Learning Outcomes: Human Development and Family Studies, PhD
Learning Outcomes for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development & Family Studies
HDFS Graduate Student Learning Outcomes
- HDFS graduate students will demonstrate subject matter expertise, including theoretical and substantive expertise in a specialized area
- Recall key principles, theories, and concepts used in HDFS
- Apply key principles, theories, and concepts to the study of HDFS
- Critique current theories and empirical knowledge regarding HDFS
- Evaluate current knowledge in a specific substantive area using two distinct theories
- Identify knowledge gaps in a specific substantive area
- Pose questions to remedy said gap
- HDFS graduate students will demonstrate social science methodology expertise
- Apply key principles, concepts and analytic strategies used in quantitative research
- Apply key principles, concepts and analytic strategies used in qualitative research
- Use data management and analysis software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, MAXQDA; HLM, R)
- Evaluate the methodological strengths and limitations of empirical studies
- Design and defend a complete research project
- Complete an IRB application
- Complete an ethics certificate relevant to project
- Conduct a research project as per protocol and ethical standards
- HDFS graduate students will demonstrate professional competence skills
- Identify career and professional goals
- Develop leadership skills (e.g., through formal positions; informal mentoring of undergraduates or new graduate students; representing the department; participation in class or lab teamwork)
- Develop professional network to support career and professional goals (e.g., relationships with mentors; participation in professional organizations)
- Create and maintain a CV and other job-related materials (e.g., cover letter; teaching philosophy; research statement)
- Exhibit professional and ethical behavior
- Make decisions and solve problems
- Collaborate to achieve group goals
- HDFS graduate students will demonstrate scholarly communication skills in English
- Use effective written communication
- Use appropriate grammar and writing mechanics
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of APA style
- Respond to constructive criticism (e.g., revision process, peer review)
- Produce written work that is organized, logical, and fully developed
- Use effective oral communication
- Clearly and logically present ideas aloud through presentation to class or group
- Use effective visual communication
- Use clear and logical charts, graphs, and other visual displays to present ideas
- Use effective written communication
- HDFS graduate students will demonstrate a critical and reflexive orientation toward and sensitivity to issues of diversity and inclusion
- Critically examine one’s own beliefs, assumptions, values, attitudes, and biases regarding diverse individuals and families
- Reflect on one’s own interconnected positions, privileges, and disadvantages across multiple contexts
- Demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to issues of diversity and inclusion in one’s own work (written, oral, and visual communication)