Human Development

At Empire State University, our Human Development programs empower you to understand how people grow, learn, and change throughout life.

Whether you're just starting with an associate degree or pursuing a bachelor's in human development, you’ll explore the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of individuals from childhood through later life. With flexible, fully online options, you can tailor your studies to your career goals, whether that's in counseling, education, health care, or nonprofit work. SUNY Empire’s individualized approach means your education fits your life.

Course List

A human development degree includes six foundations:

Students must meet all six of the foundations for a bachelor's degree in human development.

Associate degrees in human development include the lifespan foundation and three of the other foundations listed here.
- Foundation #1: Lifespan Development
- HUDV 1015
  
  Human Development: Introductory
- HUDV 3025
  
  Human Development: Advanced
- To cover child development the student may take (pick one):
- HUDV 1005
  
  Child Development: Introductory
- HUDV 3015
  
  Child Development: Advanced
- HUDV 1010
  
  Child & Adolescent Development: Introductory
- HUDV 3020
  
  Child & Adolescent Development: Advanced
- To cover adolescent development, students who have not covered it in one of the combined child and adolescent development courses mentioned above may take (pick one):
- HUDV 2005
  
  Adolescent Development: Introductory
- HUDV 3080
  
  Adolescent Development: Advanced
- To cover adult development the student may take (pick one):
- HUDV 2015
  
  Adult Development: Introductory
- HUDV 3005
  
  Adult Development: Advanced
- HUDV 2020
  
  Adult Development & Aging: Introductory
- HUDV 3010
  
  Adult Development & Aging: Advanced
- To cover the aging years, students who have not covered it in one of the combined adult development and aging courses listed above may take one of the following (pick one):
- HUDV 2010
  
  Gerontology
- PSYC 3115
  
  Psychology of Aging
- Foundation #2: Biological Bases of Development
- HUDV 3055
  
  Developmental Neurobiology: A Lifespan View
- HUDV 3056
  
  Developmental Neurobiology: A Lifespan View
- PSYC 2005
  
  Brain & Behavior
- PSYC 3040
  
  Biological Psychology
- BIOL 1002
  
  Human Biology
- Foundation #3: Cognitive Bases of Development
- HUDV 3057
  
  Cognitive Development
- PSYC 2025
  
  Educational Psychology: Introductory
- PSYC 3015
  
  Educational Psychology: Advanced
- EDST 4005
  
  Adults as Learners: Theories & Strategies
- EDST 4010
  
  Human Learning: A Developmental Approach
- Foundation #4: Social and Emotional Bases of Development
- HUDV 2035
  
  Attachment in Early Childhood: Introductory
- HUDV 3065
  
  Human Exceptionalities
- HUDV 3066
  
  Developmental Psychopathology
- HUDV 3035
  
  Attachment Across the Lifespan
- ECET 4015
  
  Development & Meaning of Play
- Foundation #5: Cultural Diversity
- HUDV 3065
  
  Human Exceptionalities
- HUDV 3075
  
  Western Civilization & Human Development
- HUDV 4010
  
  Development of Gender Identity
- PSYC 3055
  
  Cultural Psychology
- PSYC 4030
  
  Media Psychology
- PSYC 4035
  
  Multicultural Counseling
- ANTH 1010
  
  Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- GSST 1005
  
  Introduction to Women’s Gender & Sexuality Studies
- GSST 2005
  
  Introduction to LGBTQ+ Studies
- SOCI 2010
  
  Introduction to Race Class & Gender
- ANTH 3020
  
  Families in Global Perspective
- ANTH 3030
  
  Immigration Today: Gender & Family
- CHFS 3060
  
  Multicultural Study of Children & Families
- GSST 3030
  
  Sex & Gender in Global Perspective
- Foundation #6: Methodology and Ethics
- HUDV 3085
  
  Research Methods for Lifespan Development
- SOSC 3025
  
  Social Science Research Methods

Ready to Apply?

The deadline for the Fall 2025 term is August 1. How to Apply

What you'll learn

Understand development across the lifespan
Analyze cognitive and emotional growth
Explore biological and cultural influences
Apply ethical and research-based practices

From social services to education and beyond, SUNY Empire prepares you for careers where people matter most. Possible careers include:

Developmental psychologist
School counselor
Social worker
Health care coordinator
Nonprofit program specialist

Career Services

I chose SUNY Empire because I like having the freedom to set up my own schedule.

Jordan

B.S. ‘24

Take the First Step to a Degree in Human Development

We're here to support you every step of the way, making your journey to a degree in human development as smooth as possible. Our dedicated advisors provide the guidance and information you need to make confident choices and move closer to your goals.

Request Info

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Check for Prior Learning Credits

Put your past experience toward your degree. Use transfer credits, work experience, or life skills to get a head start, save money, and earn your degree faster.

How To Get Credits

Normal Program Length

Your Prior Learning

Apply for Your Online Degree in Human Development

Make sure you have all the admissions requirements and complete your application to be ready for our next term!

How To Apply

Next start term

Fall 2025

Deadline to apply

August 1

Start Your Degree

as soon as September 2, 2025.

Our faculty bring decades of experience in human development and are here to support you every step of the way. They won’t just help you earn your online human development degree; they’ll inspire you to explore how people grow and change, think deeply about social and emotional development, and build the skills to thrive in careers like counseling, education, health care, and more.

All Faculty