Career)
• Independent Research: 38 credits
  • HDFS 893: Individual Study/Tutorial (17 credits)
  • HDFS 798: Master's Thesis (6 credits)
  • HDFS 899: Doctoral Dissertation (15 credits)
• Total Credits: 90

Curriculum for Students Entering with a Master's Degree

• Development Core: 12 credits
  • HDFS 811: Developmental Concepts and Theories
  • HDFS 813: Social and Emotional Development Across the Lifespan
  • HDFS 815: Physical and Cognitive Development Across the Lifespan
  • HDFS 817: Prevention Science
• Teaching Core: 6 credits
  • HDFS 802: Teaching and Learning in the Human Sciences 1
  • HDFS 892: Graduate Teaching Experience
• Methodology and Statistics Core: 9 credits
  • HDFS 805: Research Methods and Scholar Development in Human Sciences
  • HDFS 854: Advanced Quantitative Methods in Developmental Science 1
  • HDFS 856: Longitudinal Research Methods and Analysis 1
• Elective: 3 credits
  • Could include HDFS 824, HDFS 825, HDFS 893, HDFS 894, or 700- or 800-level course in HDFS or other department
• Non-Didactic Courses: 7 credits
  • HDFS 890: Graduate Seminar (Orientation/Comps/Career)
• Independent Research: 23 credits
  • HDFS 893: Individual Study/Tutorial (8 credits)
  • HDFS 899: Doctoral Dissertation (15 credits)
• Total Credits: 60

Additional Requirements

• Teach one undergraduate course, with supervision, for course credit in HDFS 892 Graduate Teaching Experience
• Submit at least four proposal/abstracts for presentations or posters at national conferences
• Present at least twice at national conferences
• Submit at least two peer-reviewed articles for publication

Admission and Application Requirements

• Graduate School admission and application requirements
• Statement of purpose (500 words or less)
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Thesis or writing sample
• Applicants entering with a Master's degree must have a Master's degree from an accredited educational institution in a related area, with at least one course in statistics and one course in research methods, and completion of an empirical Master's thesis
• Applicants entering with a Bachelor's degree must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution in a related area

North Dakota State University

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Overview:

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a public, land-grant, research university located in Fargo, North Dakota. It is a top-ranked R1 institution, known for its commitment to student-focused learning and its dedication to research. NDSU provides affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Admission:

NDSU provides comprehensive admission services, including application assistance, financial aid information, and campus visits.

Academic Programs:

NDSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

Campus Life:

NDSU provides a vibrant campus life with various co-curricular activities, dining services, residence life options, and athletic events.

Student Support:

NDSU offers support services such as career advising, counseling, and wellness resources.

Research Opportunities:

NDSU provides ample research opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research projects.

Online Programs:

NDSU offers a variety of online degree programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

NDSU offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in various co-curricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports. The university also provides a variety of dining options, residence halls, and recreational facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

NDSU offers an excellent education at an affordable price.

Research Opportunities:

NDSU is a research-intensive university, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Hands-on Learning:

NDSU emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with practical experience in their chosen fields.

Strong Faculty:

NDSU has a strong faculty committed to teaching and mentoring students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

NDSU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community.

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Academic Programs:

NDSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Agriculture and Biological Systems:

NDSU is a leading institution in agriculture and biological systems, with strong programs in areas such as animal science, plant science, and biotechnology.

Engineering and Architecture:

NDSU offers a variety of engineering and architecture programs, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and architecture.

Health Sciences:

NDSU has a strong presence in health sciences, with programs in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, and public health.

Humanities and Social Sciences:

NDSU offers a variety of humanities and social sciences programs, including English, history, and political science.

Business and Economics:

NDSU has a strong business and economics program, with programs in areas such as accounting, finance, and marketing.

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Other:

NDSU is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it offers a variety of resources and programs to support students from diverse backgrounds. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.