Human Development at Pacific Oaks
M.A. in Human Development
- Locations: Online
- Credits: 30
- Entry Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
B.A. in Human Development
- Locations: Online
- Credits: 30
- Entry Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pacific Oaks College examines human development through a social justice-informed lens. Our programs focus on the psychological, social, multicultural, and biological aspects of human growth and how these aspects change development in individuals, organizations, and society at large.
Optional concentrations allow students in each program to specialize their learning in more nuanced areas of study.
Master’s Program Concentrations
- Early Childhood Education and Development
- Leadership in Education and Human Services
- Social Change
Bachelor’s Program Concentrations
- Child Development
- Lifespan Development
- Social Change
Learning extends beyond the classroom through collaborative discussion, community-engagement projects, and hands-on fieldwork experiences helping real people, groups, and communities.
What Sets Us Apart
Pacific Oaks offers a learning environment grounded in culture, equity, and real-world relevance, designed to support you at different stages of your academic and professional journey.
What that means for you:
- Flexibility and Convenience: Classes take place at night and on weekends to accommodate the working professional. Flexible full-time and part-time options make it easier to balance learning with work and life.
- Credit for Learning from Experience: Bachelor’s students can save time and tuition by earning up to 24 transfer credit hours from relevant work experience.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Inquire today to learn about scholarships for incoming students along with other financial aid opportunities.
- 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.
Learn More About Our Human Development Programs
Whether you’re beginning your academic journey, completing a degree, or exploring people-centered career paths, Pacific Oaks offers human development programs to support your goals.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Human Development
Learn how people change and grow across the lifespan while examining the social, cultural, and systemic forces that shape human development. The bachelor’s program focuses on the growth and development of youth, adolescents, adults, older adults, and their families within the social context in which that development occurs.
The B.A. in Human Development degree is ideal for those drawn to people-centered, community-focused work, as well as those planning to pursue graduate study.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Human Development
Deepen your understanding of human development across the lifespan while preparing to create and lead meaningful change in individuals, organizations, and society at large. The master’s program is a deeper exploration of the biological, psychological, emotional, cultural, and sociological forces that contribute to one’s growth and sense of self throughout their lifetime.
The M.A. in Human Development program is ideal for early- and mid-career professionals seeking expanded responsibility, leadership roles, or deeper expertise.
Alumni Stories
“I studied human development because I wanted to understand the lifespan holistically. We went out into the community and engaged with different people. [Learning] wasn’t just in the classroom, it was hands on.”
La’kisha Simpson
Alumna, M.A. in Human Development
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When can I start?
You can apply year-round, with multiple start dates throughout the fall, spring, and summer.
What kind of student support will I receive?
Academic advisers will help you pursue the best learning path for your goals. The Financial Aid Office will help you understand and pursue various
financing options. Campus resources include CARE (Center for Achievement, Resources, and Enrichment), library services, and much more.
Is Pacific Oaks accredited?
Yes. 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.
