Human Development and Human Services, B.A.

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Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 124

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0

Minimum number of credits to complete the major: 52

This bachelor degree program requires a minimum of 124 credits.

The Human Development and Human Services major provides a strong foundation of developmental theory, concepts, and practices to prepare individuals to work with a wide range of age groups in a variety of human service settings. This major also provides a solid base from which to pursue graduate studies in a variety of human service fields, including counseling (e.g., school, adjustment); social work; community engagement; speech and language pathology; child life; K-12 education; and higher education (e.g., admissions, residence life).

Human Development and Human Services majors, like all other Merrimack College students, take additional courses that fulfill liberal studies core requirements, as well as complete a field experience to explore career interests related to human services. Interested students are encouraged to visit the website and speak to their advisor for the most updated information.

Major Requirements

Foundational

All Human Development and Human Services majors must take the following courses.

HDE 1000 - Introduction to Human Development Credits: 4
HDE 1020 - Introduction to Human Services Credits: 4
HDE 2130 - Diversity, Social Justice, & Ethics Credits: 4
HDE4900 - HDHS Senior Seminar Credits: 4

Cognate

BIO 1106 - Human Biology Credits: 4

Approaches to Inquiry

HDE 3000 - Research Methods & Applied Statistics in Human Development Credits: 4

Developmental Progressions & Processes

Students choose three of the following courses.

EDU 2210 - Child Growth and Development Credits: 4
HDE 1050 - Applied Infancy Development Credits: 4
HDE 2230 - Applied Adolescent Development Credits: 4
HDE 2240 - Adult Development Credits: 4

Experiential Learning

HDE 2010 - Explorations in the Human Services Context Credits: 4
HDE 4850 - Human Development: Field Experience Credits: 4 OR
HDE 4851 - Human Development: Field Experience Credits: 8

Electives

Students tailor their academic experience by selecting two electives from the following.

CRM 2000 - Youth, Deviance, and Crime Credits: 4
EDU 2110 - Foundations and Principles of Education Credits: 4
EDU 4500 - Language Acquisition and Literacy Development Credits: 4
HDE 3210 - Psychology of Learning and Assessment Credits: 4
HDE 3620 - Diversity in Practice with Families and Communities Credits: 4
HDE 4260 - Foundations of Counseling Across Professions Credits:
HDE 2221 - Addictive Behaviors: Impact on Individuals, Families and Communities Credits: 4
HDE 2223 - Group Dynamics in Human Service Settings Credits: 4
PSY 3340 - Developmental Psychopathology Credits: 4
SOC 1700 - Social Problems, Creative Solutions Credits: 4
SOC 3450 - Sociology of the Family Credits: 4
SOC 3650 - Immigration (Study Abroad) Credits: 4

Note

* Some courses outside of the Winston School of Education & Social Policy may have prerequisites. Consult with your advisor before planning to enroll in these courses.

3+2 Accelerated Programs in School Counseling or Social Work

Merrimack College offers a direct entry accelerated pathway that allows students to satisfy requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Human Services and Master of Education in School Counseling or Master of Social Work in five years.

General Education Requirements

In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements.

Experiential Learning

HDE 2010 - Explorations in the Human Services Credits: 4

HDE 4850 - Human Development: Field Experience Credits: 4 OR
HDE 4851 - Human Development: Field Experience Credits: 8

Counseling Foundation

HDE 4260 - Foundations of Counseling Across Professions Credits: 4
PSY 3340 - Developmental Psychopathology Credits: 4

Electives

Students tailor their academic experience by selecting electives from the following.

CRM 2000 - Youth, Deviance, and Crime Credits: 4
EDU 2110 - Foundations and Principles of Education Credits: 4
HDE 3210 - Psychology of Learning and Assessment Credits: 4
EDU 4500 - Language Acquisition and Literacy Development Credits: 4
HDE 2221 - Addictive Behaviors: Impact on Individuals, Families and Communities Credits: 4
HDE 2223 - Group Dynamics in Human Service Settings Credits: 4
HDE 3620 - Diversity in Practice with Families and Communities Credits: 4
SOC 3450 - Sociology of the Family Credits: 4
SOC 3650 - Immigration (Study Abroad) Credits: 4

Retention for 3+2 Programs

Students will be expected to achieve/maintain:

Grade of B- or better in all HDE courses
3.0 GPA
Interview with Graduate Program Director at the end of sophomore year

Note

*Some courses outside of the Winston School of Education & Social Policy may have prerequisites. Consult with your advisor before planning to enroll in these courses.

*After successful completion of the undergraduate portion of the 3+2 programs students will follow the graduate course requirements for the program of study.