Human Development

The Human Development program at Washington State University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and cultural aspects of human growth and development across the lifespan. Designed to prepare students for careers in education, health services, social work, counseling, research, and community development, this program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students will explore how individuals develop from infancy through late adulthood, gaining insights into the factors that influence development such as family dynamics, societal influences, and individual differences. The curriculum includes coursework in child development, adolescent psychology, adult development, aging, and diversity studies, providing a well-rounded foundation for understanding human behavior in various contexts. In addition to classroom learning, students are encouraged to participate in hands-on experiences through internships, research projects, and community engagement activities. The program aims to foster critical thinking, cultural awareness, and effective communication skills necessary for working with diverse populations. Graduates of the Human Development program are equipped to pursue careers in areas like child and family services, educational planning, mental health counseling, policy development, and further academic study at the graduate level. With a strong emphasis on research and evidence-based practices, students will develop the ability to assess developmental needs and create strategies to enhance individual well-being and social functioning. The program’s dedicated faculty are experts in their respective fields, committed to mentoring students and advancing knowledge through innovative research. Whether interested in direct service, research, or policy-making, students will find this program provides the foundational knowledge and practical experience needed to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of individuals and communities.

Detailed Course Facts

• USD 5695 Year (National)
• USD 5695 Year (International)

• English

Course Content

Certification Requirements:
To be eligible to certify as a human development major, students must complete two lower-level foundation courses, or their transfer equivalents. Students may take these courses or their equivalent at a local community college or four-year institution prior to admission to WSU Online, or they may be taken online during the first semester of enrollment at WSU:

• HD 201 - Human Development: Prenatal through Age 8
• OR
• HD 340 - Development in Context
• HD 204 - Family Systems: Understanding Family Interaction

Required Courses:

• HD 202 - Middle Childhood through Adolescence
• OR
• HD 408 - Advanced Adolescent Development
• HD 203 - Adulthood through the Older Years
• OR
• HD 305 - Gerontology
• HD 310 [M] - Research Approaches to Human Development
• HD 410 [M] - Public Policy Issues Impacting Families and Individuals
• HD 420 - Application of Human Development Theories
• HD 497 - Professional Preparation for Internship *
• HD 498 - Field Placement/Professional Development Internship

Human Development Electives:
(15 semester credits; select 5 courses)

• HD 300 - Child Abuse and Neglect
• HD 301 - Family Stress and Coping
• HD 302 - Parent-Child Relationships
• HD 305 - Gerontology
• HD 341 - Learning and Guidance in Early Childhood *
• HD 342 - Curriculum for Early Childhood Programs *
• HD 350 [S,D] - Diversity in Contemporary Families
• HD 360 - Death and Dying
• HD 403 [T] - Families in Poverty
• HD 406 - Work and Family
• HD 408 - Advanced Adolescent Development
• HD 464 - Administration of Early Childhood Programs *
• HD 482 [M] - Child Assessment and Evaluation *

Requirements

• To be eligible for admission to Washington State University, an applicant must be a high school graduate or its equivalent, or have completed a more advanced transferable credential from a regionally accredited college or university (e.g., a transferable Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree).

• The total number of new students admitted for any one semester will be based on the number of students for whom facilities can be made available.

• Appeal of admission decisions may be made only to the Admissions Subcommittee of the Academic Affairs Committee or its designee.

• Anyone seeking admittance to the Graduate School must follow procedures in the Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual available in the Graduate School.

• The university reserves a limited number of spaces in the incoming class for the admission of students with exceptional talent. Refer to the admission of students with extraordinary talents component of the Admissions policies section of the university catalog.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Washington State University.

The Human Development program at Washington State University offers students a comprehensive education focused on understanding the various aspects of human growth and development across the lifespan. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in areas such as education, healthcare, social services, and community development, emphasizing the importance of holistic and evidence-based approaches to human well-being. The curriculum combines coursework in psychology, sociology, education, and health sciences, enabling students to gain a multidimensional perspective on human development processes. Students will explore topics such as childhood development, adolescent growth, adult aging, family dynamics, and the influence of cultural, environmental, and socioeconomic factors on development outcomes. The program also emphasizes practical experience through internships and community engagement, providing students with real-world skills and professional networking opportunities. Graduates of the Human Development program are equipped to work in diverse settings including schools, hospitals, social service agencies, and policy organizations. The program underscores the importance of research and data analysis in understanding human behavior and development, encouraging students to participate in research projects and contribute to advancing knowledge in the field. Additionally, the program may prepare students for graduate-level education in related fields such as social work, counseling, education, or public health. Overall, Washington State University’s Human Development program aims to foster a deep understanding of human growth at all stages of life while promoting a commitment to improving individual and community well-being through service, policy, and research initiatives. The program’s interdisciplinary nature ensures graduates are well-prepared to address complex human development issues in a diverse and changing world.