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Welcome

The Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS)* would like to extend a warm welcome to our incoming and continuing graduate students. Over the past few years, the department has undergone tremendous growth and change in faculty, student body, and scholarship. HDFS is a community comprised of faculty, students, and staff who are committed to high quality research, teaching, and service. The program is well regarded nationally and internationally, and the faculty has worked hard to offer our students a high quality program by conducting cutting-edge research and scholarship.

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This handbook describes the tasks and deadlines that are necessary for you to earn your graduate degree. The information noted in this version of the HDFS Graduate Handbook applies to all students admitted fall 2017. Students are held to the program requirements for the year in which they matriculate. All graduate students should refer to the handbook for answers to questions regarding graduate policies and procedures.  Throughout the handbook there will be links that direct you to other various websites, procedures, guidelines and forms.  You should always refer to the Syracuse University Website (www.syr.edu) for current information regarding all areas addressed in the handbook, as websites and links may change.

Admission

Applications for HDFS Graduate programs are typically accepted for the fall semester only. All prospective graduate students are advised to become familiar with and follow the Graduate School admission procedures as outlined on the Syracuse University graduate students admissions information page.   International students should also visit the Syracuse University international graduate students admissions information page which provides additional information and instructions regarding admissions procedures. All applicants must submit an:

  • Application

  • Non-refundable application fee

  • Official transcripts of earlier academic degrees

  • GRE scores (may be waived for MA/MS)

  • TOEFL and financial statement (if applicable)

  • Three letters of recommendation (preferably from faculty members)

  • Personal statement reflective of career goals and objectives (including research and teaching interests).

Students seeking admission to the Department of Human Development and Family Science must meet the general admissions requirements of the Graduate School. While no single factor determines entry to the program, competitive applicants typically have a minimum of:

  • GPA of 3.00 or higher (undergraduate and/or master’s degree)

  • GRE score of 144 Quantitative score, 153 Verbal score (exam taken on or after August 1st, 2011). Please note, the GRE exam must be taken within the last five years)

  • TOEFL scores of 577 (paper test) and 90 for the Internet based (IBT) test (For international students whose primary language is not English)

Admission decisions are made by the HDFS faculty and are based on the student’s academic background (i.e., GPA, GRE scores), experience (e.g., research activity, related work experience), letters of recommendation, and areas of interests. It is not uncommon for successful applicants to have well beyond the minimum requirements.

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Current Syracuse University graduate students who wish to apply to a HDFS graduate degree program are eligible to apply through the internal admission process. This includes graduate students who:

  • Are currently enrolled in another graduate program

  • Have completed a graduate program and would like to apply the following fall semester

  • Have completed a HDFS Master’s degree and would like to apply to the doctoral program

Graduate students who are in one of the above categories should review the Internal Admissions Process that can be found under each degree listed on our Academic Programs page and complete the application along with obtaining the necessary signatures. Applicants must also provide all official degree transcript/s, a statement of research interests, and three letters of recommendation. Forms must be completed and turned into the department administrative assistant. Internal applicants are subject to the same admission requirements as those applying from outside the university.

Note: Students who received a graduate degree from Syracuse University more than 12 months prior to their application to the HDFS graduate program should apply online. Students who are taking graduate classes and are not currently pursuing a graduate degree at Syracuse University should also apply online.

Enrollment

Full and Part-Time Enrollment

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Individuals who are not formally admitted into a HDFS degree program, but wish to enroll in HDFS courses may do so as a non-matriculated student. Non-matriculated students may take up to a maximum of nine credit hours of coursework, beyond which they must apply to be formally admitted into a graduate degree program. Students who have completed coursework on a non-matriculated basis, prior to their admission into the graduate program, may petition to have the courses applied towards their degree requirements.

