Graduate Programs in Family and Community Studies

The Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life offers a unique interdisciplinary curriculum drawing from the humanities, social sciences, health sciences, community development, and policy studies.  Graduate courses include globalization, world regions, human development, democracy and civil society, comparative social policy, community change, human rights law, humanitarian assistance, and research methods.  Our programs benefit current or prospective university educators, interdisciplinary researchers, NGO leaders, government officials, community developers, social workers, psychologists, public health workers, and others.

We have multiple graduate programs available to meet your needs:

Campus-Based Programs (PhD or Certificate)

• For those interested in policy, research, or interdisciplinary work in governmental or non-governmental sectors
• For students that receive assistantships, we try to provide up to 3 years of assistantship funding and tuition waiver for students with master's degrees, and 4 years for those with bachelor's; however, student-generated funding (e.g., grants, private funding) is encouraged

Blended Distance Education (PhD, MPA, or Certificate)

• For those unable to leave a job or a residence to attend a PhD or Certificate program, the same curriculum is delivered through archived materials and regular contact with faculty by phone, Skype, or E-mail
• Master's in Public Administration (MPA) specialties in community services and social policy are offered in collaboration with Clemson's Strom Thurmond Institute
• Students annually visit Clemson University for a three-week class in late summer and for long weekends in fall and spring semesters
• Students from North America pay the Clemson University distance education rate, and students from developing or transitional countries may be offered a reduced rate

Overseas Program (PhD, MPA, or Certificate)

• We are currently working with colleagues in collaborating institutions to offer the CU-IFNL graduate program abroad.

Back to IFNL home.