Colorado State University

What you'll study

The programme examines human development across the lifespan within family, community and cultural contexts. Core areas include lifespan developmental theory, family systems, research methods and applied assessment. Students also study specialised topics such as parent education, child and adolescent development, gerontology, diversity and multicultural practice, family financial issues, and programme evaluation.

Coursework typically combines advanced seminars with applied learning: research methods and statistics courses, practicum or internship placements in community settings, and elective seminars that allow concentration in areas such as clinical/intervention practice, prevention and education, or policy and evaluation. Students may choose a thesis or non-thesis option; the thesis route emphasises original research and is suitable for those planning doctoral study, while the non-thesis route focuses on applied competence and professional practicum experiences.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in psychology, sociology, education, human development, social work or a related field. Admissions typically consider undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals, and a current CV or résumé. Some applicants may be asked for samples of academic writing or evidence of relevant practicum or work experience.

Colorado State University may require proof of English language proficiency for international applicants. The programme has options for applicants with varying backgrounds; those without direct coursework in human development may be asked to complete preparatory or bridge courses to ensure readiness for graduate-level work.

Career prospects

Graduates work across non-profit, government, educational and private sectors. Common roles include family life educator, early intervention specialist, programme coordinator or evaluator, child and youth services manager, community outreach specialist, and roles in gerontological services. Those who pursue clinical specialisms and appropriate supervised practicum can move toward licensure or certification pathways in counselling or family therapy (additional training and supervised hours are typically required).

Other career directions include research and policy positions in public health and human services, positions in child welfare and prevention programming, and academic careers for graduates who continue to doctoral study. The programme’s combination of research methods and practicum experience also prepares graduates for roles in monitoring and evaluation for social programmes and grant-funded initiatives.

Why study at Colorado State University

Colorado State University’s programme is housed within a department with a long history of interdisciplinary work in human development and family studies, offering access to faculty with expertise in lifespan development, family therapy, programme evaluation and applied community research. The university’s location provides diverse community partnership opportunities for practicum and field-based learning across rural and urban settings.

Students benefit from an emphasis on applied research and community engagement, access to on-campus clinics and outreach centres, and a collaborative environment that supports both professional training and academic inquiry. The department’s focus on multicultural competence and systems-level perspectives equips graduates to work with diverse populations and complex service systems.