Plan of Study for
The M.S. Program in Applied Developmental Psychology prepares students for a variety of positions in practice, research, and leadership in supporting the development of children, youth and their families. The 36 credit program provides study in a developmental core, practice, research, and leadership skills; also featuring optional opportunities for supervised internships. Full and part-time study is available. Each student selects a concentration that allows for a focus on specific interests and career goals.
CONCENTRATIONS
- Behavioral Health - Focuses on mental health and counseling skills, while providing an in-depth understanding of the development and interaction of children, youth and families, for use in a variety of settings that will serve children, youth and families. [Note: this concentration does not prepare students to work as professional, licensed counselors or therapists]
- Child Life - Prepares practitioners to support children’s psychosocial, emotional, and behavioral health needs in health care settings.
- Child Youth Work - Provides an in-depth study of the development of children and youth with a focus on preparing practitioners for roles in group and residential programs with an emphasis on children and youth with special needs.
- Developmental Research - To prepare personnel for the production and dissemination of knowledge. Appropriate for students with a primary interest in evaluation, research, and professional writing and for those preparing for doctoral study.
- Individual Design - Allows students with interests related to the concentrations listed above to develop, with the help of an advisor, an individually designed plan of studies that will fulfill their specific career goals.
- Professional Year - Intended for students who have completed the Professional Year Program, especially in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education, and Mentally and Physically Disabled Education, and who wish to continue their studies in Applied Developmental Psychology. Students may take 18 additional specified credits to attain a Master of Science degree in Applied Developmental Psychology.
- Program Design and Leadership - Focuses on professional leadership development for the enhancement of current and potential program directors and administrators and on skills for designing and executing developmentally appropriate interventive programs to promote positive development.
- School-based Behavioral Health - Prepares students to work in programs that enhance children’s emotional and behavioral well-being through school-wide positive behavior support, prevention programs, and school crisis planning. [Note: this concentration does not prepare students to work as school counselors or school psychologists]
Thank you for your interest in the Master of Science degree program in Applied Developmental Psychology. We have created a Student Handbook designed to provide our students with useful information to make their time with us enjoyable, smooth, and productive. Please feel free to look over our
Student Handbook. Hopefully, you will have gained knowledge of our requirements and expectations and a better understanding of how we can help you realize your career goals by obtaining a Master of Science Degree in Applied Developmental Psychology.