• Throughout the program, students are encouraged to integrate research, theory, and practice. These goals and expectations are outlined in the Program Philosophy.
  • The 36-hour program consists of 12-18 credit hours of Core Curriculum Coursework and 18-24 credit hours of Elective Coursework that are individually tailored to each student’s personal interests and professional goals. The program offers traditional classroom preparation alongside hands-on Practicum Experiences or Research Mentorships, which are integrated into the program of studies.
  • All students choose to complete one of two tracks. The Applied Professional Trackis well-suited for students who are interested in working directly with children and families in practitioner roles (e.g., Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Child Life Specialists, Youth and Family Program Developers). The Empirical Research Trackis designed for students who are interested in enrolling eventually in doctoral programs (e.g., Ph.D., Psy.D., Ed.D. in Clinical, Counseling, Developmental, Educational, or Cognitive Psychology) or pursuing careers in research. Both options require that students become skilled in integrating the most current child development research and theory with effective practice in professional or academic settings. \