Bachelor of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology

This undergraduate major in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) develops the theoretical knowledge and real-world experience needed for work with children, youth and families within community programs, educational sites and other human service fields. ADP also prepares students for graduate school in such fields as education, psychology, child and youth work, child life, social work and counseling. The ADP program has formed partnerships with many institutions, agencies and educational programs throughout the Pittsburgh area which enable students to learn in actual work settings.  

Quick Facts

• Program Duration: The curriculum is organized into four terms of upper-division (junior and senior year) study.  
• Time Commitment: Full-time
• Term of Enrollment: Fall 
• Application Deadline: March 1
• Course Requirements: Total 120 credits (60 credits upon entering program + 60 ADP credits junior and senior year) 

Program Details 

The undergraduate major in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) provides students with a foundation in the theory and practice of developmental psychology.

Curriculum Information

• HHD 1002 Development: Conception Through Early Childhood (3 credits)
• HHD 1003 Adolescent Psychology (3 credits)
• HHD 1014 Psychological Interventions (3 credits)
• HHD  1016 Development Curriculum And Activities (3 credits)
• HHD 1025 Professional Seminar (3 credits)
• HHD  1036 Developmental Meaning Cultl Distn (3 credits)
• HHD  1007 Methods Of Evidence-based Practice (3 credits)
• HHD  1013 Developmental Psychopathology (3 credits)
• HHD 1024 Family Dynamics (3 credits)
• HHD  1028 Developmental Practice Seminar 1 (3 credits)
• HHD  1041 Child & Youth Work Practice 1 (6 credits)
• HHD  1029 Developmental Practice Seminar 2 (3 credits) 
• HHD  1043 Child/Youth Practice 2 (6 credits)
• HHD 1050 Supervision and Administration Child Youth Work Setting (3 credits)

Degree Requirements

• Courses include community-based field trips/observations and service-learning hours 
• Senior year 12 credit internship (6 credits fall, 6 credits spring) 300 hours each term - 20 on-site hours per 15 weeks 
• Updated Yearly Clearances (PA Criminal Record and Child Abuse, FBI Federal Criminal History) and current TB test 
• Maintain a 2.5 QPA or above in order to remain in the program. 

Prerequisites

The B.S. in Applied Developmental Psychology program has the following requirements for entry:

1. Minimum QPA of 2.5 
2. Evidence of experience and ability to work with children/youth (e.g., volunteer work or employment) 
3. A clearly written statement indicating relevant professional goals.

In addition, students must have the planned completion of 60 undergraduate credits, including 30 credits of approved prerequisite courses

Prerequisite Courses (30 credits)

• Language and Literacy (6 credits)​
  • ENGCMP 0200
  • Any advanced composition course or any writing course "W"
     
• Quantitative and Formal Reasoning (3 credits)
  • STAT 0200 Basic Applied Statistics
  • STAT 0800 Statistics in the Modern World​
  • SSTAT 1000 Applied Statistical Methods
     
• Creative Expression/Humanities (6 credits from two different departments)
  Choose from:
  • Art - HAA
  • Communication - COMMRC
  • English Literature - ENGLIT
  • Music - MUSIC
  • Philosophy - PHIL
  • Political Science - PS
  • Theater - THEA
     
• Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)​
  • PSY 0010 
     
• Natural Science (3 credits)
  Choose from:
  • Anthropology
  • Astronomy
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Geology
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Physics
     
• Social Science (6 credits from two different departments)
  Choose from:
  • Anthropology - ANTH
  • Economics - ECON
  • History - HIST
  • Health and Physical Activity - HPA
  • Political Science - PS
  • Religious Studies - RELGST
  • Sociology - SOC
  • Classics -CLASS
  • Women's Studies - WOMST
  • Psychology - PSY
     
• Non-Western Culture/International (3 credits)
  • Any course in this category