Human Development degree programs at Pacific Oaks College
Discover the psychological, social, multicultural, and biological aspects of human growth.
By building a comprehensive understanding of development through all stages of life, a Human Development degree from Pacific Oak will help prepare for careers working with children, adolescents, adults, aging populations, or communities as a whole. Pacific Oaks College offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Human Development - on-ground at our Pasadena campus as well as online. Pacific Oaks can provide you with the tools necessary make an impact in various industries, including for-profit, nonprofit, education, healthcare, and global organizations.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth for many Human Development careers – including Social and Community Service Managers, Human Resource Management, and Social Work – is expected to grow faster than average.
Taking into account growth and development at various life stages, the field of Human Development examines a wide range of subjects—including public policy, health, education, law, business organization, wealth, and culture.
Because we commit to providing an education centered on culture, our students are immersed in an environment that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and equality. Through experiential learning, real-world practice, and a strong curriculum, Pacific Oaks helps prepare you to make an impact, regardless of the career path you ultimately follow.
Concentrations
- Active Learning Across the Lifespan (B.A.)
- Social Change (B.A./M.A.)
- Early Childhood Education and Development (B.A./M.A.)
- Working with Adults (B.A.)
- Therapeutic Companion Concentration (B.A.)
- Leadership in Education and Human Development (M.A.)
When I attended Pacific Oaks, I studied human development because I wanted to understand the lifespan holistically. We went out into the community and engaged with different people. It wasn’t just in the classroom: it was hands-on.
La’kisha Simpson
Pacific Oaks Graduate, M.A. Human Development:
Professor of Child Development, Citrus College
Human Development Virtual Information Sessions
Click here to view the B.A. Human Development Information Session recording.
Click here to view the M.A. Human Development Information Session recording.
Learn how a B.A. or an M.A. in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College can help your career and provide you with real-world experience to demonstrate to current and future employers your ability to make a difference in the culture of organizations and communities. During these sessions, participants heard examples of the types of fieldwork students have completed as well as answers to their questions from Dr. Carlene Fider, Core Faculty, School of Human Development.
A few things that set us apart
- Benefit from flexibility and convenience: Classes occur on nights and weekends to accommodate the working professional.
- Save time with our Credit for Learning from Experience process: Bachelor’s students can earn up to 24 transfer credit hours that you can apply toward your degree.
- Take advantage of our scholarships and financial aid: Inquire today to learn about scholarships for incoming students along with other financial aid opportunities.
- Have confidence in knowing we are an accredited, nonprofit institution: Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Pacific Oaks College is a leading institution in education and human development.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When can I start?
Students are accepted year-round. We offer three convenient start dates for campus-based students and six start dates for online students.
Where can I go for help?
Instructors, an academic advisor, CARE (Center for Achievement, Resources, and Enrichment), library services, and more.
Is Pacific Oaks accredited?
Pacific Oaks College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
About Pacific Oaks College
Rooted in the extraordinary potential that lives in every human being, Pacific Oaks offers an environment where your perspective and experience can play an integral part in your educational journey. Through our unique progressive approach to teaching and learning, everyone in our classrooms is both student and teacher. Students relate subjects to their own personal experiences—sharing with the teacher and fellow students.A nonprofit, accredited, higher education institution, Pacific Oaks College offers teacher credentialing preparation as well as bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in a variety of fields, including business and management, education, early childhood education, human development, marriage and family therapy, psychology, and social work.
