Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Development: Tufts University

M.A./Ph.D. and Ph.D. Programs

Doctoral Course of Study

Course of Study and Guidelines for Ph.D. Programs
Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Applied Child Development gain competence in research, and an understanding of theories and findings pertaining to social, emotional, intellectual, cultural, linguistic, and physiological growth of children. Students are expected to apply this theoretical and empirical knowledge in practical situations. The Child Development program offers numerous opportunities for this integration of practice and academic work through supervised field experiences, course work, colloquia, study groups and other Department activities. We believe this integrated approach provides the best training for postgraduate positions in a wide assortment of academic and applied settings, such as universities and schools, hospitals, day care centers, mental health clinics, museums, television studios, government offices, child and family advocacy centers and court-related service programs.

Although the program has a common goal--the training of highly qualified child development specialists--there is considerable flexibility in its implementation. Students designate areas of particular interest and develop individualized programs. Faculty members help each student design a program that both reinforces individual strengths and complements previous applied child development training and experience. In an effort to help students focus and organize their course of study, there are currently eight areas of concentration available, each of which has its own set of requirements. The concentrations are:

In recent years there has been an increased awareness of the need to apply theory and research on child and family development to the many problems and issues confronting those who are concerned about the care, education and welfare of children. It is our belief that the preparation of child development professionals who are knowledgeable about theory and research, and competent in the application of their knowledge, will help to fill the gaps that exist between theoreticians, researchers and practitioners. Thus an emphasis on application as well as on scholarship characterizes all of our Child Development programs.

Doctoral Program Guidelines