Academic Advising

Temporary Faculty Advisor

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All students are required to choose a permanent advisor by the end of their second semester. Given that new students will be exposed only to a portion of the HDFS faculty during their first year, they are expected to meet with each faculty member to discuss research activities, as well as their own research interests and professional goals. Choosing a permanent faculty advisor is an important decision that students should make only after careful consideration. A student’s interests should align with their advisor’s areas of expertise. The selection of a permanent advisor involves a significant commitment on the part of the faculty and therefore requires their explicit agreement. Students should be aware of their permanent advisor’s expectations and approach to graduate training. Students are expected to meet regularly with their advisors. Once a faculty member has agreed to accept a student as a permanent advisee, the student must notify the department administrative assistant in writing, of the change in advisors.

Transfer Credits

Graduate courses completed at a previous institution may be petitioned to apply to HDFS graduate degree requirements. Courses in research methodology, statistics, and HDFS or related disciplines are eligible for consideration. Courses with a grade of B- or lower, taken Pass/Fail, or completed more than five years prior to the student’s entry into the program will not be considered. Grades from other institutions are not included in the Syracuse University GPA.

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All students must file a “Program of Study” form  to the department by the end of the second semester. The program of study is developed in consultation with the student’s advisor, and is a listing of all intended courses to be completed in fulfillment of all degree requirements. The program of study should reflect a coherent body of study that is aligned with a student’s academic and career goals.

  • A final Program of Study must be submitted to the department and filed with the Graduate School before a final thesis or dissertation defense can be held.

  • Note: It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to ensure they meet all program and graduation requirements. 

Annual Review 

Each spring semester the department assesses the graduate program. This assessment process includes gathering data from our students via an annual review. The annual review is designed to facilitate students’ progress by providing timely feedback regarding their overall performance. The process allows graduate students and faculty to discuss student achievements and to address programmatic questions or concerns. The online Annual Review form allows students to highlight information regarding their academic progress and accomplishments (career goal, honors and awards, conference presentations, publications, research experience, teaching experience) and to share their plans for upcoming year.

  • In preparation for the review, all graduate students are required to complete the Annual Review for Graduate Students form, and attach your current Curriculum Vitae (C.V).  Note that you will be able to attach your C.V. at the end of the online form. Both of these documents will be forwarded to your advisor.  

  • NOTE: The deadline for completion is on or before April 15th

Annual Review Process: 

      • Students complete the online Annual Review form and attach their C.V. by April 15th.

      • Faculty advisors contact students to schedule a meeting to discuss their annual review and evaluation by May 1st.

      • A summary of the evaluation will be sent to the student and placed in the student’s file. 

      • The faculty will also share information about the student’s progress at the department’s annual graduate assessment meeting in early May.

Academic Standards

Minimum Requirements

To maintain good standing, all HDFS graduate students are required to:

  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, including courses taken outside the department (e.g., anthropology, education, psychology, sociology, etc.).

  • Earn a B or better in all required courses.

Incompletes

Students are discouraged from taking an incomplete grade in any course. In the event that a student must file for an “Incomplete,” the Syracuse University Request for Incomplete Grade form must be submitted to the department chair for approval. Students who do not abide by the terms of the Incomplete will receive an “F.” Any graduate student with an incomplete may not be eligible for graduate assistantships. 

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Students who fail to meet the minimum requirements are subject to academic probation. To return to good standing students who fall below cumulative GPA of 3.0, have one semester to reestablish their GPA. Students who earn a B- or lower in a required course must retake the course the next semester it is offered. 

Dismissal

Students are subject to dismal under the following conditions:

  • They fail to return to good standing under the condition outlined above.

  • They do not make satisfactory progress towards their degree (see below).

  • Unable to successfully complete the comprehensive exam in two attempts.

  • Found to be in violation of Syracuse University’s Academic Integrity Policy (e.g., plagiarism).

Satisfactory progress

Students are also subject to dismissal if they fail to complete degree requirements in the required timeframe. Students who are dismissed from the program will not be readmitted to the program.

  • Master’s degree — Full-time students must complete all coursework within three years from the time that they register for the first course applied in their master’s degree program. Part-time students must work with their advisor to complete a course timeline that must be approved by the Graduate Committee to become effective. All students must complete their master’s thesis or project within two years of finishing their coursework.

