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Aug 07, 2026
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2025-2026 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Applied Developmental Psychology, MS
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Return to: School of Education
The Applied Developmental Psychology Master of Science program at the Pitt School of Education emphasizes the application of research to practice in the promotion of positive human developmental outcomes for children, youth, and families. Students who complete the Master of Science degree in Applied Developmental Psychology apply knowledge of child and/or youth development and evidence-based practices to address real-world problems in real-world settings. Students also become experienced in interdisciplinary collaboration as they design, implement, and/or evaluate innovative intervention programs for children, youth, and families.
The Master of Science degree requires 36 credits distributed as follows: Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) Core courses (18 credits), specialization and/or elective courses (12 credits), and Community-Based Practice Learning (with capstone project) courses (6 credits).
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Admissions Requirements
- Successful completion of undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA
- Experience working with children or adolescents
- Courses in Research Methods and Developmental Psychology
- Updated Yearly Clearances (PA Criminal Record and Child Abuse, FBI Federal Criminal HIstory)
- Current negative tuberculosis test
Core Courses (18 credits)
All full-time students in the 36-credit Master of Science (MS) program in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) complete a common set (18 credits) of core, foundational courses.
Specialization Courses (12 credits)
In the second year of the program, students complete in-depth study and training in courses aligned with their interests in areas such as Behavioral Health in Schools and Communities, Out of School Time, Children with Special Healthcare Needs, Infant Mental Health, and Applied Research Methods for Child and Youth Serving Organizations, Students may create their own academic path by selecting MS level electives approved by their advisor. Students will also complete a community-based practice learning experience that consists of a field placement and development of the Master’s capstone project.
Additional ADP MS options include completion of the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate, Study Abroad, and taking additional elective courses.
Choose 12.0 credits from the following courses (other courses may be chosen based on specialization with advisor approval):
Capstone Courses (6 credits)
Students will create and complete a community-based Capstone project with the support of ADP MS and University of Pittsburgh faculty. The Capstone experience includes a total of six (6) credits including two pro-seminar classes and four (4) credits of community-engaged practice.
Comprehensive Requirement
MS students in Applied Developmental Psychology complete the comprehensive examination through completion and approval of a formal Capstone Proposal Presentation, which is completed as an assignment in HHD 2316 ADP Professional Seminar.
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Return to: School of Education
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