Undergraduate Programs: Human Development Major
The Major Program
Human Development explores the developmental process in humans throughout the life cycle. Cognitive and personality/social development are studied from various perspectives.
The Program
Human Development majors complete a group of preparatory courses in anthropology, biological sciences, genetics, nutrition, physiology, psychology, statistics, and human development. Upper division students can design their programs in consultation with a faculty member to emphasize a particular interest. For instance, students can study the social and the biological aspects of human development while emphasizing child or adult development.
Internships and Career Alternatives
At least one practicum course is required. A second practicum or supervised internship can be used to fulfill the requirements for the major. In addition, students can intern in schools, early childhood education 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, as well as governmental jobs related to social welfare and recreation. Those who emphasize the biological aspect of human development 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.
Degree Requirements
Preparatory Subject Matter
- Anthropology (ANT 1, ANT 2, or ANT 15) Any 2 of the 3 (8-9 units)
- Biology (BIS 1A, BIS 10, MIC 10, or NCB 12) one (3-5 units)
- Genetics (MCB 10 or Bio Sci 101*) one (4 units)
- History (HIS 17A, HIS 17B, HIS 72A, HIS 72B or POL 1) one (4 units)
- Philosophy (PHI 5, PHI 30, PHI 31, PHI 32, or PHI 38) Any 2 of the 5 (8 units)
- Physiology (NPB 10, NPB 101 or PSC 101) one (4-5 units)
- Psychology (PSC 1) (4 units)
- Statistics (STA 10, STA 13 or PSC 41 or SOC 46 A&B) one (4-5 units)
Depth Subject Matter
- Life-span Development and Family (HDE 100A, 100B, & 100C) ALL (12 units)
- Assessment (HDE 120) (4 units)
- Biological Processes (BIS 101*, NUT 111VA, PSC 121, HDE 117) one (3-5 units)
- **Socio-cultural Processes (HDE 102, 110, 130, 160 or 162) one (4 units)
- **Cognitive Processes (HDE 101, 103, 132 or 163) one (4 units)
- **Practicum (HDE 140 & 140L, or 141, 142, or 143) one (4 units)
- Restricted Electives (19-20 Units chosen in consultation with faculty advisor or from approved list of courses.)
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*BIS 101 cannot be used to satisfy both the prep and depth matter requirements. ** At least ONE course from among these groupings (Socio-Cultural Processes, Cognitive Processes, and Practicum) must focus on childhood/ adolescence (HDE 101, 102, 103, 110, 130, 132) and ONE must focus on adulhood/aging (HDE 110, 143, 160, 162, 163).
Written/Oral Expression
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One year (3 quarters) of English (one course must be an upper division course at UC Davis or equivalent 4 year institution.) Test given by Letters and Science not applicable.
Breadth Requirements
- Arts & Humanities: (3 courses)
- Social Science: (satisfied by major)
- Science & Engineering: (satisfied by major)
Restricted Electives for Depth Subject Matter
Restricted Electives Word, PDF )