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    Study human development abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying human development as an international student.

    Find human development programs

    Explore human development programs abroad

    See other programs in human development

    Human development degrees abroad

    Human development degrees examine the complex maturation processes of individuals across their lifespans. It’s an interdisciplinary program that mixes together sociology, biology, psychology, and anthropology.

    As a human development student, you’ll cover a range of fascinating topics like child education, adolescence, parenting, and aging. You’ll get to grips with crucial theories and research methodologies, as well as building the professional skills needed to pursue a rewarding career in education, charity, criminal justice, or public policy.

    Studying abroad is an eye-opening experience that will enrich your understanding of the human population. You’ll gain an appreciation of the social, cultural, psychological, and biological challenges faced by populations in different parts of the world, and learn how to work with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.

    Human development program structure

    Bachelor’s degrees in human development normally last three years, or four years if you study in the US. Most American universities follow the liberal arts model of education where students complete two years of general education before focusing on major-specific modules.

    A bachelor’s degree will also prepare you for further study on a postgraduate course. Master’s degrees typically take one year if you study full-time, or two years if you fit your studying around work or family commitments. You’ll focus on a particular area of human development to gain a more specialist understanding.

    If you’re hoping to be at the forefront of exciting research, you might consider pursuing a master’s of philosophy or PhD. These doctorate degrees allow you to carry out your own research project and ordinarily take between four and six years to finish.

    Every human development program will be taught slightly differently, but most combine lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials with guest presentations and field placements. This enables you to build both theoretical knowledge and real-world experience.

    Since human development is such a vast field, students traditionally have lots of elective modules to choose from. This means tailoring your degree to suit your interests and aspirations is simple. That said, most institutions still run mandatory courses in the following core areas:

    • Human development foundations
    • Social and emotional growth in children
    • Navigating adolescence
    • Familial neglect and abuse
    • Managing family resources and relationships
    • Adult development and aging
    • Social policy and planning
    • Family services and counseling
    Human development program structure

    Bachelor’s degrees in human development normally last three years, or four years if you study in the US. Most American universities follow the liberal arts model of education where students complete two years of general education before focusing on major-specific modules.

    A bachelor’s degree will also prepare you for further study on a postgraduate course. Master’s degrees typically take one year if you study full-time, or two years if you fit your studying around work or family commitments. You’ll focus on a particular area of human development to gain a more specialist understanding.

    If you’re hoping to be at the forefront of exciting research, you might consider pursuing a master’s of philosophy or PhD. These doctorate degrees allow you to carry out your own research project and ordinarily take between four and six years to finish.

    Every human development program will be taught slightly differently, but most combine lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials with guest presentations and field placements. This enables you to build both theoretical knowledge and real-world experience.

    Since human development is such a vast field, students traditionally have lots of elective modules to choose from. This means tailoring your degree to suit your interests and aspirations is simple. That said, most institutions still run mandatory courses in the following core areas:

    • Human development foundations
    • Social and emotional growth in children
    • Navigating adolescence
    • Familial neglect and abuse
    • Managing family resources and relationships
    • Adult development and aging
    • Social policy and planning
    • Family services and counseling

    Best countries to study human development

    Best universities to study human development

    See all universities offering human development programs

    How to study human development abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

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    3. Visa & travel advice

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    Human development study abroad programs

    Human development undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in human development

    • false

      Charity Development - BA (Hons) University of Chichester, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,684 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,500 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Charity Development
    • false

      Disability and Human Development - BSc University of Illinois at Chicago, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      29,800 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 29,800 USD

      Start date
      January, August, May
      Show program overview about Disability and Human Development
    • false

      Family and Human Development - BSc Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      29,834 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 29,834 USD

      Start date
      August, May, January
      Show program overview about Family and Human Development
    • false

      Family Studies and Human Development - BSc California State University, Sacramento, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,800 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,800 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Family Studies and Human Development
    • false

      Human Development - BA State University of New York at Oswego, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,627 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,627 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Human Development
    See all bachelor's degrees in human development

    Human development graduate programs

    Master's in human development

    • false

      Human Development - MSocSc University of Waikato, New Zealand

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      18 months
      Annual tuition fee
      21,498 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 30,095 NZD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Human Development
    • false

      Human Development and Family Sciences - Program Administration and Evaluation - MSc Texas State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,034 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,034 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Human Development and Family Sciences - Program Administration and Evaluation
    See all master's degrees in human development

    Future human development careers

    With a degree in human development, you’ll have a variety of rewarding career choices at your fingertips. You can apply your insight and expertise to several fields, including education, public health, social work, and psychology.

    Here are some of the most common graduate destinations amongst human development students:

    • Social worker
    • Special educational needs teacher
    • Lawyer
    • Occupational therapist
    • Psychologist
    • Community health worker
    • Social and community service manager
    • Public health advisor

    Most universities have a career service that can help you, whatever your job plans and ambitions. They can support you when it comes to finding work experience, improving your interview techniques, and perfecting your resume.