Program Description
Human Development is an interdisciplinary program that integrates theory and methodology from disciplines such as anthropology, biology, linguistics, psychology, and sociology. The program explores the processes and mechanisms underlying developmental change and stability across the lifespan and the socio-cultural and historical contexts in which development takes place.
The Program’s curriculum aims to develop in students a basic understanding of major research findings and core concepts in human development, the ability to analyze and evaluate theoretical and practical issues in the field, and the skills to apply learning to diverse communities outside the University. The Program strives to create an optimal learning community that values and fosters collaborative learning and dialogue between and among students and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a B.A. in Human Development from will be able to:
- Demonstrate core knowledge in biological, psychological, and social aspects of human development;
- Demonstrate critical thinking ability to identify similarities, differences, and connections among human development perspectives;
- Thoughtfully reflect on the application of human development knowledge and skills to settings outside the university. Students should additionally be able to apply their knowledge and skills to new and diverse situations outside the university;
- Access information, design and carry out individual and group research projects, and present them clearly, logically and persuasively;
- Show ability to understand themselves reflectively and others empathetically and apply these skills to both academic and nonacademic contexts.
Career Opportunities
The interdisciplinary approach of the Human Development Program provides students with excellent preparation for graduate study in a wide range of disciplines, including anthropology, education, social work, sociology, medicine, public administration, law, criminal justice, psychology, and counseling. It also prepares students to work with people of all age groups from diverse racial, cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic, religious backgrounds, and sexual orientations. Students majoring in Human Development find a variety of career options in areas such as education, social work, health care, counseling, law and law enforcement, and human resource and organizational work in community or corporate settings.
Features
Human Development faculty members come from a wide range of academic disciplines, including anthropology, biology, human development, linguistics, neuropsychology, psychology, and sociology.
Students select one of five Options: Early Childhood Development, Childhood Development, Adolescent Development, Adult Development and Gerontology, or Women’s Development.
Minors in Human Development and Women’s Studies (please see Women’s Studies Minor) are also offered.
Students have the opportunity to pursue internships that integrate academic learning and field experience, and promote the development of professional activities. Internships are graded Credit/No Credit only and may be repeated for credit.
As part of its commitment to educational access, the Program incorporates a broad range of educational formats, including online classes, hybrid classes that combine an online component with face-to-face interaction, and face-to-face lecture/discussion and seminar classes.
The major is offered at both the Hayward and Concord campuses.
The program also offers its major through P.A.C.E. (Program for Accelerated College Education). Please contact the P.A.C.E. office for further information.
