University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The degree combines foundational coursework in psychology, sociology and human development with specialist classes on family processes, child and adolescent development, adult and older adult development, and applied services. Typical topics include developmental theory, family systems, parent–child relationships, human sexuality, and the impact of culture and diversity on development.

Core and common modules you can expect include:

• Lifespan Development: major stages from infancy through late adulthood and associated psychosocial tasks.
• Family Studies: family dynamics, parenting, marital relationships, and interventions to support families.
• Child and Adolescent Development: cognitive, social and emotional development, plus assessment and early intervention principles.
• Adult and Gerontological Studies: ageing processes, care systems, and resources for older adults and caregivers.
• Research Methods and Statistics: quantitative and qualitative methods, programme evaluation and data interpretation.
• Professional Practice and Ethics: confidentiality, ethics, cultural competence, and interprofessional collaboration.
• Practicum/Internship: supervised field experience in community agencies, schools, healthcare settings or social service organisations.
• Capstone or Senior Seminar: applied project, research paper or presentation integrating theory and practice.

The programme emphasises culturally responsive practice, with particular attention to Pacific and Hawaiian contexts. Electives and interdisciplinary options allow students to tailor study towards early childhood, family support, gerontology, research or policy.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a completed secondary school qualification equivalent to a high school diploma. Typical admissions considerations include secondary-school grades, completion of college-preparatory coursework (especially English and social sciences), and any campus-wide admissions criteria set by the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

Additional points to consider:

• Transfer students should provide transcripts for any college-level work and may be eligible for advanced standing for relevant courses.
• A personal statement outlining interest in human development and related services, and how the programme fits career goals, strengthens an application.
• Some practicum placements require background checks, immunisations or health screenings before fieldwork begins.
• Applicants for whom English is not a first language must meet the university's English proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across social services, education, health and community organisations. Common early-career positions include:

• Family support worker or case manager in community agencies
• Early childhood educator or programme coordinator (often alongside required certification)
• Community outreach or youth services worker
• Rehabilitation or eldercare support roles in clinics, residential settings or non-profit organisations
• Research assistant or programme evaluator in applied research projects

Many graduates also progress to professional postgraduate training—such as social work (MSW), counselling, public health, education or graduate study in human development—opening roles in clinical practice, policy, administration or research. The programme’s practicum component helps build employability through direct experience and professional networking.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa offers a distinctive setting for studying human development, with strong emphasis on multicultural competence and Pacific/Indigenous perspectives that inform both theory and practice. Students benefit from field practicum opportunities across an urban and island network of community agencies, schools and health providers.

Faculty often engage in applied research on family wellbeing, child development and ageing in Pacific communities, giving students access to active research projects and community partnerships. The campus also provides interdisciplinary collaboration options with departments and centres concerned with public health, education and social policy—useful for tailoring a programme of study to specific careers or postgraduate goals.

Finally, the programme’s location supports learning about development and services in diverse cultural and geographic contexts, preparing graduates for work in local, regional and broader settings where culturally informed practice is essential.