BS in Applied Developmental Psychology

Strive for the well-being of children, youth, families, and communities.

This Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) program develops the theoretical knowledge and real-world experience needed for working 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.

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Program Facts

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Developmental Psychology

Enrollment Term

Fall

Format

In-Person

Credits

120 credits total (60 credits upon entering program + 60 ADP credits junior and senior year)

Application Deadline

March 1

Duration

The curriculum is organized into four terms of upper-division (junior and senior year) study.

Time Commitment

Full-Time

Program Overview

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

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.

LEND Center Leadership Trainees Program

Pitt Education students who are studying Applied Developmental Psychology or related disciplines can participate in the LEND Center Leadership Trainees program.Offered in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the program provides education and training for future leaders who will work on behalf of individuals and their families with with neurodevelopmental disabilities, chronic medical conditions, challenging behaviors, and at-risk factors for future disabilities.

LEND Program Description

Curriculum

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)

Prerequisites

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

Minimum QPA of 2.5
Evidence of experience and ability to work with children/youth (e.g., volunteer work or employment)
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.

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

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Upcoming Info Sessions

General Info Session (Virtual)

April 29, 2024 | Noon-1 PM

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General Info Session (Virtual)

May 13, 2024 | Noon-1 PM

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General Info Session (Virtual)

June 3, 2024 | Noon-1 PM

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The School of Education has provided me with an enriching and challenging environment to maximize my academic success. The faculty go above and beyond to assure students' success in all regards.
Abigayle Koontz - Applied Developmental Psychology Student

I have enjoyed so much about the Applied Developmental Psychology program! The major is pretty small compared to many of the other ones at Pitt, so it is very easy to get to know everyone. All the professors are extremely understanding, personable, and supportive.
Ariana Henderson - Applied Developmental Psychology Student

The classes have given me the knowledge base and the expectations that I need to have getting into this line of work, and their enthusiasm, love for teaching, and willingness to help an excited student find opportunities that interest them have really made my college experience something special.
Allison Mascio - Applied Developmental Psychology Student

Career Pathways

ADP BS Graduates report working in the following areas/careers: