Developmental science is concerned with the description and explanation of change over time in humans and other organisms. The Developmental Science area integrates a life-span orientation toward developmental science in an international and interdisciplinary multicultural urban context. Students are expected to master a series of core course requirements designed to facilitate a thorough grounding in theory, methodology, and content in both basic and applied research in developmental science. A number of seminars reflecting the specialized foci of the program are also offered. Students have the opportunity to specialize in any phase of the lifespan or on any issues or topics that span phases of the lifespan and to focus on basic or applied research.
Students admitted to the program are expected to maintain full-time status throughout their four years in the doctoral program and to become involved in research at an early point in their graduate training by participating in faculty research projects and by carrying out individual research under the guidance of one or several faculty members. Students are also guided and encouraged to publish their individual research projects and to present their work at professional conferences. They are provided opportunities for teaching as part of their graduate training.
The Ph.D. in Psychology with a major in Developmental Science requires a minimum of 75 semester credits of graduate work beyond the baccalaureate, including a dissertation based on the student's original research. A maximum of 36 credits may be transferred from a completed masters degree program with the approval of the program director. For more information, visit the current Psychology Graduate Catalog page.
Current trainees and potential applicants are invited to download the Developmental Science program handbook, which is updated annually.