  • Doctoral degree — The maximum time allowed to reach candidacy status (the completion of all required coursework and comprehensive exam) is seven years from the term a student matriculates into the doctoral program. Doctoral candidates must complete their dissertations within five years of passing their comprehensive examinations. 

Program Extensions

In the event that a graduate student cannot complete their degree within the allotted time, they may apply for a one-time 6-month extension. To request an extension, students should consult their advisor and submit a formal request to the graduate director. The request should be in the form of a memorandum stating the reason for the extension and must include a detailed plan with a timeline outlining how the remaining work will be completed within the 6-month extension period. Please note that extensions are granted only under the most extenuating circumstances (e.g., major illness). The department chair in consultation with the graduate committee makes the final decision. Note that students who are granted an extension are required to register for GRD 991 and pay the associated fees (review the following section on Exceeding Time to Degree Requirements).

Exceeding Time to Degree Requirements (Rules & Regs, 32.0-Graduate School)

If the student has exceeded the seven-year limit for achieving ABD status, the student must register for GRD 991, which requires a minimum of one credit hour per semester, each fall and spring semester until ABD status is achieved. If the student fails to register for GRD 991, for a given term, the student will be withdrawn from the program. If the student has exceeded the degree completion limit of five years after achieving ABD status, the student must register for GRD 991, which requires a minimum of one credit hour per semester, each fall and spring semester until the completion of the doctoral degree. If the student fails to register for GRD 991, for a given term, the student will be withdrawn from the program. As of this time GRD 991, Doctoral Mentoring, only applies to PhD students. Masters students have 7 years to complete their degree but there are no financial implications if they do not.

HDFS Degree Programs

Master of Arts (M.A.)

The master’s degree (M.A.) in human development and family science is designed to meet the goals of individuals who seek to work in applied settings (such as service agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)) in which a broad background in human development and family science, administrative skills, and an appreciation for increasingly diverse client communities are important. The hallmark of our MA is that it offers broad training in the theory and methodology of lifespan human development and family science, training in skills critical for working in administrative or other roles in service delivery agencies, a specialized focus on topics offered through elective coursework, and the opportunity to work in an applied setting with special populations that represent growing sectors of our communities both in national and international settings.

The M.A. consists of 30-credit hours, which is comprised of 12 credit hours of required course work, 15 credits of elective courses, and 3 project credits.

Core Course Requirements (12 credits):

CFS 621 Statistical Concepts I

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Human Development in Immigrant and Refugee Families (15 credits)

  • CFS 682 Development in Immigrant/Refugee Families and Children 3 credit(s)

  • CFS 686 Family Life Education 3 credit(s)

  • Approved Elective Courses 9 credit(s)

Youth and Community Development (15 credits)

  • CFS 674 Promises and Problems in Youth and Emerging Adulthood 3 credit(s)

  • CFS 652 Mindfulness in Children and Youth 3 credit(s)

  • Approved Elective Courses 9 credit(s)

Independent Study: 

MA students may take up to 3 credits as “Independent Study.” An independent study may include research projects, literature reviews, or other scholarly activities beyond those involved in standard coursework. All independent studies are conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Students must complete the “Independent Study Form.” The independent study must be completed in the semester when it is undertaken.

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In addition to their coursework, MA students must complete a “master’s project.” Students are expected to work in service or agency settings on projects approved by their faculty committees. Applied work can include assisting an agency to plan and/or implement a program for families/children at a human service agency or related program on the local, national, or international level. Projects have been conducted in agencies such as the Children’s Defense Fund, Head Start, and local childcare programs.

After completing the necessary coursework, students must complete the “Program of Study Form”. The completed form should be submitted to the department administrative assistant for processing. The final defense of the Master’s project cannot be held until the “Program of Study” has been filed with the Graduate School.

