A human development major explores the social, cultural, biological, and psychological aspects of human growth. Students with a bachelor's degree in human development may choose to enter the human services workforce or continue on to graduate school in a variety of related fields.

What is an educational program in Human Development?

A human development degree includes the study of sociology, social work, philosophy, psychology, and biology. Human development studies deal with understanding and comprehending how a human mind and body develop throughout life. The possibilities for a career with this human development degree are human resources manager, marriage and family therapist, non-profit organization, college academic advisor, development director for a non-profit organization. A human development degree prepares a candidate to study about human development, human growth, and change which conceptualizes it as a lifelong process. In this process, various essential contexts are involved, such as emotional, moral development, social, biological, and cognitive.

In this field, one can apply for a graduate degree in various fields like gerontology, higher education/student affairs, human development and family studies, community and public health, law, and marriage and family therapy.

What does an educational program in Human Development cover?

Human development studies degrees are offered at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree levels. A bachelor's degree prepares graduates for entry-level positions with community services organizations while advanced degrees in the field prepare grads for administrative, counseling, teaching and research jobs.

Bachelor of Science

Students who want to help families and children can consider a Bachelor of Science in Human Development Studies program. Many bachelor's degree programs in the field allow students to choose from several areas of concentration. Some of the common emphasis areas include family and community settings, family finance and child development.

The curriculum during the last two years of enrollment is shaped by a student's interest in the field. However, core human development courses cover topics such as lifespan development, children's literature, adult development, counseling and adolescent development. Some bachelor's degree programs may include a field experience or internship component.

Master of Science

A master's degree program in human development studies can be completed in two years and introduces students to conducting empirical-based research in the field. Graduates of a Master of Science in Human Development Studies program often pursue careers in research, policy analysis, education and community outreach. Master's degree students complete classes in research methods and statistics.

Other core courses cover family theory and human development. A majority of the program is dedicated to completing a thesis. Students usually propose research ideas to their advisors during their first year of study.

Doctor of Philosophy

A Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development Studies generally prepares graduates for careers in research and teaching; however, some students use their degree to work in community outreach positions. Students who are admitted into a doctoral degree program in human development studies generally hold a master's degree in the area.

A Ph.D. program in human development studies requires that students choose a concentration area. However, before a concentration area is chosen, core coursework in human development theory, family theory statistics and research methodology must be completed. More than half of the time spent in residence is dedicated towards completion of a dissertation.

Human development is a field that offers several career options projected to see average to above average growth over the next decade. Be sure to carefully review education requirements, career descriptions and salary statistics before deciding if the jobs available in this field are the right career choice for you.