PhD in Family Relations & Applied Nutrition

The University of Guelph is a comprehensive public research university located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It is recognized for its strong programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, life sciences, environmental sciences, business, and the arts. The university is committed to providing a transformative learning experience and fostering a supportive community for its students. With a focus on research, innovation, and community engagement, the University of Guelph prepares students to address global challenges and contribute to society.

The Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition offers MSc and PhD level graduate study in four fields: Applied Human Nutrition; Family Relations and Human Development Critical Family and Kinship Studies; and Couple and Family Therapy. Applied Human Nutrition (MSc, PhD) This field incorporates both physiological and behavioural aspects of human nutrition and spans all age groups in its focus on the role of nutrition in human health and well-being. Faculty have specific interests in clinical and community nutrition, physical activity, nutrition assessment, education, health services research, inter-professional practice and epidemiology. This field of study provides a strong foundation in research and nutrition methodology through required courses and thesis work. Family Relations and Human Development (MSc, PhD) This field of study emphasizes a balance between theory, empirical research and practice in graduate training. Students have many options for building an individualized program of study combining coursework and thesis research. Building on core theory and methodology courses, students choose from professional and applied courses as well as courses on specialized topics. The area of study has particular strengths in the following areas: child and adolescent development, parent-child and family relations, human sexuality, culture, adult development and gerontology, well-being, evidence-based practice, and social policy. Critical Family and Kinship Studies (MSc) This field of study emphasizes critical approaches to understanding family and kinship across the lifespan. Students have the opportunity to focus their research interests and build an individualized program of study through interdisciplinary coursework and thesis research that aims to challenge dominant discourses of family through critical, poststructural, and decolonized approaches. This area of specialization has particular strengths in the following areas: critical race and disability studies, queer theories, Indigenous family well-being, social constructionism and human-animal relationships. Couple and Family Therapy (MSc) This competency-based program is both a Recognized Education and Training Program with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. The field of study is intensive and focuses on theory, research and clinical practice. The curriculum is designed to produce sophisticated therapists and scholars by integrating contemporary theory, research competence, and systemic approaches to therapy in the understanding and treatment of couples, families, and individuals. This integrated program combines high professional practice standards and ethical conduct, with attention to broader social issues that impact couples and families, and places emphasis on issues of diversity, power and privilege. An accredited Master of Applied Nutrition (MAN) professional degree program is also offered. Current and prospective graduate students are also directed to the department website. The inter-disciplinary faculty in the department have expertise in psychology, sociology, sexuality, adult development, education, social work, culture, family therapy, nutrition and physical activity. The overarching theme of the work in the department is enhancing lives through science and practice. The faculty share a common interest in expanding and applying knowledge about family relations and human development, especially in relation to the social, emotional, psychological, nutritional, and economic well-being of families across the life cycle. Graduate programs with an emphasis on nutrition and metabolism are available in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences; those with an emphasis on animal nutrition are available in the Department of Animal Biosciences.