MA in Human Development

Competencies  |  Field Work Component  |  Advancement to Candidacy  
MA Curriculum Specializations

Degree Requirements
Pacific Oaks offers the interdisciplinary Masters of Arts degree in Human Development for the preparation of leadership personnel in professions serving young children and their families. The degree is awarded on the basis of demonstrated competence in human development, communication skills, and ability to work on bias issues, skill in implementing theories in work with children and/or adults, and research. A Master's thesis, which is an original contribution to knowledge and understanding based on field experience and data analysis, is required for the MA degree.

Students choosing to continue their Pacific Oaks education at the graduate level must officially apply for and be admitted to the graduate program prior to enrolling in classes. Thirty units of regular Pacific Oaks class work (not Extended Education) must be taken to fulfill the requirements for the MA in Human Development. Specializations at the Master's level may have additional unit requirements as outlined below. No units can be transferred into the student's MA program from other institutions.

Note: MA students who have earned their BA degree from Pacific Oaks must still take the required courses, or the appropriate alternatives.