Best Online Doctorate in Human and Family Development
Earning a doctorate in human development and family studies online prepares graduates for the highest positions in the field. Many graduates become professors or researchers, while others work as clinicians or directors for private organizations. Doctoral students also contribute to the field by conducting original research.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that many of these fields will grow by 2032; positions for professors are projected to increase by 8%. By pursuing a doctoral degree, prospective students build advanced skills in family studies and human development, which expands their career prospects.
The Best Online Doctorate in Human and Family Development Degree Programs
Amridge University
Montgomery, AL- 4 year
- Online
The Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy program at Amridge University uses an online learning format. With flexible enrollment options, the private school helps degree-seekers earn a doctorate. Doctoral students receive research support, library access, and career advising.
Learners take doctoral classes in the program. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates complete an original dissertation that contributes to the field. With a doctorate in family therapy, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.
Amridge University at a Glance:
Online Master's Programs: 8
Online Doctoral Programs: 4
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,700
- In-State$9,480
- Out-of-state$9,480
- In-State$11,700
- Out-of-state$11,700
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled636
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Knoxville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers a top-ranked online doctor of social work program. With flexible enrollment options, the public school helps degree-seekers earn a doctorate. Doctoral students benefit from support services like career advising.
In the online social work program, learners complete doctoral coursework and strengthen advanced skills. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. As the terminal degree in social work, the doctoral program trains graduates for roles in academia, research, and industry.
Doctoral students qualify for federal financial aid and fellowships at the accredited institution. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 10,526
Online Master's Programs: 10
Online Doctoral Programs: 4
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,468
- In-State$11,340
- Out-of-state$29,552
- In-State$11,468
- Out-of-state$29,656
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate46%
- Students Enrolled36,304
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
University at Buffalo
- Buffalo, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The online DSW program at the University at Buffalo ranks as one of the best degrees in the social work field. At the public institution, degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible environment. Doctoral students benefit from support services like career advising.
In the online social work program, learners complete doctoral-level coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. Graduates with a doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students who attend the accredited institution in an online format qualify for several types of financial aid. Contact the program for more information about doctoral admissions.
University at Buffalo at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,874
Online Master's Programs: 4
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,310
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$26,860
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$24,260
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled31,887
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The clinical social work program at the University of Pennsylvania uses an online learning format. With its flexible format, the private university makes a doctorate more accessible. Doctoral students receive access to research support, library resources, and career advising.
In the online social work program, graduate learners take advanced courses in the field. After completing coursework, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation or doctoral project. Graduates with a doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.
University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,533
Online Master's Programs: 3
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $36,254
- In-State$58,620
- Out-of-state$58,620
- In-State$41,544
- Out-of-state$41,544
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate6%
- Students Enrolled23,790
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The doctorate of social work program at the University of Southern California offers an online option for doctoral students. The private university offers flexible enrollment options for degree-seekers. Doctoral students receive research support and participate in scholarly events.
The doctoral program includes a rigorous curriculum in social work. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates complete an original dissertation that contributes to the social work field. A doctorate in social work trains graduates for roles in research, academia, and leadership.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.
University of Southern California at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 8,203
Online Master's Programs: 55
Online Doctoral Programs: 4
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $46,272
- In-State$66,640
- Out-of-state$66,640
- In-State$66,640
- Out-of-state$66,640
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate10%
- Students Enrolled47,147
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
University of St. Thomas
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of St. Thomas offers a doctor of social work program with an online learning format. Degree-seekers benefit from the private university's flexible format. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.
The online social work program requires doctoral coursework. The program also requires passing scores on a comprehensive examination and the successful defense of an original dissertation project. With a doctorate in social work, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students can use fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to pay for their degree. Contact the program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.
University of St Thomas at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 884
Online Master's Programs: 4
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $24,766
- In-State$50,788
- Out-of-state$50,788
- In-State$21,611
- Out-of-state$21,611
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled9,121
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Fielding Graduate University
- Santa Barbara, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Fielding Graduate University offers a Ph.D. in infant and early childhood development program with an online learning format. At the private university, degree-seekers engage in online classes to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students receive research support throughout the early childhood development program.
In the online early childhood development program, learners complete doctoral coursework and strengthen advanced skills. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates begin working on an original dissertation project. An early childhood development doctorate leads to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Contact the early childhood development program for more information about financial aid and the admissions process.
Fielding Graduate University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 944
Online Master's Programs: 2
Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,292
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-State$22,260
- Out-of-state$22,260
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled937
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Capella University
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 year
- Online
The online doctor of human services program, offered by Capella University, ranks as a top program in the field. At the private university, degree-seekers engage in online classes to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors and career advisors.
The online human services program requires doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates complete a dissertation that contributes original research to the field. A doctorate in human services prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and leadership.
Doctoral students who attend the accredited institution in an online format qualify for several types of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.
