NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Human Development and Social Policy PhD
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
The Human Development and Social Policy (HDSP) PhD program at Northwestern University investigates the intricate connections between public policy, human development, and societal well-being. It explores how policies impact individuals across their lifespan and how research on human development can effectively inform policy creation and evaluation. The program provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation in human development, advanced research methodologies (both qualitative and quantitative), and the principles of policy development and implementation. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas like child development and social policy, adult development and social policy, or human development and education policy.
Curriculum
To earn a PhD in Human Development and Social Policy, students must complete specific coursework and research milestones. Those entering without a Master's degree are required to complete 21 credits (13 core courses and 8 electives), while those with a Master's degree need to complete 18 courses (13 core and 5 electives). The MA degree can be awarded as part of the doctoral studies upon completion of the trial research project and coursework.
- Core Requirements
- Proseminar in Human Development and Social Policy IHDSP 401-0
- Research DesignHDSP 414-1
- Child Development and Social PolicyHDSP 402-0
- Adolescent DevelopmentHDSP 403-0
- Adult Development and AgingHDSP 404-0
- Diversity Science in PsychologyHDSP 406-0
- Culture and DevelopmentHDSP 407-1
- Emotional MysteriesHDSP 408-1
- Theories of Human DevelopmentHDSP 413-0
- Society, Stress and Development: Implications for InterventionHDSP 415-0
- Methods in Social PsychologyHDSP 482-0
- Identity & MotivationHDSP 489-0
- Quantitative Methods I: Probability and StatisticsHDSP 410-0
- Quantitative Methods II: Regression AnalysisHDSP 411-0
- Quantitative Methods III: Empirical Tools for Causal Quantitative AnalysisHDSP 412-0
- Field MethodsHDSP 432-0
- Advanced Qualitative MethodsHDSP 435-0
- Intersectionality, Measurement and Public PolicyHDSP 424-0
- Economics of Health, Human Capital, and HappinessHDSP 425-0
- Organizations, Institutions and Society: Persistence and Change Among Public, PrHDSP 426-0
- Sociology of EducationHDSP 427-0
- Education Policy: Design, Implementation and EffectsHDSP 428-0
- Social-Community InterventionsHDSP 429-0
- Economics of Social PolicyHDSP 430-0
- Social Policymaking and Policy ImplementationHDSP 442-0
Careers
Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of career paths. Depending on their specialization, students can pursue academic positions in departments such as psychology, sociology, or economics, or in multidisciplinary programs like human development, education, social ecology, public health, and family studies. The program also strongly qualifies graduates for research and policy-oriented roles in private and nonprofit social research firms, as well as government agencies.
- Academic positions (Psychology, Sociology, Economics)
- Multidisciplinary program roles (Human Development, Education, Public Health, Family Studies)
- Social research positions (Private and Nonprofit sectors)
- Government research and policy positions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the application deadlines for the Human Development and Social Policy PhD program?
- The application period opens in September for the following year's admission, with a firm deadline of December 1st at 5 PM CST.
- What materials are required to apply for the PhD program?
- You will need to submit an online application form, an academic statement, a personal statement, 2-3 letters of recommendation, original transcripts from all previous universities, and your resume/CV. English proficiency certification is also required if applicable.
- How long does the PhD program in Human Development and Social Policy take to complete?
- Students entering without a Master's degree must complete 21 credits, while those with a Master's degree need to complete 18 courses. The program's duration is not explicitly stated but is implied by the credit requirements.
- What kind of career paths can graduates pursue after completing this PhD program?
- Graduates are prepared for academic positions, roles in multidisciplinary programs, and research and policy-oriented positions in both private and nonprofit sectors, as well as government agencies.
- Where can I find information about tuition and living costs for the program?
- Tuition information is available by school and program on the School of Education and Social Policy or The Graduate School websites. Information regarding housing and meal plans can be found on the Graduate Housing and Northwestern Dining websites.
- Does the program include any teaching experience?
- Yes, the PhD program includes a two-quarter teaching requirement where students serve as teaching assistants.
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Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition information for graduate programs is available by school and program. Please refer to the School of Education and Social Policy or The Graduate School websites for specific details. The linked fee pages do not provide direct tuition amounts.
Tuition (home)Tuition information for graduate programs is available by school and program. Please refer to the School of Education and Social Policy or The Graduate School websites for specific details. The linked fee pages do not provide direct tuition amounts.
LivingInformation regarding housing and meal plans for graduate students can be found on the Graduate Housing and Northwestern Dining websites. Additional fees will apply if these options are chosen.
For full cost of attendance information, please visit your Financial Aid Office website.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit the application form available on The Graduate School website.
2. Academic and Personal StatementsPrepare and upload your Academic Statement and Personal Statement as part of the online application.
3. Letters of RecommendationArrange for 2-3 letters of recommendation to be submitted.
4. Submit TranscriptsProvide original transcripts from all previously attended universities.
5. Submit Resume/CVUpload your current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
6. English Proficiency (if applicable)If English is not your native language, you must provide certification of your English language proficiency.
Frequently asked questions
What are the application deadlines for the Human Development and Social Policy PhD program?
+
The application period opens in September for the following year's admission, with a firm deadline of December 1st at 5 PM CST.
What materials are required to apply for the PhD program?
+
You will need to submit an online application form, an academic statement, a personal statement, 2-3 letters of recommendation, original transcripts from all previous universities, and your resume/CV. English proficiency certification is also required if applicable.
How long does the PhD program in Human Development and Social Policy take to complete?
+
Students entering without a Master's degree must complete 21 credits, while those with a Master's degree need to complete 18 courses. The program's duration is not explicitly stated but is implied by the credit requirements.
What kind of career paths can graduates pursue after completing this PhD program?
+
Graduates are prepared for academic positions, roles in multidisciplinary programs, and research and policy-oriented positions in both private and nonprofit sectors, as well as government agencies.
Where can I find information about tuition and living costs for the program?
+
Tuition information is available by school and program on the School of Education and Social Policy or The Graduate School websites. Information regarding housing and meal plans can be found on the Graduate Housing and Northwestern Dining websites.
Does the program include any teaching experience?
+
Yes, the PhD program includes a two-quarter teaching requirement where students serve as teaching assistants.