Start your journey
Lead positive social change in families and communities
The family social science doctoral program offers you a unique program of study using social science insights and methods to examine individual and family relationships within various contexts and cultures. It prepares the next generation of leaders, scholars, and agents of social change to apply evidence-based research to individual, family, and community issues locally and internationally.
Your program of study will encompass research and coursework across the breadth of family social science, including intersectional influences of race, class, culture, sexual orientation, and gender on relationships; finances; effects of trauma; technology, child adjustment; intimate relationships, and dating, marriage, and divorce. Faculty are nationally and internationally recognized leaders and researchers committed to your success. To learn more, explore their research projects, or watch videos of faculty members discussing their work.
Careers
A PhD in family social science will prepare you for careers in academia, policy think tanks, foundations, non-profit organizations, government agencies, health care systems and more.
How to apply
Admission to the Department of Family Social Science (FSoS) is based on:
- Evidence of strong academic preparation and the ability and desire to perform graduate level scholarship, including research.
- Alignment of applicant's professional goals with FSoS faculty scholarship and with the department's mission.
- Unique contributions applicant would make to FSoS values, including social relevance, collaboration, inclusiveness, excellence, innovation, and diversity.
Admissions requirements
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 2.8
- Graduate school application
- Application fee
- Transcripts
Non-native English Speakers: TOEFL, IELTS, etc. test scores
Contact
Graduate Program Coordinator
Tuition and funding
CEHD Fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, and grants for graduate students
As a graduate student in CEHD, you may be eligible for fellowships, grants, and scholarships from the University of Minnesota, from our college, and from your academic department. Check this link out to get more information on funding opportunities!
Funding
Learn more about funding opportunities through the Department of Family Social Science.
Financial aid
Financial aid for your graduate program works a little differently than financial aid at the undergraduate level. It’s important to know the differences and explore your options. Check out this One Stop link for more information on eligibility, required steps, and timelines. If you have questions, you should contact Sumitra Ramachandran, graduate program coordinator, at fsosgrad@umn.edu
Questions about funding
University Funding Opportunities: 612.625.7579 | gsfellow@umn.edu
Request information
What our alumni say
Quote from Kate Gliske, PhD '17
The top-notch training in methodology that I received in FSoS has been the most valuable skill set in my current line of work. My professors modeled and taught a critical approach to research, and I gained a deep appreciation for the nuance with which we need to collect and analyze data.
Coursework
Our core coursework integrates conceptual frameworks with hands-on research training to ensure you develop a comprehensive mastery of family science.
- FSOS 8200 - Orientation for Family Social Science - (1 credit)
- FSOS 8001 - Conceptual Frameworks in the Family - (3 credits)
- FSOS 8002 - Advanced Family Conceptual Frameworks - (3 credits)
- FSOS 8013 - Qualitative Family Research Methods - (3 credits)
- FSOS 8015 - Advanced Qualitative Family Research Methods - (3 credits)
- FSOS 5014 - Quantitative Family Research Methods I - (3 credits)
- FSOS 5015 - Family Research Laboratory - (1 credit)
- FSOS 8014 - Quantitative Family Research Methods II - (3 credits)
Family science specialization checklist [PDF].
View all program requirements in the University catalog.
Contact
We’re here to help. Simply complete this form and a member of our department will be in touch.
Faculty and staff
Sumitra Madhuri Ramachandran
graduate program coordinator, fsosgrad@umn.edu
Stacey Horn
department head, professor, and Campbell Leadership Chair in Education & Human Development, sshorn@umn.edu
Catherine Solheim
director of graduate studies and professor, csolheim@umn.edu
Armeda Wojciak
couple and family therapy (CFT) program director, associate professor, and Olson Family Professorship, awojciak@umn.edu