Master’s Project Committee and Proposal:

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Students must submit their proposal to their committee members no less than 4 weeks prior to the date of the proposal defense. The proposal should include:

  • A description of the project

  • Importance of the project

  • Procedures to be used to conduct the project

  • Letter from the site supervisor agreeing for the student to complete the project at the site

  • Timeline for completion

Institutional Review Board Approval:

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When the project is completed, the student must provide a written report to his/her faculty advisor who will ascertain the quality of the project and provide feedback. After the faculty advisor has given his/her approval of the document, the student should submit a copy of the project to the other members of the committee (3-4 weeks). After all committee members have approved the document, the student can set the final defense date. M.A. students are not required to complete a Request for Examination form.  Students should follow the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines.

  • Defenses may be scheduled during the fall and spring semesters only.

The final oral defense of a project may be waived if any of the following conditions are met.

  • Student has written up the specific project for a scientific journal and it has been published or is in press (as primary author)

  • Student has presented on the specific project at a national conference (as primary author)

  • Student’s grant proposal based on the project has been funded (as primary investigator)

Following successful completion of the Master’s defense, the faculty advisor will send a memo of completion to the Graduate School. A final copy of the project must be provided to department.

Sample Course Schedule:

Year 1 Fall

CFS 621 Statistical Concepts I

CFS Elective

CFS Elective/SWK 775 Program Evaluation

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The M.S. in HDFS is a 30-credit program consisting of 15 required course credits (12 elective, and 3 thesis credits).

Substantive, Research Methodology, and Theory Requirements (15 credits):

CFS 621 Statistical Concepts I

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Students must submit their proposal to their committee members no less than 4 weeks prior to the date of the proposal defense. The proposal should include:

  • Introduction

  • Importance of the study

  • Literature review

  • Research questions and/or hypotheses

  • Proposed methodology (proposed sample, measures, and analytical techniques)

Institutional Review Board Approval:

Students must consult the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to determine if the proposed project requires IRB approval. If required should submit the necessary materials for approval prior to beginning the project. For more information review the Syracuse University Office of Research and Integrity and Protections page on Human Research.

Final Defense of Thesis:

After the faculty advisor has given his/her approval, the thesis is to be submitted to the thesis committee members for their feedback and suggestions. Committee members should be given at least four weeks to provide feedback. At the end of this period, committee members may require students to make changes to the thesis. Only after all committee members have given their approval should a thesis defense date be scheduled.  Students should include a faculty member (other than the 3 committee members) to chair the committee. At the Masters level the chair can be from within the Human Development and Family Science Department or from other departments/colleges throughout the University. This person will act as the representative of the Graduate School and will moderate the thesis defense. Read up on the procedures for graduate students defending theses or dissertations found at the Graduate School graduation requirements page. All M.S. students must complete a Request for Examination form, at least three weeks prior to your defense date.

Defenses may only be scheduled during the fall and spring semesters. All thesis defenses are open to the public and students are expected to provide the departmental administrative assistant with an abstract of their thesis two weeks prior to the defense. One copy of the thesis should be made available in the departmental office for public reading two weeks prior to the defense.

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Doctoral degree consists of 72 graduate credits (60 course credits and 12 dissertation credits)

Core Requirements (24 credits):

CFS 621 Statistical Concepts I

CFS 622 Statistical Concepts II

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CFS 732 Research Methods for Child and Family Studies II

* Students must also select an additional research methods course (advanced statistics, qualitative research) in preparation for their doctoral research, 3 credit(s).

Elective Course Requirements (36 credits):

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Elective/ CFS Directed Elective

Year 2 Fall

CFS 732 Research Methods for Child and Family Studies II

Elective/ Methods or Stats Course

Elective

Year 2 Spring

Elective/ Methods or Stats Course

CFS Directed Elective

Elective/ CFS Directed Elective

Year 2 Summer

Elective/ CFS Directed Elective

Elective

Year 3 Fall

Elective/ CFS Directed Elective (2x)

Elective

Year 3 Spring

Elective

Thesis (6 credits)

Year 3 Summer

Thesis (6 credits)

Comprehensive Examination

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Students intending to take the comprehensive exam must submit a letter of intent to the graduate director. Students planning to sit for the exam for a given semester must submit their letter of intent by the end of the preceding semester.

