What Can You Do With a Human Lifespan Development Degree?

With a human lifespan development degree from Pacific Oaks College, you open the door to a variety of fulfilling career paths. Graduates often find opportunities in fields such as social work, counseling, education, organization consultation, and human resources. The skills and knowledge gained from this degree are applicable in professions that involve understanding and working with people across different life stages. For more detailed information, please read “5 Careers for a B.A. in Human Development Degree.”

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Human Development Across Lifespan Program?

The duration of the B.A. Human Development program at Pacific Oaks College typically depends on the student's enrollment status (full-time or part-time) and any transfer credits applied. Generally, completing the required 120 credits takes about four years for full-time students. However, with our Credit for Learning from Experience Units, students may have the opportunity to accelerate this timeline.

Are the Lifespan Human Development Courses Offered Online?

Yes, Pacific Oaks College offers the flexibility of pursuing the Lifespan Human Development bachelor's degree both on-campus and online. Our online courses are designed to provide the same level of engagement and learning as our on-campus programs, ensuring that students have access to quality education regardless of their location.

What Is the Active Learning Across the Lifespan Concentration?

The Active Learning Across the Lifespan concentration in the Human Lifespan Development program focuses on understanding the continuous process of growth and change that occurs from infancy to old age. This concentration is particularly beneficial for those interested in careers that involve working with individuals at different stages of their lives.

Are There Any Special Requirements for Admission to the Human Development Program?

Applicants to the Bachelor of Arts in Human Development program must meet the general admission requirements of Pacific Oaks College. These include a minimum high school GPA, submission of all relevant transcripts, and a personal statement.

What Scholarship and Grant Options are Available for Students in the Human Development Across Lifespan Program?

At Pacific Oaks College, we offer a variety of scholarships and grants to support our students financially. These include Institutional Scholarships for new students and Donor Scholarships for current and active students.. Additionally, students may be eligible for federal and state grants, such as Pell Grants, FSEOG, and Cal Grants, based on financial need.nnFor more detailed information on eligibility, application processes, and deadlines, please visit our Scholarships and Grants page.

M.A. Human Development | Online Human Development Degree

Expand Your Impact in Human Development

The M.A. in Human Development program at Pacific Oaks College is an advanced study of how individuals, families, organizations, and communities grow and change within complex social systems.

At the graduate level, learning consists of a deep exploration of the theories of human development and the biological, psychological, emotional, cultural, and sociological forces that contribute to one’s growth and sense of self throughout their lifetime. Further emphasis is placed on building the critical evaluation and decision-making skills needed for leadership roles in education, human services, nonprofits, and other community-based environments.

The M.A. in Human Development program is ideal for early- and mid-career professionals seeking expanded responsibility, leadership roles, or deeper expertise.

Fieldwork Requirements

You will complete 45 hours of fieldwork at an approved site during the master’s in human development program. This real-world training supports your development as a leader in the field by having you observe, practice, evaluate, and critically reflect upon the guidance of your experienced supervisor.

Thesis Requirements

The master’s thesis serves as the culminating project in which you will demonstrate your ability to integrate theory, research, and practice in addressing human development-related issues.

Specific courses are included in the curriculum to support you during the thesis process. These courses provide structured guidance in developing a research topic, conducting literature reviews, selecting appropriate methodologies, and producing a final written thesis that meets our academic standards.

Choose Your Concentration

Focus your studies on early childhood stages, educational leadership, or social and community systems by choosing one of three available concentrations: Early Childhood Education and Development, Leadership in Education and Human Services, or Social Change.

Early Childhood Education and Development Concentration

The Early Childhood Education and Development Concentration deepens your understanding of how young children learn and develop and how learning environments can best support that development. Coursework emphasizes mastery of child-centered curricula, working with diversity in early childhood classrooms, and understanding the importance of social and cultural context in a child’s development.

This concentration is tailored to those who have completed foundational coursework in early childhood education or a related field or have prior experience working with children.

