Human Development (HDEV) – Frequently Asked Questions

Human Development (HDEV) is the interdisciplinary study of how people grow and change across the lifespan, from conception to childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and death. At CSULB, HDEV examines development in context, including the roles of family, culture, community, and social systems, to better understand and support individuals and communities.

HDEV integrates multiple disciplines, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, and biology, to understand development across the lifespan. While psychology often focuses on individual behavior and sociology on social systems, HDEV connects both by examining how people develop within real-world contexts such as family, culture, and community.

HDEV graduates pursue careers in education, counseling, social services, healthcare, and nonprofit leadership. Common careers include school counselor, mental health counselor, social worker, early childhood educator, healthcare analyst, and leaders of community-based organizations. The major prepares students for both immediate entry into the workforce and for graduate study in fields such as counseling, social work, occupational therapy, and education.

Many HDEV graduates go directly into meaningful, career-building roles after earning their degree. Some career paths, such as research, occupational therapy, or school counseling, require graduate study, and the HDEV offers classes and mentorship to prepare students for those next steps. Students are supported in exploring both options and choosing the path that aligns with their goals.

HDEV combines theory, research, and hands-on learning to prepare students for real-world work. Students develop strong communication, critical thinking, data literacy, and problem-solving skills while learning to understand people across the lifespan and in diverse contexts. These skills are directly applicable across a wide range of careers focused on supporting individuals and communities.

Yes! HDEV includes a built-in internship experience, typically completed in the final semester. Students apply what they have learned in real-world settings while receiving support from faculty and peers. The department has one of the most respected internship programs on campus, with many faculty offering paid internship opportunities and strong connections to community partners.

The HDEV major is a 39-unit Bachelor of Arts degree. First-time students typically complete the program in four years. Transfer students can complete the major in about two years with careful planning and support from academic advising.

HDEV classes are designed to help you understand real people and real-world issues across the lifespan, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood and aging. You’ll explore topics like identity, mental health, family dynamics, culture, inequality, and global communities, while learning how to use data and research to make sense of complex social challenges. Courses are offered in a range of formats, including in-person, hybrid, and online, to support different learning styles and student schedules. Courses such as Childhood in a Diverse World, Impacts of Race and Racism, Immigrant Youth in Long Beach, and Living and Dying in a Digital Age invite you to think critically about how systems shape people’s lives, and how you can help create more just and equitable futures.

CSULB’s HDEV program is known for its strong sense of community, faculty mentorship, and applied learning opportunities. Students benefit from small, supportive learning environments, one-on-one engagement with faculty through research and experiential learning, and career exploration courses that help them identify and pursue their goals. The internship component and community partnerships provide meaningful, hands-on experience before graduation. The program also offers flexible course formats, including in-person and online options, to support students balancing work, school, and other responsibilities.

HDEV students can participate in research with faculty, study abroad programs, student organizations such as the Human Development Student Association (HDSA), and short-term career exploration courses. These opportunities help students build experience, explore interests, and connect with peers and mentors.

HDEV students develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, critical thinking and research skills, and the ability to understand how culture, family, and environment shape human behavior. Graduates are prepared to work with diverse populations and to apply a developmental perspective to real-world challenges.

CSULB is recognized as one of the top universities in the nation for promoting social mobility, helping students achieve upward educational and career outcomes. The HDEV program reflects this mission by providing a supportive, inclusive environment where students can explore their interests, gain real-world experience, and prepare for meaningful careers that make a difference.