Choose Classes That Match Your Goals

By selecting from more than 25 elective courses that are grouped in three distinct learning categories?personal development, professional and organizational development, and spirituality and holistic thought?graduate students are given the opportunity to explore the development of children and adults of all ages as broadly or as in-depth as they?d like. Students can choose to:

  • Study a narrow topic not available elsewhere
  • Combine two or more topics or disciplines
  • Learn a unique topic at an individual pace
  • Combine an academic interest with specific career goals
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In order to graduate, 35 credits are needed, but only four credits are required. The other 31 credits are electives. Most students take a mix of traditional courses and independent studies.

The breadth of courses is substantial. Throughout the M.A. in Human Development program, a rigorous learning experience places an emphasis on applying critical thinking and evaluation skills to better understand how various theories of development provide a context for an individual?s life situation. Graduates of the Saint Mary?s M.A. in Human Development program have gone on to have successful careers as educators, caregivers, counselors, advocates for social justice, leadership coaches, and more.

Program Options

Because the M.A. in Human Development program is so flexible, there are lots of options to choose from.

From Start to Finish

  • You can earn your M.A. in Human Development degree in a little more than one year.
  • Cohorts begin each spring, summer, and fall.