Leadership in Education and Human Services Concentration

The Leadership in Education and Human Services Concentration focuses on developing the skills needed to lead, supervise, and build collaborative teams in a variety of human and social services sectors. You will examine leadership theory, interpersonal communication, and organizational dynamics through a human development lens.

This concentration is designed for professionals who work with adults in an administrative or supervisory capacity, parents and adults in social services or other settings, or as teachers in a college or university class or other adult education environment.

Social Change Concentration

The Social Change Concentration examines the belief that one’s own personal growth and the act of evoking positive societal change are interconnected processes, particularly during national or global stress. Coursework emphasizes system transformation, advocacy, and policy-driven change, using methods such as storytelling, action research, grant development, and community-based planning to design and implement meaningful social impact initiatives.

This concentration is ideal for those who wish to create large-scale change in organizations, schools, communities, and society at large.

Flexible Learning Options

The M.A. in Human Development program is offered online with full-time and part-time options available, giving you the flexibility to balance your education with work, family, and other responsibilities.

Multiple start terms throughout the year, including fall, spring, and summer, make it easier to begin or continue your studies on a timeline that works for you.

Ruth Anne Hammond
Alumna, M.A. in Human Development

Alumna Ruth Anne Hammond has dedicated her life to human development, including nearly 20 years as a master teacher at Pacific Oaks Children’s School. She currently serves on the Board of Directors at Families Forward Learning Center in Pasadena.

Learn more about Ruth Anne.

Curriculum Overview

The sample courses below offer a preview of the M.A. in Human Development program’s core curriculum and concentrations. Visit our Academic Catalog to review the entire curriculum.

Core Courses

Developmental Themes and Transformation Across the Lifespan: Analyze recurring developmental themes across the lifespan, critically examining how developmental theories and contextual factors shape how individuals navigate challenges and change over time.

Advanced Studies in Diversity and Anti-Bias Issues: Critique the impact of systemic oppression and institutional bias on human development and human services while developing ethical, theoretical, and advocacy frameworks for antibias practice and systemic change.

Praxis: An Ecological Systems Approach: Apply an ecological systems perspective to evaluate educational and social service practices, integrating theory, research, reflection, and observation to address complex challenges affecting children, families, and communities.

Early Childhood Education and Development Courses

Advanced Studies in Intervention Models in Early Childhood Education: Evaluate intervention models and support systems for young children facing developmental differences or risk factors.

Play, Language, and Literacy Development: Examine the role of play as the basis of learning, language, and literacy development in childhood.

Leadership in Education and Human Services Courses

Leadership in Education and Human Services: Develop leadership and administrative skills for education and human service settings by examining program development, adult supervision, advocacy, and professional growth through a human development lens.

Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Build strategies for addressing conflict across individual, organizational, and community contexts by evaluating mediation techniques, communication practices, and culturally responsive approaches to conflict resolution.

Social Change Courses

Community: Spaces of Resiliency, Equity, and Change: Explore how social, cultural, and political contexts shape communities by examining frameworks of resilience, equity, and change, and applying theory to educational and community-based settings to support advocacy and cultural competency.

Democracy and Social Movements: Analyze contemporary social movements and democratic decision-making processes, applying course insights to design a project for change at an organization, community, or public institution.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the M.A. in Human Development program is open to applicants who meet the following academic and application requirements:

Completed Application for Admission
Application Fee
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
Resume or Volunteer Experience Summary
Personal Statement
Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College

The M.A. in Human Development program prepares you to apply advanced human development theory in professional, leadership, and community-focused roles across education, human services, and social impact settings. Career paths may vary based on your chosen concentration and professional goals.

M.A. in Human Development Potential Career Paths

Organizational consulting
Human resources
Executive coaching
Social services
Agency administration
Higher education

Pacific Oaks College prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this degree.

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“I have always been curious about human behavior and driven by an urge to care for others. These passions inspired me to pursue a career in psychology, but I have found the work of educating students most fulfilling. It has become my identity. I experience no greater reward than seeing my students fulfill their dreams.”

Terry Webster, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Social Work and Human Development

Explore more Human Development faculty at Pacific Oaks.

M.A. in Human Development

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