Karen Bogenschneider, Program Director
(608) 262- 4070 phone
kpbogens@facstaff.wisc.edu e-mail
(608) 265-1172 fax

For application materials contact:
Jane Weier
(608) 263-2381 phone
jaweier@facstaff.wisc.edu
(608) 265-1172 fax

The University of Wisconsin Child and Family Studies Graduate Program provides opportunities for advanced study and research on human development and families across the life span. Two assumptions are basic to the philosophy and organization of the program. First, we can only understand individual development within its social context, and families are an essential component of this context. Second, we can only understand families within their larger social context – historical change, social class, ethnicity, and public policy. The program offers courses on development in infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Other courses focus on family relationships, process, and diversity. The faculty bring the perspectives of many different disciplines to their work. Faculty and students never lose sight, however, of the connections among human development, family life, and the broader sociohistorical context.

The course of study for graduate students includes theory, methodology, and substantive research in human development and family studies. There is a demand for professionals trained in research, teaching, and service involving families and their members in higher education and human service programs. Regardless of whether students end up in academic or applied settings, they are prepared for a life of scholarship and service.

The University of Wisconsin and the Department of Child and Family Studies are committed to increasing the diversity of our student body and faculty. The University offers "Advanced Opportunity Fellowships" to qualified minority graduate students. These fellowships guarantee up to three years of support, including tuition and a stipend. CFS has been very successful in recruiting minority graduate students – 40% of the current incoming class are minority students. A multicultural perspective is emphasized throughout CFS curriculum.