The Human Development Major

The human development major provides a solid academic foundation for practitioners in the human services as well as related fields such as education and health care. Those whose professional concern is with the life chances of others require a thorough knowledge of development throughout the life span and of the familial and societal contexts of this development. The human development major stresses the application of this knowledge to the human services.

Specifically, course work in the human development major emphasizes knowledge and skills in several areas:

Human development across the life span. The core of the human development major is a series of three courses examining in detail the development of the individual from conception through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. One may also take a course in Dying as a Stage of Life. Advanced coursework addresses abnormal development, theories of personality and linkages between brain functioning and behavior. All courses devote considerable attention to implications for intervention in the human services.

The family context of development. Several courses focus on the family as a vitally important context for human development. Courses deal with key issues in modern family life: gender roles, alternative family structures, social class, ethnicity, divorce, remarriage and stepparenting, substance abuse, work and the family, patterns of family interaction, family violence, and child maltreatment.

The wider social context of development. This theme is emphasized throughout the curriculum so that students become increasingly aware of the impact of social circumstances, institutions, conditions and policy on individuals and families. Courses dealing with the human services system and the ecology of human development provide a detailed consideration of social and cultural influences on development.

Intervention skills. Several courses in principles of individual, group and family counseling contribute to students’ ability to apply their knowledge of human development in helping others. Courses are also available in psychological assessment, chemical dependency, and grant writing. Students have the opportunity to gain valuable field experience through practicum placements with a variety of human services agencies. The senior project in human development allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to address a problem or unmet need in the workplace or community.

This combination of a life span approach to human development, an ecological orientation and an applied focus produces graduates who are well prepared to contribute to the enhancement of the lives of those to whom they provide services. Students also have the strong academic background they need to pursue graduate-level study in such fields as social work, rehabilitation counseling, mental health counseling, applied psychology and education.

See Degree Requirements for the Human Development Major.