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Throughout the human life cycle, a person's environment can affect whether his or her natural development proceeds in a normal manner or is delayed or damaged in some way. Human development majors study both the biological factors such as growth, physical maturation and aging, and social factors such as parenting, education and personal choices, that affect the developmental process. UC Davis' faculty and facilities in human development give you the chance to observe growth and interaction first-hand and to participate in some of the most exciting research being done in the field today.
Real World
Human development graduates find employment as educators in early childhood and more advanced settings, as social workers and counselors and in governmental or private agency settings relating to social welfare and recreation. Majors are also prepared to pursue advanced degrees in behavioral and social sciences, education, social work, family law or health sciences.
Major Requirements
You'll begin your studies with a thorough grounding in the biological sciences, social sciences, nutrition and fundamental training in human development observation techniques. At the upper division level, you'll study normal and unusual patterns of development in children and adults. At least one hands-on practicum course is required, and many students choose to supplement this course with an additional internship.
Major Adviser
Name: Galyna Erdman
Contact: gerdman@ucdavis.edu, (530) 752-2244
A Student Perspective
The major draws from a number of disciplines and allows students to gain knowledge in areas from science to sociology. Working in this area has opened up many doors for leadership opportunities for me and has allowed me to really get involved in the UC Davis community. I've participated in several internships including working with an elementary school, conducting research in child development, and being a family intern with the police department. I've been amazed to see how much of what I've learned in my classes is directly applicable and practical in a real-world setting.
~ Hannah Euser, peer adviser
A Faculty Perspective
Students should not be intimidated by professors. I would recommend that you knock on your professors' doors and get to know them. Do not just go through all your classes. True learning comes from interaction with other students and professors. There are exciting opportunities available for you; in my own research on adolescent development, I have undergraduate research assistants who work with families to observe interactions and collect data.
~ Xiaojia Ge, professor
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