Texas Tech University

HDFS Graduate Program FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

On-campus programs

Online programs through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA)

When are applications due for on-campus A.B.M, master's and Ph.D. Programs?

The priority deadline will be used in consideration of competitive fellowship offers. The HDFS Department will continue accepting and reviewing applications on a rolling basis after the priority deadline has passed, all the way to the start of the fall semester. Scholarships and fellowships will be offered based on the availability of funding. Spring admissions will be also considered.

When are applications due for online master's in Youth Development & Gerontology Concentrations and online Graduate Certificates?

  • Spring Admissions: November 1
  • Fall Admissions: April 15

Will I receive an assistantship if I attend TTU?

Yes. Students who apply for scholarships from the TTU Graduate School will be considered and are eligible for departmental and college scholarships as well.
The department prioritizes assistantships for Ph.D. students. If additional funding is available, every effort will be made to provide assistantships to Master's students. Assistantships are typically provided for fall and spring semesters. Summer financial support is limited and cannot be guaranteed. Students who receive an assistantship must be enrolled full time (9 credit hours) during the semester of the assistantship.

What courses are required to complete the ABM, M.S., and Ph.D. degrees?

The degree plans, including required courses, are available on this page under the Policies and Manuals tab.

How do I apply?

Students need to complete an application to the TTU Graduate School, which will include basic information about the applicant, educational history, transcripts, a goal statement, list of faculty with whom the student would like to work, and names of 3 references (who will receive a link to provide their recommendations for the applicant).

What materials are required in the application?

  • Three Letters of Reference
  • A Statement of Professional Goals
  • Additional Application Questions
  • Transcripts from all previous Universities/Colleges
  • Resume/CV
  • GRE has been waived for academic year 2021/2022 admissions

What is the most important part of my application?

The department takes a holistic approach to reviewing applicants. Thus, no single criterion takes primacy. Students are admitted based on whether they are a good fit for the program and whether they show potential for success.

When will I know if I have been accepted?

Students who submit their application by December 1 will be notified on or around December 15. Applications submitted after the priority deadline (December 1) will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee on a monthly basis at the end of each month and, thus, notifications will be sent approximately 15 days after the monthly review of applications.

May I contact HDFS Faculty prior to completing my application?

Absolutely! We encourage applicants to all programs to contact faculty who they are interested in working with. For more information about HDFS Faculty visit this page: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/hdfs/faculty.php

Is there a campus visit for graduate students?

Admitted students are invited to a campus visit in late February to help familiarize them with the program and campus prior to making their enrollment decisions. Students who would like to visit campus prior to their application are encouraged to contact the Graduate Program Director for additional information.

How many years does it typically take to complete a graduate degree in HDFS?

  • Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's (A.B.M.) = 1 year
  • M.S. = 2 years
  • Ph.D. = 4 years (after an M.S. degree)
  • Post-baccalaureate Ph.D. program = 5 years

How has the department adapted to the COVID-19 situation?

Some graduate courses, most meetings, and other functions in the department have been converted to online formats (Zoom or Blackboard). Faculty work either remotely or on campus and meet with students regularly face-to-face or via Zoom.

How is the department committed to campus access & engagement?

The mission of the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences is to promote the health of individuals, families, and relationships across the lifespan through research, teaching, service, and community outreach and engagement in both local and global contexts. Supported by the College of Human Sciences' commitment to campus access & engagement, we believe all individuals are unique and worthy of respect.

Can I be admitted to the A.B.M., M.S., or Ph.D. programs as a part-time student?

No. The department expects active participation in research and teaching; thus, students need to be enrolled full time in the program.

Do you offer online courses for your graduate programs?

The department does not offer online courses for on-campus M.S. and Ph.D. programs. However, GPIDEA programs are offered entirely online.

What additional application materials are needed if I am an international student?

All applications to graduate programs from domestic and international students are handled directly by the Graduate School; please visit this page for additional information about international applicants: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/admissions/InternationalProspectiveStudents.php

International applicants are also encouraged to contact the Office of International Affairs to inquiry about admissions documentation and procedures: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/international/ieem/prospective.php

Where can I find information about the HDFS graduate program guidelines?

All program information, including our Graduate Student Handbook, can be found here: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/hdfs/graduate/manuals.php

Does the HDFS graduate program accept transfer credits?

Yes, up to 30 hours of transfer credit may be applied toward any program requirements upon approval of the student's committee and the Graduate School.

Do students have opportunities to teach classes?

Yes! The Ph.D. curriculum includes a teaching practicum in which students will be the instructor of record for a course. Students may guest lecture in different courses in consultation with their advisors.

How do students get involved in research projects?

Typically, students will be placed with their advisor to do research work. If their advisor is not actively participating in research, the student may be assigned to another faculty member's research lab. Graduate students are also encouraged to participate in projects across other HDFS research labs in consultation with their advisors and the faculty directing those labs and research projects.

What is daily life like for an HDFS graduate student at Texas Tech?

This will look different depending on what year a student is in regarding their graduate school journey. However, most days consist of attending classes and meetings, completing homework assignments, serving on committees, completing assistantship duties, attending professional development seminars, and writing manuscripts.

What is life in Lubbock like?

Here are a couple of good resources for Lubbock activities!

Can I contact current students?

Yes, we encourage it! Our graduate students have been through this process and are a great resource. Their contact information can be found here:
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/hdfs/graduate_students/index.php

I am interested in a particular subject area for my graduate studies. Where can I find information on faculty members' research interests?

Faculty members' research interests can be found here: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/hdfs/faculty.php

What is the typical class size?

Graduate classes tend to be small (10-15 students).

Human Development and Family Sciences

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