The program can be completed on a full-time basis in two years or part-time in three years. The requirements are as follows:

• 30 credits of graduate course work
• 4 credits of a graduate seminar
• 2 credits of fieldwork
• 12-credit master’s thesis

A typical full-time program

Year 1

Theories of Development (5 credits) and Observation Workshop (0 credits)

Psychology courses (15 credits)

Graduate seminar (2 credits)

Fieldwork (2 credits)

Year 2

Psychology courses (10 credits)

Graduate seminar (2 credits)

Master’s thesis (12 credits)

In some cases, students may take electives for credit or courses in a field other than psychology, such as anthropology or biology.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork provides opportunities for observation, research, and practicum experience with children.

First-year placements are at the Early Childhood Center, the campus laboratory preschool that allows students to study normal development of children from ages 2 through 6. Advanced field placements include clinical settings such as therapeutic preschools or community programs, elementary or secondary schools, or child-life programs on pediatric wards.

Master’s Thesis

In the second year, students develop a thesis project that culminates in a master’s essay. Students are encouraged to develop original research projects that include observations gathered in naturalistic or experimental situations. For some students, interdisciplinary thesis projects may be appropriate.