Human Development, Family Studies, and Early Childhood Specializations Human Development. The human development specialization is the study of human development from the prenatal period through adulthood. Opportunity is afforded in the Child Development Research Center for the student to observe and interact with infants, toddlers, and young children. The Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Supervised experiences with community groups provide opportunities for interaction with older children, adolescents, and the elderly.
Opportunities are available for coursework in adult development and aging.
These experiences assist students in understanding developmental stages of human behavior and interpersonal relations as they occur in family or group care settings. Senior level course are focused on professional preparation in several career areas such as child development specialist with extension or other human services agencies, administration and teaching in child care. Students who wish to continue their education into graduate school receive a broadly based study of human behavior and development and opportunities for involvement in research. Human Development Minor. A student may minor in human development by completing 18 hours of selected course work.