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HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Master’s Degree in Human Development: Ecological Perspectives

 Available Online

The M.A. Human Development: Ecological Perspectives of Lifespan Development Specialization is designed for those who wish to gain a holistic perspective of human development.

2 years full-time or 4 years part-time
30 credit hours needed for completion
Focuses on different phases of the lifespan

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M.A. Human Development: Ecological Perspectives of Lifespan Development Specialization

The Ecological Perspectives of Lifespan Development Specialization is designed for students who wish to work in integrated, cross-generational settings ecological development, including family and community advocacy, as well as those who would like to work with adolescents, adults or the elderly. On-campus coursework focuses on different phases and issues addressed during various life stages.

Other M.A. Human Development Specializations

Fieldwork requirements

All M.A. and Credential programs require fieldwork or field experience appropriate to the program emphasis. Ecological development fieldwork ranges from classroom observations to completion of fieldwork-related projects at the students’ place of employment.

Sample Courses

Conflict Resolution and Mediation

This class is designed for human service professional, including teachers, educational administrators, and marriage and family counselors, who work with children, adolescents, and families. Participants will evaluate the nature of human conflict, create effective strategies, and develop programs for the peaceful resolution of conflict. Student will be introduced to mediation techniques as they evaluate and critique technique and models for conflict resolution as they engage in creative problem solving in various conflict areas at the micro and macro levels of society. Communication across cultures and bias awareness issues will be evaluated within all content areas.

Engaged Aging: Development and Societal Issues

Engaging with aging is part of a personal journey that intersects with society’s systems. These junctures provide opportunities for growth and also constraints to an individual’s development and aging process. Changes on a macro level affect all aspects of human development, the elder years being no exception. Impacted by allocation of resources, health and medical issues, financial uncertainty, and constantly changing technology elders in our society are challenged to lead relevant and purposeful lives. The elder years also are a time of exposure to a confluence of ageism and other societal biases and isms. Often dismissed as empty and meaningless by our youth oriented society, the later stages potentially provide a rich opportunity for growth for elders. Additionally, legacy and life review are two vital developmental aspects of aging that are potentially sources of contributions for society. Taking a developmental approach to aging and death/dying provides a structure to study these tasks. This class uses several theoretical approaches to examine aging, death and dying in today’s society. There is an action plan component. This class provides information for students who envision working with elders, interacting with aging parents, and for individual reflection.

Admissions Requirement

  • Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Official Transcripts from the bachelor’s degree granting institution
  • Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College
  • Completed Application for Admission
  • Application Fee
  • Resume
  • Personal Statement
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