Graduate Programs Overview

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.

Critical Family and Kinship Studies (MSc)

The Graduate program in the field of Critical Family and Kinship Studies is an exciting endeavour that is fairly unique within Family Studies programs and emphasizes critical theories and creative methodologies to understand diverse expressions of family and kinship. 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.

Master of Relational and Family Therapy (MRFT)

The Master of Relational and Family Therapy is a two-year immersive clinical training program that integrates theory into the practice of relational and systemic psychotherapy, where therapists work with a client in the context of their many relationships and broader social systems.

Master of Psychotherapy (MP)

The Master of Psychotherapy is a two-year immersive clinical training program that integrates theory into practice through community-based experience. The program teaches strength-based and traditional psychotherapy perspectives that respect the diverse experiences and communities of both students and clients.

Master of Arts in Mental Health (MA)

The Master of Arts in Mental Health (MA.MH) is a two-year online program at the University of Guelph designed to give you the best non-clinical mental health training possible in Ontario. If you're a professional in a field such as teaching, human resources, social work, policing, or nursing, this course-based master's degree is a flexible pathway for you to upgrade or enhance your education so you can address our society's growing demand for mental health support through your existing or future career.

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 Maplewoods Centre for Family Therapy and Child Psychology 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?