Office & Contact Information

Department of Human Ecology; 1303 Hart Hall; 530-752-1805; Human Development, Faculty

Human development explores the developmental process in humans throughout the life cycle. Biological, psychological, social, and contextual processes on development are studied. Students can choose emphases in Health and Well being across the Lifespan, or Children and Families across the Lifespan.

The Program

Human development majors complete a group of preparatory courses in anthropology, biology, philosophy, psychology, and statistics. Upper division students can design their programs to specialize in one of two track areas. For instance, students can study either Health and Well being, or Children and Families, both of these tracks emphasize a lifespan developmental approach. Students can also pursue the general Human Development track which broadly exposes students to multiple influences on individual development and family processes.

Internships & Career Alternatives

At least one practicum course is required. A second practicum or supervised internship can be used to fulfill the restricted elective requirement for the major. In addition, students can intern in schools, early childhood education or senior centers, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, probation offices, group foster homes, mental health clinics, or as tutors for handicapped or bilingual students. Human development graduates fill a wide variety of positions in preschools, elementary and special educational settings, programs designed for parents, families, and the elderly, as well as governmental jobs related to social services for people of all ages. Students who choose the Health & Well being track can apply to medical school or pursue training for positions in the health sciences. Human development prepares students to pursue advanced degrees in behavioral and social sciences, education, social work, family law, or health sciences.

Preparatory Requirements

UC Davis students who wish to change their major to Human Development must be in good academic standing. Students must complete the following courses with a combined grade point average of at least 2.500. All of the following courses must be taken for a letter grade:

Students must have achieved a 2.000 GPA in any required upper division courses taken prior to declaring the major.

All courses satisfying the Preparatory Subject Matter, Depth Subject Matter, Restricted Electives and Human Development Major English Coursework Requirement must be taken for a letter grade.

Major Advisor

Leah Hibel

Graduate Study

Graduate study is available through a Master of Science degree in child development, and a Ph.D. degree in human development. See also Graduate Studies.

The major requirements below are in addition to meeting University Requirements & College Requirements; unless otherwise noted. The minimum number of units required for the Human Development Bachelor of Science major is 90.

¹

Advanced Placement English score of 4 or 5 which satisfies ENL 003 and/or UWP 001 will satisfy one of the three required courses.

Health & Wellbeing Area of Specialization

Children & Families Across the Lifespan Area of Specialization