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 and adolescents.
Opportunities are available for course work 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 courses 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. Students minoring in human development take 18 hours of course work. The specific courses should be selected in consultation with an advisor in the department and in consultation with updated degree plans available in the departmental office.