Course requirements are designed to assure a strong background in developmental theory, research design, statistical and behavioral assessment. Course offerings focus on cognitive, personality, socio-cultural, emotional development, and developmental psychopathology across the life span.
Advanced courses focus on specialized issues and age periods.
Maximum flexibility is offered for the student to develop expertise within specific content areas or age periods. Strong emphasis is placed on research. First year students work with a faculty advisor designing and executing an empirical research project. Students are encouraged throughout their 4 year career to work both independently and collaboratively with faculty and other students designing a research program and publishing in a domain uniquely tailored to their abilities, needs, and interests. Students participate in ongoing developmental faculty research programs, and they have the opportunity to work with others in the department's cognitive, neuro-science, social, and personality programs as well as with others in various appropriate departments throughout the university.