Graduate Programs Overview

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The Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition offers programs at both Masters and Doctoral level, with four different specializations.

Applied Human Nutrition (MSc) (PhD)

The graduate programs in the field of Applied Human Nutrition draw on several perspectives in applied human nutrition, including those from the behavioural, biological, and social sciences and spans all age groups in its focus on the role of nutrition in health and well-being.

Couple and Family Therapy (MSc)

The MSc program in Couple and Family Therapy is an intensive program in theory, research, and practice, is a recognized program with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.

Critical Family and Kinship Studies (MSc)

The Graduate program in the field of Critical Family and Kinship Studies is an exciting and innovative endeavour that is fairly unique within Family Studies programs and provides our department an opportunity to pioneer graduate studies and research in this area. In particular, the emphasis on theoretical approaches that challenge dominant social structures and narratives, and the broadened examination of Kinship to include individuals and their relationships to the land and with human and non-human family members, is included.

Family Relations and Human Development (MSc) (PhD)

The Graduate programs in the field of Family Relations and Human Development draw on several disciplines in the study of family dynamics and individual development within the context of the family across the life-span. The graduate programs take an interdisciplinary approach to research.  The programs emphasize a balance between theory, empirical research and practice.  

Master of Applied Nutrition (MAN)

MAN is a professional advance practice degree program.  It is accredited by Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP) as a dietetic internship program.   

Degree Programs: Integrating Research and Practice

Faculty interests and research programs provide for a range of thesis topics within each of these areas. The multidisciplinary faculty members represent education, family therapy, nutrition, psychology, sociology, and social work.  Faculty share a common interest in expanding and applying knowledge about nutrition, and/or family relations and human development, especially in relation to the economic, emotional, nutritional, psychological, and social well-being of individuals and families across the life cycle.  Three primary research themes cut across the entire department:  

  • Health and Well-Being
  • Parenting, Parent-Child Relationships
  • Community Programs and Services

Special opportunities for research and clinical experience are available in the department's Couple and Family Therapy Centre and the University of Guelph's Child Care and Learning Centre.  A computing facility is also available for graduate students and a research facility is available with labs for focus groups and telephone surveys.  Opportunities for research are also provided by many agencies in the community.

Interested in Graduate Studies in the Department of Family Relations & Applied Nutrition?