Following the letter of intent, students must submit the titles of two research studies; one of which will be randomly selected as the basis for the exam question. These titles should resemble the titles of journal articles from their discipline and should identify a specific area of research. Five keywords must also be provided for each title. The titles/areas should be developed in conjunction with their advisors, who are responsible for assessing whether the nature and scope of the topics are appropriate. Advisor approval is required prior to submitting the materials to the graduate director. Students will be invited to outline a research proposal on the selected topic for the exam.

Title/keyword examples:

Gender Differences in Child Aggression: Relations With Gender-Differentiated Parenting and Parents’ Gender-Role Stereotypes
Keywords: gender differences, children, aggression, parenting, gender-role stereotypes

Parents' Perceived Discrimination and Adolescent Adjustment in Chinese American Families: Mediating Family Processes
Keywords: adolescence, ethnic minority, parental perceived discrimination, delinquency, depression

Long-Term Predictions From Early Adolescent Attachment State of Mind to Romantic Relationship Behaviors
Keywords:  adolescence, attachment state of mind, romantic relationship competence, dyadic conflict, support-seeking

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The question and related materials will be e-mailed to students at 9:00 a.m. on the day of the examination. The completed exam must be submitted (electronic and hard copy) to the department administrative assistant by the end the three-week writing period no later than 9:00 a.m. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Evaluation and Notification of Results:

Three faculty members will be selected to evaluate each student’s comprehensive examination. These faculty members will judge whether the student’s performance (“pass,” “not pass”). Students who do not successfully complete the examination will be provided written feedback regarding their answer and a second opportunity to pass the exam. Students who receive a not pass, may retake the exam the following semester during the regular examination period. Students who do not pass the exam on their second attempt will be dismissed from the program.

Doctoral Candidacy:

Once a doctoral student has completed all coursework and passed the comprehensive examination, they advance to the status of “doctoral candidate.” This indicates that you have completed all the degree requirements with the exception of the dissertation. Doctoral candidates have five years to complete their dissertation from the date they passed the comprehensive examination.

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Prior to the dissertation proposal defense (see below), a student must identify a committee that will guide and evaluate their dissertation. The committee consists of a dissertation advisor and two additional faculty members. They will serve as the student’s “core committee.” Members of the core committee must be tenured or tenure-track faculty. Typically the core committee is comprised of department or university faculty. In rare cases, faculty from other peer institutions may serve as a committee member.

 Dissertation Proposal:

The dissertation is the culmination of a program of advanced study leading to the doctoral degree. It should embody the result of original research that constitutes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in child development or family studies. It is expected to possess a unity of theme, provide evidence of originality and critical judgment, and exhibit credible literary quality worthy of publication. Prior to beginning their dissertation, doctoral candidates must receive approval from their dissertation committee (see below). 

The dissertation proposal should be developed in close consultation with the faculty advisor. After the advisor has given his/her approval, the student should convene a dissertation proposal defense.

Committee members should be given 3-4 weeks to read the document prior to the proposal defense date. Committee members may request additional time if they have suggestions or concerns that the candidate may need to address prior to the defense. At the defense, the student will be expected to present key aspects of the proposed study, as well as respond to committee member questions. The student should be prepared to justify the relevance of the proposed research and the soundness of the methodology. Students whose dissertation proposals are deemed “unsatisfactory” will be asked to address any areas of concern and re-defend their proposal.

Using the format below, the candidate must submit a proposal describing their study:

Introduction:

The introductory paragraphs of the proposal should provide an orientation to the study. They establish the overall area of concern, arouse interest, and communicate information essential to the readers’ comprehension of the material to follow.  The section includes a description of the problem to be investigated, a statement of the purpose of the study, and an indication of the research question(s) and/or hypotheses to be addressed.

