该研究生课程旨在解决以下理论，研究和实践：（1）加强婚姻；（2）促进儿童的成长；（3）展现世代相传的优质养育关系的特征。MFHD的博士学位提供了有关家庭研究和人类发展的综合而深入的学习经验。它还提供了获得该领域许多不同方面专业知识的机会。博士研究的主要重点是帮助学生成为有效的教育者和学者。许多毕业生在大学部门找到与家庭研究或人类发展有关的专业职位。一些人在社区环境，研究机构或大众媒体中找到职位，而另一些人则选择在商业环境中工作。
The graduate program is designed to address the theories, research, and practices that (1) strengthen marriages, (2) enhance the development of children, and (3) unfold the characteristics of quality nurturing relationships across generations.<br><br>The PhD degree in MFHD provides integrated and in-depth learning experiences in family studies and human development. It also offers the opportunity to acquire expertise in a number of different aspects of the field. The primary focus of doctoral study is to help students become effective educators and scholars. Many graduates find professional positions in university departments related to family studies or human development. Some find positions in community settings, research organizations, or the mass media, and others choose to work in business settings.<br><br>Typically from six to ten students are admitted each year to the program, with the proportion of MS and PhD degree candidates varying each year.