IX. Graduate Programs
Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
PhD Program
The Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition offers a PhD graduate program in two fields: 1) applied human nutrition; and 2) family relations and human development.
The PhD program in the field of Applied Human Nutrition is a course of study with a strong research focus involving biological, epidemiological and/or social-science perspectives, typically completed within four years (12 semesters). Each student works closely with an advisory committee in developing an individualized program of study that provides depth and addresses the student's specific research and professional goals.
The PhD program in the field of Family Relations and Human Development is a course of study with a strong research focus, typically completed within four years (12 semesters). Each student works closely with an advisory committee to develop an individualized course of study that provides depth and addresses the student's specific research and professional goals. Building on core theory and methodology courses, students choose from professional and applied courses as well as courses on specialized topics. The PhD in FRHD has particular strengths in the following areas: child and adolescent development, parent-child and family relations, human sexuality, culture and acculturation, adult development and gerontology, evidence-based practice, well-being, and social policy.
NOTE: Students enrolled in the MSc program in the fields of Applied Human Nutrition or Family Relations and Human Development are not automatically considered for the respective PhD program; a formal application is required for those wishing admission. All applications are evaluated with reference to academic, research, and professional experience with particular emphasis on research background and potential.
Admission Requirements
Applied Human Nutrition
Students applying to the PhD program in the field of Applied Human Nutrition should have an MSc degree (or in progress) in human nutrition or a related field. Credit in the following courses is required prior to beginning the program: 1) a one-semester course in applied statistics (minimum grade of 75%) and 2) a one-semester course in research methods (minimum grade of 75%); PhD-AHN students must also have taken prior to beginning the PhD program OR will take during the PhD program, undergraduate and/or graduate courses needed to meet foundational knowledge in applied human nutrition. These courses may include, but are not limited to: introductory human nutrition, human physiology, psychology, communications/counselling, and human development/ sociology. A master's thesis is normally required for admission. These requirements may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed by April 30.
Family Relations and Human Development
Students applying to the PhD program in the field of Family Relations and Human Development should have an MSc degree (or in progress) in Family Relations and Human Development or a closely related degree program (e.g., human development, gerontology, psychology, sociology, couple and family therapy, social work). Credit in the following courses is required prior to beginning the program: 1) a one-semester course in applied statistics (minimum grade of 75%) and, 2) a one-semester course in research methods (minimum grade of 75%). A master's thesis is normally required for admission. These requirements may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed by April 30.
Program Requirements
Applied Human Nutrition
PhD students in Applied Human Nutrition are required to take a minimum of 1.75 graduate credits including FRAN*6550 (0.25) Research Seminar and three additional graduate courses [0.5 credits each] chosen in consultation with the student's advisory committee such as but not limited to:
| FRAN*6440 | [0.50] | Applied Factor Analysis & Structural Equation Modelling |
| FRAN*6610 | [0.50] | Advances in Clinical Nutrition |
| FRAN*6510 | [0.50] | Nutrition in the Community |
and/or other graduate elective courses, which may be taken within Family Relations and Applied Nutrition or in other academic units of the university.
NOTE: Students who do not have a Master's degree awarded by the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition or from another comparable program, will be required to take additional relevant statistics and/or methods courses (FRAN*6000, FRAN*6010 and/or FRAN*6020) offered by the department as part of their graduate program. Students who enter the PhD-AHN program from a non-nutrition undergraduate or MSc program will also be required to take additional undergraduate and/or graduate courses necessary to meet foundational knowledge in applied human nutrition.
Students must also complete a research thesis.
Family Relations and Human Development
PhD students in Family Relations and Human Development are required to take a minimum of 3.25 credits that build a foundation for their research and/or practice:
| FRAN*6000 | [0.50] | Quantitative Research Methods |
| FRAN*6010 | [0.50] | Applied Statistics |
| FRAN*6020 | [0.50] | Qualitative Research Methods |
| FRAN*6440 | [0.50] | Applied Factor Analysis & Structural Equation Modelling |
| FRAN*6340 | [0.50] | Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Family Relations and Human Development |
| FRAN*6280 | [0.50] | Theorizing in Family Relations and Human Development |
| FRAN*6330 | [0.25] | Research Seminar |
Most students take additional elective graduate courses related to their program of study. The student's selection of elective courses is primarily determined by research specialization. Each student works closely with an advisory committee in developing an individualized program of study by selecting courses that not only provide for interdisciplinary breadth but also address the student's specific research and professional goals. Each of the emphases also indicates areas of research that reflect current faculty interests and is intended to help students define an area of research and study.
Students must also complete a research thesis.