Program Overview
Bachelor of Arts in Human Development
Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from the University of the District of Columbia and provide care and education for children, their families and entire communities. Upon completing the program, you'll be well prepared to continue your education or pursue a career in your field. At UDC, you'll benefit from a focused, specialized curriculum in addition to:
- Small class sizes of 15 to 20 students on average
- A skilled team of staff and faculty
- Two concentrations to choose from: toddler/infant or preschool
- Two required practicums outside of current employment in early childhood care and education
- Professional human development work experiences
- Advanced research study with the goal of a publishable paper
- Specialized training in partnering with families and preventing or intervening in childhood sexual abuse
During your time in our program, your coursework will focus primarily on the comprehensive care and education of children from birth to five as well as participating in professional interactions with their families. Explore how young people learn and grow across a range of learning environments with an emphasis on responsiveness to the development and cultural uniqueness of each and every child. It is our goal to familiarize you with the design, implementation and evaluation of curricular activities, learning environments and programs, as well as:
- Providing experiential opportunities designed to model professional pathways and prepare you for emerging job market demands.
- Increasing the number of graduates assuming professional roles in the fields of early childhood care and education and human development across the lifespan.
- Preparing you for the pursuit of graduate studies, professional schools and entry into the public and private sectors.
Through our program in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at UDC, not only will you learn to become a reflective practitioner skilled in the care, education and service of diverse children and their families, but you will gain an in-depth understanding of how individuals grow, develop and learn in a variety of settings. Throughout your time at UDC, you will receive the tools needed to successfully guide children and partner with their families toward positive, long-term outcomes in academic achievement and well-being.