Human Development
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Human Development
Study Options
Requirements and Core Courses
Careers in Human Development
Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You
Contact Information
Human Development
Human development is the study of how children, youth, adults, and families develop, change, and face challenges throughout the life span (childhood, adolescence, adulthood). An undergraduate degree in human development prepares for a successful career in a variety of human services and/or educational settings.
• Offered at WSU: Bachelor of arts, master of arts
• Available at: Pullman, Vancouver (B.A. only), Distance Degree Program (B.A. only)
Study Options
Students who earn a bachelor of arts in human development can specialize in:
• Early childhood
• Adolescence
• Aging
• Family studies
• Preschool through third grade teacher certification
• Family and consumer sciences teacher certification
Requirements and Core Courses
—Bachelor of Arts in Human Development
REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINING PROGRAM
Students can certify as a human development major after taking 24 credit hours and earning at least a 2.0 GPA. Students completing a bachelor of arts degree in human development are required to complete a certified minor or approved certificate of study in another department. HD majors may also minor in the WSU program in aging.
REQUIRED HUMAN DEVELOPMENT COURSES
HD 201—Prenatal Through Age 8
HD 202—Middle Childhood Through Adolescence
HD 203—Adulthood Through Older Years
HD 204—Family Systems: Understanding Family Interaction
HD 310—Research Approaches to Human Development
HD 497—Professional Preparation
HD 320—Resource Management and Problem Solving
or HD 420—Theories of Human Development
HD 320—Resource Management & Problem Solving
HD 498—Field Placement
NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate.
Careers in Human Development
Human development graduates are employed in community action centers, Head Start family services, domestic violence programs, family support centers, childcare centers, residential treatment centers, programs for the elderly, juvenile correction programs, and youth programs. Students who earn a teaching certificate are qualified for jobs as teachers at the preschool, elementary, middle school, junior high, or high school levels. Additionally, human development is excellent undergraduate preparation pursuing graduate school in family therapy and human development research.
Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
• Desire to strengthen individuals, families, and communities
• Interest in current social issues and policies that impact families or individual family members
• Sensitivity to the valuable contributions and unique needs of all people
• Desire to learn about the development of individuals, families, and communities
• Desire to learn how a variety of educational approaches, social policies, and prevention/intervention strategies can influence the development of children, youth, and families
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Department of Human Development awards more $14,000 in scholarships annually. Students in the program are also eligible to compete for the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences Dean’s Merit Scholarship. Details regarding scholarship criteria are available on the College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences Web page and on the Department of Human Development Web site.
You may also be eligible for University scholarships and state or federal financial aid; visit the Scholarships section of our Web site (at left) for more information.
Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You
• Education
• Psychology
• Sociology
Contact Information
Department of Human Development
Washington State University
501 Johnson Tower
P.O. Box 644852
Pullman, WA 99164-4852
509-335-8439
E-mail: H_D@wsu.edu
Advising Contact
Margaret Young
513 Johnson Tower
P.O. Box 644852
Pullman, WA 99164-4852
Telephone: 509-335-9203
Fax: 509-335-2456
E-mail:
youngm@mail.wsu.edu
Visit Department Web Page
Department of Human Development
Watch a Video about this program
Department of Human Development
Strengths of the Program
- Acquire a focus on physical, social, cognitive, and affective development with an emphasis on development within the family.
- You can become state certified as a preschool-to-third-grade teacher or as a family and consumer sciences teacher in junior or senior high school.
- Gain a broad perspective on individual and family development through faculty from a range of disciplines and professional areas.
- Develop skills for working in a variety of human service and educational settings.
- All students complete an internship that provides valuable experiences for securing employment in their field of interest.
- Experience working with young children in WSU's newly renovated Child Development Laboratory.