Undergraduate Professional Development Conference:
Child and Family Sciences

About the Conference

The School of Social and Family Dynamics at Arizona State University is proud to host the 5th annual Professional Development Conference for Undergraduates Interested in Graduate Training in Family and Child Sciences. This conference is funded by the Cowden Endowment and is designed to bring together eager and bright students to learn about the exciting changes and facets of child and family sciences. Undergraduate students from across the country who will be seniors in the fall of 2011 and who are planning to pursue graduate doctoral training in a discipline related to family and child sciences (child development, family studies, psychology, education, sociology, etc.) will be brought together on campus for a weekend of discussions about applying and preparing for graduate school, where the field is going, opportunities in the field, interdisciplinary research and education, and general discussions with faculty and graduate students in the field. This competitive conference will allow students to learn more about becoming an academic, develop a network of faculty and students from across the country, and help prepare for graduate school and beyond. Conference attendees will learn about graduate programs in family and child sciences, and is focused on research-oriented programs leading to doctoral degrees. Students who have primarily clinical interests are not encouraged to apply.

The Cowden Endowment provides funds to the School of Social and Family Dynamics and this conference. Students who are selected to attend will be provided with funding to pay for all travel-related expenses (airfare, local transportation, hotel, and meals). Students will attend interactive discussion sessions over the course of the 2 days of the conference. Opportunities for socializing and individual sessions will also be provided.

Students who are selected to attend will be provided with funding to pay for all travel-related expenses (airfare, local transportation, board, and meals). Students will attend interactive discussion sessions over the course of the 2 days of the conference, Students will attend interactive discussion sessions over the course of the 2 days of the conference, and will not be required to prepare any materials for presentation. Opportunities for socializing and individual sessions will also be provided.

Why Should I Participate?

This is an opportunity for you to:

• Learn about research in the field of family/child sciences and the dramatic changes that are taking place
• Enhance your understanding of academic training in a small, informal setting
• Interact with faculty and graduate students in your field
• Exchange ideas with other undergraduates and learn about their experiences at different institutions of higher education
• Prepare yourself for graduate school and develop a better understanding of research and training at the graduate level
• Enhance your resume

The conference provides an excellent forum for developing your intellectual skills, becoming better prepared for graduate school, exploring your research interests, and identifying areas for graduate training in child and family sciences.

Find out more about graduate programs in Family and Human Development or Sociology