Online M.A. Human Development: Ecological Perspectives of Lifespan Development Specialization
The Online M.A. Human Development: Ecological Perspectives of Lifespan Development Specialization is for candidates who wish to gain a holistic perspective of human development. Coursework focuses on different phases of the lifespan, from birth to the later years, and also addresses issues spanning across multiple life stages. This online program is idea for those who have the desire to elevate their professional goals through a Master’s program but need the flexibility of online coursework.
Other M.A. Human Development Concentrations
- Online M.A. in Human Development: Early Childhood Education & Development
- Online M.A. in Human Development: Social Change
- Online M.A. in Human Development: Leadership in Education and Human Services
Fieldwork Requirements
All M.A. and Credential programs require fieldwork or field experience appropriate to the program emphasis. Fieldwork ranges from classroom observations to completion of fieldwork- related projects at the students’ place of employment.
Sample Courses
Bicultural Development Across the Lifespan
This online class will specifically focus on a framework of bicultural developments as it compares with monoculture developmental theories with an examination of the implications of bicultural developments for educators and human services professional working with bilingual and bicultural communities. The pertinent issues and major social-ecological influences that play an important role in shaping the development of bicultural children, adolescents, and adults will be explored. Culture and cognition bilingualism, and the bicultural process as they relate to identity formation will be examined. Students will evaluate what is means to be bicultural, synthesizing and creating models of bicultural development related to self and others.
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 Requirements
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Completed Application for Admission
- Application Fee
- Resume
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Personal Statement