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This section of the proposal establishes the foundation for the study by providing the link between existing knowledge, previous investigations or contemporary practice. It answers two questions: (1) what is already known and (2) how is this particular study designed to move beyond the extant research in the field. The literature review contains only those studies that provide a framework and foundation for the proposed investigation. These studies are discussed in sufficient detail to make their relevance clear.  Pay particular attention to:

  1. Substantive knowledge in the area and critical analysis of the literature

  2. Issues of methodology and interpretations

  3. Conceptual and theoretical formulations

If appropriate, include a description of how the project is related to the theoretical models in the field or how it contributes to the formation of new theory. If this section is lengthy, consideration should be given to having a separate section under the heading “Theoretical Model”, in the proposal. The use of subheadings is encouraged. It is also recommended that the review section conclude with a brief summary of the literature reviewed and provide an overview of the important points that lend credence to the rationale of the proposed study. 

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The method section includes a detailed discussion of the research design and the procedures used to accomplish the study. The section should include:

  1. Identification and description of the target population and the sampling method

  2. Presentation of instruments and techniques for measurement

  3. Explanation of design for the collection of data

  4. Presentation of procedures for data collection

  5. Description of the pilot study (if appropriate)

  6. Presentation of plans for the analysis of data

Appendices:

Appendices are optional. Students may want to include copies of survey documents or other original materials in appendices. It is recommended that the student consult with their faculty advisor about what documents to include.

Institutional Review Board Approval:

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Upon completion of the oral examination, the committee will vote on the quality and the originality of the dissertation, and the student’s performance at the examination. The outcome of the committee deliberations will be one of the following results:

  • Pass (no revisions)

  • Pass with minor revisions (generally editorial)

  • Pass with major revisions (additional analyses, reorganization of manuscript)

  • Not Pass

Get further information from the Graduate School on the dissertation requirements for completion.

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The Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Human Development and Family Science is an intermediate degree between the master’s and the doctor of philosophy and is awarded by the Graduate School upon the recommendation of the academic unit.

Rules and Regulations

Degree in Progress

Students are required to enroll every semester (fall and spring) from the time of matriculation into the program until degree conferral, failure to do so will result in the loss of their “full-time status,” university-related privileges, and being dropped from the HDFS program. Students who have completed their graduate coursework are expected to register for GRD 998 (0 credits) and complete the Certification of Full-Time Status Form (every semester they enroll in GRD 998).

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Students who wish to claim an exemption to a standing policy and/or procedure may file a petition with the department stating their request and rationale. All petitions will be reviewed by the department chair, and/or the graduate committee for approval. 

Leave of Absence

Students requesting a leave from the University for personal or health reasons prior to completing their degree requirements must file an Official Leave of Absence which can be obtained from the department administrative assistant.   The form must be submitted whether or not they intend to return.

To take a leave of absence:

  1. A graduate student must complete the official withdrawal/leave of absence form.

  2. The department chair of the student’s primary program must sign the form.

  3. The student must hand deliver the form to the Office of Student Assistance, 306 Steel Hall. (In the case where a student is unable to do so, the department chair may send the form to the Office of Student Assistance.)

To return from the leave of absence:

  1. A graduate student must complete a petition to be readmitted to their program.

  2. The department chair must sign the petition.

  3. The student must send the petition to the Office of Student Assistance, 306 Steele Hall.

Grievance

If a student believes s/he has been treated unfairly or inappropriately by the faculty, s/he should state this in writing to the department Chair or Director and request to meet with the faculty. For

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more information on Grievance Procedures Policy

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visit  Falk College Academic Grievances website and  Syracuse University Policies website

A M.Phil. may be conferred upon a student who has satisfactorily completed all Ph.D. requirements with the exception of the dissertation. The following requirements apply: 1.) The student must be enrolled in the Ph.D. program of Human Development and Family Science; 2.) The student must have reached all but dissertation (ABD) status in Human Development and Family Science, in accordance with program requirements, and such designation must appear on the student's advising transcript; 3.) The student must complete a diploma request to receive an M.Phil. degree.

For further information and documentation required, please contact the HDFS Graduate Director.

