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University of Pittsburgh    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
 
  Mar 29, 2024
 
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Applied Developmental Psychology, BS


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The undergraduate major in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) develops the skills and knowledge needed for professional work in child and youth care, education and other related human service fields. ADP also prepares students for graduate school in such fields as education, psychology, and social work. Coursework includes developmental theory and research covering birth through early adulthood, professional issues, family dynamics, cultural distinctions, disabilities, psychopathology, curriculum and activity planning, practice skills, and supervision.

The undergraduate major in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) includes three distinct areas of concentration that lead to a BS degree:

  • ADP Traditional
  • ADP Practitioner
  • ADP CASE (Combined Accelerated Studies in Education)

ADP- Traditional Program


The undergraduate major in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) emphasizes developing the skills necessary for implementing and evaluating effective programs for children, youth, and families. Course work includes the study of professional issues, program design and evaluation, counseling skills, and qualitative research methods. The program allows for a focus on Child Life hospital work, group care, family support and intervention, administration, play intervention and therapy. Successful completion of the program leads to the Bachelor of Science degree.

The ADP Bachelor of Science program is listed as an academic program to prepare Child Life Specialists by the Child Life Council.

The curriculum is organized into four terms of upper-division (junior and senior year) study. Applications for admission should be submitted during the sophomore year.

 

ADP- CASE Teacher Certification Program


The undergraduate major in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) also includes preliminary work in teacher certification. This program emphasizes developing the skills necessary for becoming a highly effective teacher of young children in grades PK-4 General Education and PK-21 Special Education. Course work includes the study of professional issues, program design and evaluation, teaching methodology and best practices in using culturally and linguistically relevant pedagogy. Successful completion of the program leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. CASE students then continue into the graduate year to complete coursework and student teaching that leads to the PK-4 Early Childhood and the PK-21 Special Education teaching certification in Pennsylvania.

The curriculum is organized into four terms of upper-division (junior and senior year) undergraduate study. Three additional terms of graduate study allows students to finish with two degrees and two teacher certifications in five years. Applications for admission should be submitted during the sophomore year.

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