We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is August 10, 2026.
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Human Development
EdD Deadlines
PhD Deadline
Applications for PhD will open in Fall 2026.
Full and Partial Assistantships
Online Learning Options
Part-Time and Full-Time Options
At the Warner School, you will advance doctoral-level scholarship by collaborating across research, learning, and practice to lead impact in your career, communities, research, and field. Our human development doctoral programs prepare you to study how people develop across the lifespan and in educational institutions, organizations, and communities—and to translate research into meaningful impact in your field.
Designed for scholars who want to deepen their expertise in human development, the Warner doctoral experience supports rigorous inquiry, interdisciplinary learning, and mentorship from faculty engaged in cutting-edge research. If you have a master's degree in education, human development, psychology, or sociology—or in a related area such as counseling, social work, creative arts therapy, or library science—a doctoral degree in human development allows you to apply your diverse background creatively and scientifically.
We invite you to explore our human development doctoral programs to find the right fit for your research interests and career goals—supported by faculty expertise and an active interdisciplinary community.
Key Program Features
- Minimum Credits: 90 graduate credits; some of which can be transferred from previous programs (up to 30 credits for PhDs; up to 36 credits for EdDs).
- Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Includes emerging knowledge concerning conditions that foster healthy development of youth; current knowledge in our understanding of the range of factors that promote wellness in older populations; the interplay between mind, body, and society in determining developmental trajectories; the deleterious effects of chronic stress; “engaged scholarship” that supports the development of thriving communities; and advanced qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Customizable: Students can choose electives in their specific areas of interest, tailor projects in most courses, and most importantly, select their dissertation topic.
- Exciting Research Apprenticeship Opportunities: Research apprenticeship opportunities are available in a wide array of university settings. Students have the opportunity to become a part of a research team led by a human development faculty member or may explore opportunities for apprenticeships at the University of Rochester Medical Center or other units across the University.
- Dynamic Faculty: Program faculty have a rich breadth of expertise in areas such as community engagement, minority youth development, gerontology, Applied Behavior Analysis, social determinants of healthy development, self-determination theory, college student development, developmental theory integration, and supportive learning environments.
- Flexible: Programs can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, starting in any semester; a minimum of one year of full-time residency is required for PhD students only.
Prerequisites
- Prior master’s degree in human development, psychology, sociology, public health, education, gerontology, counseling, creative arts therapy, social work, or a related field. Students with highly successful undergraduate records, including some research experience, may be considered for direct admission into the doctoral program.
Scholarships, Tuition & Financial Aid
Questions?
Doctoral Program Options
What's the difference between an EdD & PhD?
Check out these seven important tips to help you choose the right doctoral program.
PhD in Education: Human Development
Prepares graduates for academic positions in universities and other higher education settings, as well as research positions in government agencies or other educational organizations. Coursework for the PhD in Education: Human Development.
EdD with Specialization in Human Development
Prepares and supports experienced practitioners for leadership positions in their field, as well as selected higher education faculty positions; can be completed on a part-time basis while maintaining full-time employment. Coursework for the EdD in Counseling and Human Development.
Customize Your Degree
Our degrees are designed to meet your interests and career aspirations. Whether you want to add an advanced certificate or specialize in a distinct area of emphasis, we can help craft the best option for you.
Ready to Apply?
EdD Deadlines
We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is August 10, 2026.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of our human development PhD and EdD programs are prepared to succeed in an array of roles and careers, including:
- Faculty positions in master's- and doctoral-level human development programs and related disciplines such as psychology.
- Faculty positions in social work programs for students who enter with a social work background (at institutions where applicable).
- Research associate and faculty roles in human development and related fields, including public health, psychology, sociology, nursing, writing programs, environmental epidemiology, economics, and management.
- Leadership positions in community-based organizations and agencies.
Careers as independent consultants, program evaluators, or private contractors. Our doctoral programs also attract students from around the world who seek to advance emerging knowledge in human development and become leaders in research, teaching, and professional practice.
Core Program Faculty
View research interests and reach out to faculty below.
Samantha Daley
Instructional practices for students with learning disabilities
Joyce Duckles
Family studies; community intervention
Nestor Tulagan
Achievement motivation; identity development; family process; minoritized students
David McAdam
Challenging behaviors
Martin Lynch
Self-determination theory
Silvia Sörensen
Social gerontology; caregiving; interventions
Take a Course Before You Apply
Take a course before you apply to one of our programs for a discounted price. Inquire with admissions to learn about credits that also apply toward degree requirements.