Start your journey
Your path to a doctorate degree
If you want to pursue a doctoral degree but have not yet earned a master’s degree, the family social science master’s degree, plan A (requiring a master’s capstone thesis), is your pathway to a doctoral degree. Like the traditional master’s program in family social science, the program uses the insights and methods of the social sciences to examine individual, family, and human development over the lifespan and how families work within various contexts and cultures. You will study:
- conceptual theoretical frameworks
- research and evaluation methodologies
- implementation and translational research
- community collaborations and system change initiatives
Once you have completed your master’s thesis and final oral examination, you will be evaluated by faculty to continue into the PhD program.
Careers
An MA/PhD degree 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.
Admissions requirements
Admission to the Department of Family Social Science (FSoS) is based on a review of multiple sources of information:
- 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.
The program of study for the master's degree is planned by the student and the faculty adviser, approved by the director of graduate studies, and then filed with the graduate school.
The MA/PhD in family social science program requires at least 30 credits, including at least 20 course credits, of which 6 credits are outside the department in a related field, and 10 thesis credits. The final exam is oral.
In addition, you will complete a capstone thesis (Plan A). For more information view the capstone thesis checklist [PDF].
A minimum 3.5 GPA is required for students to remain in good academic standing.
Contact
Sumitra Madhuri Ramachandran
graduate program coordinator, fsosgrad@umn.edu
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 Miguel Quiñones
One of the things I’ve most appreciated about the MA/PhD track is the clear structure and momentum it provides. Each milestone builds meaningfully on the last, allowing you to move efficiently through the program while developing a strong foundation of academic and professional experiences. I’ve also valued the opportunity to work alongside PhD peers, whose insights and support have enriched my own growth as I move through the program. Overall, the program creates a streamlined, goal-oriented path that makes progress toward the PhD both intentional and achievable.
Coursework
Plan A - 30 credits with thesis
FSOS 5014 - Quantitative Family Research Methods I 3 credits
FSOS 5015 - Family Research Laboratory 1 credit
FSOS 8001 - Conceptual Frameworks in the Family 3 credits
FSOS 8013 - Qualitative Family Research Methods 3 credits
FSOS 8200 - Orientation for Family Science 1 credit
Statistical Methods
EPSY 8251 - Statistical Methods I 3 credits
EPSY 8252 - Statistical Methods II 3 credits
FSOS 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master’s - 10 credits
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