M.A. Human Development

Human Development specialists study the physical and psychological changes that human beings experience across their life spans—from motor skills development to psychological and emotional development in the areas of problem-solving, language acquisition, personality and identity formation, social and emotional maturation, and beyond. They explore the interaction between biology and environment, and work to enhance development across the life span in diverse social contexts. Students distinguish between observations and theory (reality and fantasy, data and inferences/assumptions). Students collect verifiable and reliable data, present their findings, and link their research with existing literature in the field. Students pose a burning, researchable question; justify the desire to investigate by placing the question in professional, social, and personal context; address issues of diversity and anti-bias in the field and in their approach; collect information, analyze, and synthesize the findings; and evaluate the implications of their findings.

This program builds competence in human development, knowledge of the social and political contexts of development, communication skills, integration of theory into practice, and research—preparing graduates to take on leadership roles in a range of settings serving young children and their families. Graduates are prepared to work in a vast range of settings and many of our graduates have gone on to become community college instructors, administrators, supervisors, and teachers in early childhood settings worldwide—helping to spread our inclusive, strength-based approach.