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Doctoral Program Objectives

 

Disciplinary Knowledge

  • Integrate the basic content within the fields of child development and family studies.
  • Describe the historical evolution of the study of children and the family.
  • Describe the basic concepts, contributions, and findings of major substantive areas within the field.
  • Analyze trends and future directions for research.
  • Develop a specialization within the fields of child development and family studies.

Conceptual Frameworks

  • Define and identify concepts, principles, and underlying assumptions of major theories and conceptual frameworks.
  • Use theory for interpretation or generating solutions for human problems.

Electives Outside of CFS

  • Relate one or more different disciplines to the area of specialized study.

Research Methodology and Statistics

  • Conceptualize the overall process of scientific research—problem identification, design, sampling, data collection/measurement, and data interpretation.
  • Develop quantitative (statistical analysis) and qualitative analytic research skills.
  • Utilize statistical and qualitative analysis software.
  • Problem-solve effectively with consultants.
  • Conduct research in accordance with ethical standards.
  • Generate new knowledge in area of specialization as an independent scholar and collaboratively with others.

Communication of Information

  • Write in a scholarly manner.
  • Present scholarly presentations at professional conferences.
  • Submit at least one manuscript for publication to a peer-reviewed journal.