About the course

The Family Studies (FS) content area of the Human Development program provides a systematic approach to observing, understanding, and analyzing relationships and families within their individual, social, and historical contexts. A major goal of the program is to prepare students for careers in the family field in teaching, research, and direct service. The Family Studies focus area of the Human Development program provides a systematic approach to observing, understanding, and analyzing relationships and families within their individual, social, and historical contexts.

　　The department provides students with a plethora of research opportunities, including experimental and observational research in laboratory settings, field research in the surrounding communities, and secondary data analysis. Graduate students are also encouraged to lead research projects and publish in scholarly journals. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 8 Semester(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Fall (August), 2024	Blacksburg
Fall (September), 2024	Blacksburg
Fall (September), 2025	Blacksburg

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for Virginia Tech

A bachelor degrees and/or master?s degrees with minimum GPA 3.0 (4 Scale)

　　TOEFL/ IELTS (For all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents). Learn more about testing requirements.

　　Applicants with bachelor degrees and/or master?s degrees from accredited colleges or universities will be considered for entrance into the Family Studies focus of the Human Development doctoral program. Students with a bachelor?s degree are admitted to the doctoral track and complete a master?s degree in route to the Ph.D. All applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or 3.5 in the last 60 credits).

　　Transcripts

　　Scanned copy of your college transcripts with your online application, then arrange for an official copy to be sent to us after you receive an offer of admission.

　　Letters of Recommendation

　　Three letters of recommendation are required for Adult Development and Aging (M.S. to Ph.D., Ph.D. in Human Development). You can include references/recommedations email addresses in your online application, or have them send paper copies directly to the department.

　　Writing Sample

　　Please submit one representative sample of your writing which may include a publication, a class paper, or a professional report. Any work submitted should have been completed by the applicant only. Please do not include any group presentation or papers.

　　Graduate School Testing Requirements

　　GRE scores are not required. We join other peer institutions across the country who have eliminated this structural barrier to promote a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive student body

　　Letter of Interest and Curriculum Vitae

　　A letter of interest (3-5 pages) is required by the Department of Human Development and Family Science along with your latest Curriculum Vitae.

　　Please address the following questions in the letter of interest:

　　Please include a 3-5 page, double-spaced personal statement that describes your background, professional goals, and interest in our department. Listed below are items that you should consider when writing your personal statement:

　　Explain your reasons for pursuing graduate study, in particular, describe how studying Human Development at Virginia Tech will help you meet your educational and professional goals.

　　Discuss how your research, professional, and/or volunteer experiences shaped your interest in pursuing this degree, indicating how your prior experiences will contribute to your studies. Make sure to elaborate on any relevant work history, teaching experience, research experience (e.g., projects, grants, interviewing, testing, coding), clinical or consulting experience, leadership positions, scholarly contributions, achievements, awards, or skills.

　　Describe the vision you have of yourself after completing your degree in terms of your identity as a researcher, educator, and a citizen of your profession. Indicate how you envision yourself being professionally active after you complete your studies at Virginia Tech.

　　Indicate specific faculty research, training opportunities, and content areas that are of interest to you. Discuss possible topics for your thesis or dissertation research.

　　Briefly assess your strengths and weaknesses related to graduate study.

　　You may also choose to explain any special circumstances applicable to your background.

　　Evidence of English Proficiency

　　The Graduate School requires that all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents demonstrate English proficiency to ensure they enter the university with sufficient English skills necessary to function in a graduate program. A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test score is the most common way international applicants demonstrate English proficiency. We require a minimum TOEFL score of 90 (IBT) or IELTS score of 6.5 for admission. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based test (PBT).

　　Test scores should be sent to us using ETS institution code 5859.

　　

English language requirements

　　6.0

　　Overall IELTS band score

　　Book IELTS

　　About IELTS

　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 80.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at Virginia Tech. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　251st / 1250

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