Graduate Concentrations in Child Development

Students in the M.A. or Ph.D. programs may choose to focus their work in particular concentration areas. These concentrations are not required; they are intended to help students organize their courses of study in order to meet career goals. Each concentration reflects the Department’s overall developmental orientation, as well as its commitment to theory, interdisciplinary research, and application. Below are summary statements for the nine concentration programs. Full descriptions of concentration requirements may be found in the Department’s Graduate Student Handbook.

Concentration in Arts and Child Development
Course Requirements for Masters  |  Course Requirements for Ph.D.
The graduate concentration in Arts and Child Development has been developed to include opportunities for students to develop an understanding of the theory and research related to arts and children’s development as well as to learn the skills necessary for engaging children in the arts. Opportunities include research and applied work in field settings related to the arts. This concentration is not intended to be a "licensure" program for art, music or drama teachers in the schools, but instead focuses on the important contribution of the expressive arts to the development of children and youth in a variety of contexts and settings, including schools, after-school programs, museums, arts centers, community arts programs, media studios, and private studios.

Concentration in Clinical Developmental Psychology
Course Requirements for Masters  |  Course Requirements for Ph.D.
The concentration in clinical developmental psychology focuses on children at risk in a variety of settings. These include schools, families, clinics, hospitals, early intervention centers, and foster care homes. The concentration provides training in ways to understand clinical issues from a developmental perspective and to view mental health and psychopathology in the context of a child’s family, community, and culture. Courses include the study of pediatric psychology, behavior problems, and early intervention.

Concentration in Children with Special Needs
Course Requirements for Masters  |  Course Requirements for Ph.D.
The concentration in children with special needs prepares students for a wide range of careers serving children with special needs, including special education, early intervention, pediatric psychology, and assessment of children with special needs. Through course work, internships, and research, this concentration offers students ways to become knowledgeable about programs, services, and practices designed especially for supporting the development of children with special needs. The concentration reflects the Department’s commitment to improving the quality of life for children with special needs and encouraging their inclusion in the mainstream culture and community.

Concentration in Cognitive Development
Course Requirements for Masters  |  Course Requirements for Ph.D.
The concentration in cognitive development is intended to prepare students to: continue their studies in the field of cognitive development; participate in applied fields where cognitive development is an appropriate background field; and acquire a set of techniques and skills that will contribute to their development as researchers and/or practitioners. Courses include the study of technology and learning, brain development, and creativity.

Concentration in Early Childhood Education
Course Requirements for Masters  |  Course Requirements for Ph.D.
The concentration in Early Childhood Education is designed to accommodate students with a wide assortment of professional interests in the field of education. The program allows students to pursue the traditional route leading to certification or to design individualized programs leading to administration, curriculum development, supervision, teaching child development and early education on a secondary level, or some other related areas. Courses include the study of educational programs, curriculum development, policy, and supervision.

Concentration in Early Intervention
Course Requirements for Masters  |  Ph.D. not offered
The concentration in early intervention provides a foundation needed for working with diverse groups of families with children from birth to age three. Since the passage of PL 98-199 in 1983, the field of early intervention has been providing career opportunities that are attractive to many of our graduate students. An Early Intervention concentration will help students take advantage of these opportunities and provide them with the foundation needed if, later on, they wish to seek E.I. certification. It will also provide a foundation for anyone contemplating specializing in research or clinical work with infants, toddler, and their families.

Concentration in Family Studies
Course Requirements for Masters  |  Course Requirements for Ph.D.
The concentration in family studies provides students with a core body of knowledge relevant for work in a variety of career settings serving families and children. Through course work, students become well-grounded in theories and research on family development and interaction. Through applied experiences and research, students apply their knowledge when serving families or when researching issues directly relevant to families. Courses include the study of theories of the family, social policy for children and families, and cultural diversity in child and family services.

Concentration in Language and Literacy
Course Requirements for Masters  |  Course Requirements for Ph.D.
The concentration in language and literacy is intended to prepare students for careers in areas where knowledge of child language and literacy is required. Courses include the study of language disorders, bilingualism and bilingual education, language arts and literacy, and language and culture.

Concentration in New Technologies and Human Development
Course Requirements for Masters  |  Course Requirements for Ph.D.
The concentration on New Technologies and Human Development is intended to prepare students to use, design and evaluate new technologies for young people; to participate and direct the implementation of programs aimed at using new technologies to foster children's personal, social, emotional, spiritual, linguistic and intellectual development; and to acquire technical skills and theoretical knowledge that will contribute to their development as researchers and/or practitioners in this emergent field. This transdisciplinary concentration requires students to take courses in different departments such as Child Development, Education, Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology, Urban Environmental Planning and Policy and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and to complete an internship and/or thesis in this area.

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