Assistantships, Fellowships and Awards

Graduate Assistantships

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for new and continuing students. New students requesting an assistantship should indicate their request on the graduate school application for admission, and do not need to file a separate application for an assistantship.

Two types of graduate assistantships are available:

  • Teaching Assistantships (TA). TAs are assigned to a faculty supervisor and assist the faculty member with their classes. This includes teaching assistantships at the Bernice M. Wright Child Development Laboratory School.

  • Research Assistantships (RA). RAs are awarded by individual professors based on their available research funding. The positions may be full or part-time.

Students may be awarded full-time or part-time assistantships. Students receiving a full-time assistantship work 20 hours per week, and receive a stipend and tuition scholarships of 24 (9/9/6) credits every year (fall, spring, summer).

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Please visit the Syracuse University Financial Aid website for more information. Financial Aid is located in 200 Bowne Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244 (315) 443-1513.

Professional Development

The opportunity to participate in various professional development programs is available to graduate students to enrich their educational experience at Syracuse University. Please visit the Graduate School website to become familiar with the various educational programs. All doctoral students who have been GTA's for at least a semester are eligible to participate in the program. Participating in the Future Professorate Program (FPP) prepares students to teach at the collegiate level as well as prepare for a career in academia.

Students participating in the FPP are required to produce a portfolio at the end of their FPP experience that addresses the areas of research, teaching, and service. Participating in the FPP allows students to become eligible to independently teach classes as an instructor. Independent teaching by a graduate student participating in the FPP is done in close supervision of a faculty mentor (usually the student’s advisor) who will provide feedback and support.  If students are interested in participating in the FPP, they should contact the department administrative assistant. The University also requires that FPP participants to attend additional seminars/events related to teaching research, and service. Information concerning federal grants available to doctoral candidates can be obtained through the Office of Sponsored Programs, 211 Lyman Hall.

Facilities

Bernice M. Wright Child Development and Laboratory School

The Department of Human Development and Family Science operates the Bernice M. Wright Child Development Laboratory School.  The Child Development Laboratory is accredited by The National Association for the Education of Young Children and is New York State Licensed and provides opportunities for faculty research, teacher training, and community service. Founded as a model of the parent cooperative movement in early childhood education, parent involvement continues to be a valued and important part of the nursery school program. The program is staffed by both graduate and undergraduate students from the Department of Human Development and Family Science and the School of Education and others and offers a strong inclusive component that enhances developmental and cultural perspectives of its children and families. 

Computer Resources

Among the first things you will want to do when you arrive at Syracuse University is get your personal computer and other devices up and running on the University’s high-speed wireless (AirOrangeX) and wired (Ethernet) networks.

Information about preparing your computer and connecting it to the Syracuse University network can be found at: http://its.syr.edu, Syracuse University Information Technology Services (ITS) website. Click on the Welcome New SU Students box. The site also includes a handy checklist of computing things you should do before you get here, and information about computer requirements and purchasing recommendations, managing your NetID and password, public computer labs, campus online services and resources, and more.

If you need help with your computer or University online services

You can get assistance from ITS in several ways:

Visit the ITS website for detailed information about ITS Support Services, including locations and hours for walk-in support.

Stay In Touch With ITS

On the web: http://its.syr.edu 

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Students in the Department of Human Development and Family Science are eligible to participate in the university Graduate Student Organization. Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is open to all graduate students at Syracuse University. Students are automatically billed for GSO membership as part of their mandatory fees. The GSO office is located in Room 303 Lyman Hall.

HDFS Faculty and Professional Staff

The list of HDFS faculty members and professional staff, a brief description of their academic backgrounds, research interests, and contact information are presented below. Further information about their academic careers is available on the departmental website.

View a listing of HDFS Faculty and Staff online

HDFS Emeritus Faculty

George Bodine, Ph.D.

Alice Honig, Ph.D.

Harlan London, Ph.D. Robert Pickett, Ph.D.

Constance Timberlake, Ph.D.

Ruth Wynn, Ph.D.