Human Development Program
The Human Development Program focuses on studies of developmental changes in social behaviors, social cognitions, and social relationships and how such changes are related to, caused by, or predictive of features of cognitive, emotional, motivational, neuropsychological, and psychopathological development. Specializations within the department include the following:
Educational Psychology: The faculty in the Educational Psychology Specialization focus on the processes involved in learning across the lifespan. Themes include cognitive development focusing on language, mathematics, and reading. There are significant strengths in language learning, bi-lingualism, and cognitive neuroscience of reading.
Developmental Science: The faculty in the Developmental Science Specialization focus on the processes involved in social and cognitive development across the lifespan. Themes include the importance of early experience on brain and behavior, the importance of peer relationships, moral reasoning, research on families and the influence of socio-economic status on childrens development.
Measurement, Statistics and Evaluation Program
Throughout its history as a recognized area within the College, as a department, and now as a program within the HDQM Department, Measurement, Statistics and Evaluation has engaged in the dual roles of professional training and service to the College.
In its first role, the program has provided training at the master's and doctoral levels for students planning to pursue careers in quantitative areas related to applied statistics, measurement, and evaluation.
In its second role, the program has provided service courses in applied statistics, measurement, and evaluation for graduate students majoring in other departments and programs in the College. In addition, faculty members have always been in high demand as members of doctoral research committees and as consultants to various externally funded projects within the College.