Developmental Psychology Specialization

In the Developmental Specialization, students will consider how development across the lifespan (from infancy through aging) is influenced by social relationships, cultural contexts, and individual differences (e.g., temperament). Students will choose among seminars that focus on a developmental stage (e.g., adolescence), on a type of development (e.g., identity), on a developmental influence (e.g., the media), or on psychopathology (e.g., attention deficits). Research (laboratory and field) and internship opportunities will ask students to apply, in real-world settings, the theories and facts learned in the classroom. This specialization will prepare students for graduate work and/or careers related to normative development in infancy, childhood, adolescence, and all phases of adulthood.

Please contact the Developmental Coordinator, Dr. James A. Graham (609-771-2638) for more details.

Faculty affiliated with the Developmental Psychology Specialization:

Developmental Psychology Course Requirements

Core Courses (Taken in sequence)

PSY 101 - General Psychology
PSY 121 - Methods and Tools of Psychology
PSY 203 - Design and Statistical Analysis
PSY 299 - Research Seminar

Foundation Courses (Choose 3):

PSY 220 - Development across the Lifespan (or equivalent - ECE 201, ELE 201, SPE 203 or NUR 110) with a minimum grade of C+
Other Foundation Courses (Choose 2)
- Your advisor may be able to help you in making selections

Specialized Courses (Choose 3):

PSY 370 - Developmental Seminar
- Subtopics include: Analysis of Ethnic and Racial Variation among US Children, Children and the Media, Child Therapy
Other Specialized Courses (Choose 2)
- Your advisor may be able to help you in making selections

[Please check PAWS for the semester offerings]

* Students may apply one of these courses as a Specialized course. Others may apply as a Psychology Option.

Psychology Option

One course (Recommended at 300-Level or 400-Level)

Senior Experience (Choose 1)

Your advisor may be able to help you in making selections

[Please check PAWS for the semester offerings]

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Students interested in Developmental Psychology should see Dr. Graham or Dr. Hughes for research and/or internship opportunities.

Dr. Graham focuses on the social-cognitive aspects of peer relationships among children (K - 5) in groups and dyads. The overarching theme of my research is to foster prosocial behavioral and cognitive development among children in a variety of social-ecological contexts.

Dr. Hughes examines children's attitudes and reasoning about race, social inequality, and race-related social and educational policy.

Recent Individual Studies: