The conceptual framework for the Ph.D. in Family and Child Studies is based on the link between the principles of ecology and systems theory with the study of families. The current interdisciplinary perspective assumes that family dynamics can best be understood within the multiple contexts in which they occur. With the exception of a 12-hour doctoral core, students plan an individualized program with their Committee on Studies that focuses on the area of Family Studies and which may include courses in the graduate unit as well as from other units. To be eligible for the doctoral core courses (advanced seminars in theories, research and legal, ethical and policy issues in Family Studies and Internship), students will be expected to have had graduate courses (Family Studies Master's Core courses) or their equivalents in human growth and development, family interaction, managing family resources, multicultural issues in working with families and children, introductory statistics and a course in research methods. In addition, students must have 24 credit hours in a secondary discipline and complete 15 hours to meet the inquiry skills requirement.