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.
