Penn State HDFS Ph.D. Graduate Program Application 2027

Penn State is accepting applications for its Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) Doctor of Philosophy program. The application deadline is Dec. 1. Applicants must submit their materials through the Penn State Graduate School admissions portal.

This opportunity is for graduate study at Penn State in University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. The official application page outlines the required documents, English language requirements, and important program notes for prospective doctoral applicants.

Application Deadline: Dec. 1Eligible Countries: Not specified – please see official pageProgram Duration: Not specified – please see official pageProgram Location: University Park, Pennsylvania, USA (Penn State)Funding/Benefits: Not specified – please see official pageAward Provider: Penn State College of Health and Human Development (Human Development and Family Studies)

About this Program

The Penn State HDFS Ph.D. program is offered by the College of Health and Human Development. According to the official page, applicants should apply directly to the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Students who enter with a bachelor’s degree will complete a master’s degree en route to the doctoral degree. However, the department does not offer a terminal master’s program. In addition, the GRE is not required for this program.

Applications are submitted through the Penn State Graduate School admissions system. Therefore, candidates should review the official instructions carefully before starting their application.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must apply to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree.

Per University policy, an applicant may only apply to one graduate degree program at a time.

Students entering the program with a bachelor’s degree are required to complete a master’s degree en route to the doctoral degree.

HDFS does not have a terminal master’s program.

International applicants whose prior education was not in English must submit English exam scores unless exempt per Graduate School policy.

What Fellows Receive: Not specified – please see official pageProgram Components Doctoral study in Human Development and Family Studies; application through the Penn State Graduate School portal; completion of a master’s degree en route for students entering with a bachelor’s degree; GRE not required.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete their submission through the Penn State Graduate School admissions portal. Before you apply, make sure you prepare all required materials listed on the official program page.

Scientific writing sample (for example, a master’s thesis or equivalent)

Official transcripts; copies are acceptable at the initial application stage

Curriculum vitae or resume

Statement of professional and career plans, up to three pages and double-spaced

Three letters of recommendation submitted through the application portal

TOEFL or IELTS scores for applicants from countries where English is not the national language, unless exempt

For English language testing, the official page lists the following minimums: TOEFL iBT total score of 80 with 19 in speaking, or IELTS minimum score of 6.5.

👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details