An overview of human development
The human development master’s degree programs at Pacific Oaks are intended for those who wish to become organizational consultants, human resource professionals, social workers, administrators, or instructors. Human development programs build a foundational understanding of the sociological, emotional, biological, and psychological factors that contribute to an individual’s development—as well as how to apply that understanding to a variety of different fields. Participants in human development programs will learn how to work with individuals and families at all ages of the lifespan.
Human development understands growth to be a multifaceted process that can elicit positive or negative change depending on the conditions in which they occur. This field encompasses a multitude of disciplines, including biology, history, and psychology.
What are the requirements and prerequisites for an M.A. in Human Development?
In order to enroll in a master’s program at Pacific Oaks College, students must show various levels of competency. Certain programs require letters of recommendation, while others demand a certain level of previous work experience.
Here are the specific admission requirements for the M.A. in Human Development at Pacific Oaks:
- 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
What are typical M.A. Human Development courses?
While master’s programs continue on with human development theory, they also explore issues such as education, public policy, and counseling. Courses are comprised of the following:
- Child life studies
- Family crises
- Couples relationships
- Later life issues for families
- Basic counseling practices
- Aging health phases
- Decision making for consumers
- Organization and administration of vocational cooperative education programs
- Applications for child development
- Public policies for consumers and families
What are areas you can specialize in with an M.A. in Human Development?
Many universities offer the option for students to focus on one area of concentration with their master’s degree, depending on what kind of career they want to pursue. Though all master’s programs require core courses, focusing on a particular area of professional interest will help students build beyond a traditional degree:
- Early Childhood Education and Development – This concentration is ideal for those who wish to work with young children and focus on childhood development.
- Leadership in Education and Human Services – 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 – This concentration is ideal for those who wish to create large-scale change in organizations, schools, communities, and society at large.
If you would like to learn more about the academic programs available at Pacific Oaks, fill out the form below to request more information, or you can apply today through our application portal.