Capella University at a Glance:
Online Master's Programs: 76
Online Doctoral Programs: 60
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,767
- In-State$14,436
- Out-of-state$14,436
- In-State$15,066
- Out-of-state$15,066
- Retention Rate23%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled43,915
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Choosing an Online Doctorate in Human and Family Development Program
Earning a doctorate in human development and family studies online requires students to complete courses, pass exams, and write a dissertation. Most human and family development programs offer a mix of core and elective classes that cover topics like human development, quantitative research methods, and emotional development. Many programs also offer classes in marriage and family therapy or provide opportunities for interdisciplinary research in neuroscience, social work, or education. While a doctorate prepares graduates to work in academic positions as professors or researchers, each program emphasizes different areas of human development and family studies. This means that prospective students must evaluate which programs best aligns with their goals.
Within the human development and family studies field, doctoral students can focus on:
- Cognition
- Diversity and Cultural Influences on Development
- Emotional Development
- Poverty
Each program offers several concentrations, core classes, and faculty advisors. These options allow doctoral students to customize their degree around their research interests and professional goals. For example, students interested in statistical analysis and careers in research science may prefer a program that offers that concentration. By carefully researching programs, prospective students can find the best fit for their interests.
What Else Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Human and Family Development Program?
Doctorate in human development and family studies online programs design their own curricula and concentrations, so prospective students should carefully research what each program offers. If you pay attention to program specializations, elective courses, and graduate career paths, then you can choose a program that fits your interests and career goals.
Online Doctoral Degree in Human and Family Development Concentrations
- Social and Emotional Development:
The social and emotional development concentration trains doctoral students in human social and emotional development theories, methodologies, and research skills. Doctoral students may take interdisciplinary courses in family dynamics, intervention, and neuroscience.- Concentration Careers: Professor, research scientist
- Couples and Family Therapy:
Doctoral students can gain clinical experience through a couples and family therapy concentration. Students build clinical and research skills, apply research designs, and accumulate supervision experience. The concentration also fosters scientific and grant proposal writing abilities.- Concentration Careers: Research scientist, clinician, professor
- Statistical Analysis:
In a statistical analysis concentration, doctoral students study human development and family studies statistical methodologies. Doctoral students also evaluate and create measurement methods, which includes statistical modeling. This specialization prepares graduates for research and analysis positions in family and human development.- Concentration Careers: Research scientist, professor, academic dean
Curriculum for an Online Doctoral Degree in Human and Family Development
- Adult Development:
This course covers adult development theories and focuses on the most influential theorists. Doctoral students also survey the most recent research and learn how to apply these theories in clinical settings. - Advanced Human Development:
Doctoral students study advanced theories and research on development throughout the life span, from prenatal development to gerontology. The course may allow students to focus on their dissertation topic. - Theories in Human Development:
Students survey psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and cognitive theories of human development research. The course examines the differences between theories, the role of developmental stages, and influential theorists.
- Quantitative Research Methods:
This course develops advanced skills in quantitative research, including mixed methods, structured data collection, experimental design, and data analysis. Students learn to develop a research method by following ethical procedures and Institutional Review Board guidelines. - Dissertation:
Doctoral students complete a dissertation under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The dissertation must be based on original research and contribute to the field. In order to graduate, doctoral students defend the dissertation.
Careers with a Doctorate in Human and Family Development
As the terminal degree in human and family development, a doctorate leads to careers in academia, research, and management. While many doctoral students pursue careers as professors, they can also work as research scientists for private organizations, government agencies, or universities. A Ph.D. or DSW can also lead to careers in higher education administration.
- Human and Family Development Professor:
Professors of human development and family studies teach undergraduate and graduate courses in their field. They design syllabi, write lectures, create tests, and educate students in a college or university setting. In addition, many professors also conduct research and publish their findings in scholarly journals. Tenure-track positions in this field require a doctorate.- Median Annual Salary: $80,840
- Projected Growth Rate: 8%
- Research Scientist:
Research scientists with a degree in human development and family studies design and conduct studies with the goal of understanding human development, physiology, and neurological development. They may also develop programs to improve health and wellbeing and many write research grant proposals to receive government or private funding. Many research scientists work in an academic setting.- Median Annual Salary: $99,930
- Projected Growth Rate: 10%
- Academic Dean:
Academic deans run a program or division at a college or university. They may also hold the title director or provost. Deans oversee faculty research and help develop academic policies and manage budgets. Many also play a role in hiring and tenure decisions. A doctorate in human and family development prepares graduates to work as the dean of health sciences or in administrative positions in a medical school.- Median Annual Salary: $99,940
- Projected Growth Rate: 4%
What is the Difference Between a Social Work Ph.D. and a DSW?
The difference between a social work Ph.D. and a doctor of social work (DSW) is that social work Ph.D. programs tend to be oriented towards research, while DSW programs tend to be oriented towards clinical practice. However, both degrees share significant overlap when it comes to their curriculum and educational requirements. Regardless of which degree is earned, the holder of the degree has a doctorate in the field of social work. If you are interested in the research-side of social work, then you might want to look at social work Ph.D. programs. If you are interested in leading social workers in a clinical setting, then consider a DSW.
