Majors, minors & more
Human Development
College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
- Offered as:
- Major
- Minor
- Graduate program
Overview
Human development is the study of how children, youth, adults, and families develop, change, and face challenges throughout the life span.
Students who major in human development can receive certificates in these areas:
- Early Childhood Education
- Adolescence
- Gerontology
- Family studies
A degree in human development prepares for a successful career in a variety of human services and/or educational settings.
Specialization tracks available
- Strengths of the program
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- Experience working with young children in WSU's Child Development Program.
- Develop skills for working in a variety of human service and educational settings.
- Gain a broad perspective on individual and family development by learning from professors who teach and research a wide range of disciplines and professional areas.
- Acquire a focus on physical, social, cognitive, and affective development with an emphasis on development within the family.
- All students complete an internship that provides valuable first-hand experience in their field of interest. The human development internship program has more than 1,000 approved sites to choose from, so you can stay in the Northwest or opt for an international experience.
- Scholarships and financial aid
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A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.
For all students at WSU
Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
To get all the financial help WSU can provide, start by doing these two things:
- Complete the University's general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration, including departmental awards.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need. Get started here.
Click here for more info about WSU scholarships and financial aid
For students in human development
Students in majors offered by the School of the Environment can be considered for scholarships from the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Resources, and the Department of Horticulture.
The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) annually awards more than $500,000 to students. For more information, see the CAHNRS scholarship page.
The Department of Human Development awards more than $14,000 in scholarships annually. Visit the department's scholarship page for more information.
- Suggested strengths and interests
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- Desire to strengthen individuals, families, and communities
- Interest in current social issues and policies that impact families or individual family members
- Sensitivity to the valuable contributions and unique needs of all people
- Desire to learn about the development of individuals, families, and communities
- Desire to learn how a variety of educational approaches, social policies, and prevention/intervention strategies can influence the development of children, youth, and families
- Careers in human development
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Human development graduates are employed in community action centers, Head Start family services, domestic violence programs, family support centers, childcare centers, residential treatment centers, programs for the elderly, juvenile correction programs, and youth programs.
Students who earn a teaching certificate are qualified for jobs as teachers at the middle school, junior high, or high school levels.
Additionally, human development is excellent preparation for graduate school in family therapy and human development research.