Course Overview

The Human Development and Social Policy (PhD) program at Northwestern University is designed to train scholars in the interdisciplinary study of human development, social policy, and their intersections. The program emphasizes rigorous research methodologies to address pressing social issues, focusing on how policies and contexts shape individual and community outcomes across the lifespan. Unique features include a strong emphasis on collaboration with faculty and access to cutting-edge research opportunities.

Career Prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, policy analysis, and leadership roles in governmental and non-governmental organizations. The program equips students with skills to influence social policy and improve societal well-being through evidence-based approaches.

Key Faculty and Staff

Prominent faculty include leading researchers in human development and policy studies, though specific names are subject to change. Students work closely with advisors who are experts in areas such as education policy, family dynamics, and social inequality.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

The program benefits from affiliations with renowned research centers at Northwestern, including the Institute for Policy Research, which provides access to data, funding, and collaborative projects. Students also engage with community and policy organizations through applied research initiatives.