Human Development and Psychological Studies
Mission Statement
Human Development and Psychological Studies (HDPS) is an interdisciplinary area focused on generating and applying research to promote children’s development, learning, mental health from infancy through adulthood.
HDPS faculty and students study fundamental issues related to human development, academic achievement, and school adjustment within an ecological perspective emphasizing the multiple social and cultural contexts that affect children’s development. The core curriculum in HDPS provides specialized courses for both master's and doctoral students in human development, assessment and research methods, as well as evidence-based intervention and prevention practices for school- or community-based programs.
Specialized training is provided in early childhood, intervention and literacy; development, learning and assessment; research and evaluation methods; school counseling; and school psychology. HDPS program faculties are nationally known researchers and affiliated with several UNC research centers and institutes. Both master's and doctoral students are provided intensive research apprenticeships with faculty mentors. Graduates of the HDPS programs are distinguished by their abilities to conduct or apply research to enhance children’s development and learning.