Program Overview
Bachelor of Science in Human Development
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Human Development is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for careers in human services, education, and healthcare. The program focuses on understanding the psychological, social, cultural, and biological aspects of human development and learning across the life span.
Program of Study
The program consists of core courses, concentration courses, and electives. Core courses include:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Introduction to Educational Psychology
Concentration courses vary depending on the chosen concentration. The five available concentrations are:
- Counseling Psychology
- Psychological Studies of Learning and Development
- Higher Education
- Peer Assistance and Leadership
- Special and Elementary Education and Literacy
Concentrations
Counseling Psychology
- Required Courses:
- Introduction to Counseling Psychology
- Positive Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Electives (choose two):
- Personality
- Addicted and Compulsive Behaviors
- Principles of Career and Life Planning
- Childhood Behavioral Disorders
- Social Psychology
Psychological Studies of Learning and Development
- Required Courses:
- The Psychology of Instruction and Learning
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Introduction to Assessment and Measurement
- Academic Self-Regulation and Motivation
- Independent Study in Educational Psychology OR Research Project in Human Development
Higher Education
- Required Courses:
- College: Past, Present, and Future
- Leadership in Organizations
- Social Foundations of Education
- Foundations of Leadership in College and University Student Organizations
- Issues in American Higher Education OR Leadership in Practice
Peer Assistance and Leadership
- Required Courses:
- Foundations of Peer Counseling and Peer Education
- Peer Counseling and Peer Education: Theory and Practice (I, II and II)
- Theory and Practice in Peer Counseling and Education: Peer Supervision OR Foundations of Leadership in College and University Student Organizations
Special and Elementary Education and Literacy
- Required Courses:
- The Psychology of Instruction and Learning
- Special Education for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Problems
- Introduction to Human Exceptionality
- Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Children's Literature OR Young Adult Literature OR Childhood Behavior Disorders
Combined Master's Programs
The university offers combined master's programs in:
- Educational Psychology and Methodology
- Special Education and Literacy II
- Mental Health Counseling
- Higher Education
- Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology
These programs allow students to complete graduate-level coursework that applies toward both their bachelor's and master's degrees, enabling them to earn a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as 4.5 years.
Student Learning Objectives
The program aims to help students:
- Understand the concepts and principles of development (biological, cognitive, and psychosocial) and how they interact to affect the life course.
- Recognize the commonalities as well as the diversity of patterns of human development.
- Understand various theories of human development, and apply these theories to practice.
- Demonstrate basic literacy in research methods and statistics relevant to the field of human development.
- Recognize issues of equity and social justice as they impact human development, and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural issues and challenges in order to work effectively with diverse populations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- This program focuses on the psychological, social, cultural, and biological aspects of human development and learning across the lifespan.
- Students personalize their experience by choosing a specific concentration area and can work towards their long-term career goals through various electives and field-based learning opportunities.
- Graduates find employment as behavioral specialists, counselors, child development consultants, program evaluators, academic advisors, and research analysts in diverse settings like schools, social services, hospitals, and mental health agencies.
- The program provides a strong foundation for further graduate studies and research.
Outline:
- Students complete core courses covering introductory psychology, sociology, and educational psychology.
- The program offers several concentration options:
- Counseling Psychology: Focuses on applying psychological counseling skills to diverse individuals to promote mental health and well-being.
- Psychological Studies of Learning and Development: Explores learning sciences, assessment, and research methods to optimize student outcomes.
- Higher Education: Prepares students for administrative roles in universities and higher education institutions.
- Peer Assistance and Leadership: Combines classroom studies with community service while developing leadership skills.
- Special and Elementary Education and Literacy: Addresses topics like atypical development, equity law, and inclusive practices for students with diverse needs.
- Students choose five electives specific to their chosen concentration and one general psychology or sociology course and one additional elective in human development.
Teaching:
- The program is delivered by experienced faculty members from the School of Education.
- It utilizes diverse teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, simulations, field work, and independent research.
Careers:
Graduates of the program are employed in various settings, including:
- Schools
- Social service agencies
- Pediatric hospitals
- Juvenile justice systems
- Wellness clinics
- Disability support providers
- VA hospitals
- Mental health agencies Potential career titles include:
- Behavioral specialist
- At-risk youth counselor
- Child development consultant
- Program evaluator
- Academic advisor
- Institutional research analyst
Other:
- The program allows students to participate in research projects aligned with their specific interests.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
