Psychology: Developmental Psychology

Explore Human Growth and Behavior Across the Lifespan

The developmental psychology concentration focuses on how humans grow, learn and change over time. Through coursework in child development, adolescence, aging, and lifespan interventions, you’ll explore the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of human development from infancy to late adulthood.

In addition to classroom learning, students gain hands-on experience through internships and research opportunities in Boston’s hospitals, schools, and social service organizations. These real-world connections help you apply theory to practice while developing the insight and empathy needed for working with individuals and families across diverse stages of life.

This concentration prepares you for careers or graduate study in psychology, education, healthcare and human services—equipping you to make a difference across the lifespan

Outcomes & Outlook

100%

of Class of 2024 developmental psychology graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school by one year after graduation
Emmanuel College Outcomes Survey, 2025

100%

of 2025 developmental psychology graduates were satisfied with their experience in the major
Exit Survey, 2025

#2

state with the highest concentration of jobs for clinical and counseling psychologists (MA)
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024

$105K

annual mean wage for clinical and counseling psychologists (Boston)
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024

A First-Class Experience

Get to know the people and programs that will define your academic journey.

Student-Faculty Research Highlights: Psychology

Meet the Faculty

Our distinguished faculty publish, exhibit and research. Present, compose and chair. Inspire and collaborate.

The Curriculum

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for a B.A. in Psychology with Concentration in Developmental Psychology

Core Requirements:

  • PSYCH1501  General Psychology (SA) (SS)
  • PSYCH2209 Physiological Bases of Behavior (SI) (NS) or  NEURO2201 Neurobiology with Lab (NSL)
  • PSYCH2801  Methods and Statistics I (WI)
  • PSYCH2802  Methods and Statistics II (QA) (QR)
  • PSYCH3111 Cognition

Requirements for Concentration:

Three developmental age period classes: 

  • PSYCH2303 Child Psychology (SA) (SS)
  • PSYCH2304 Adulthood and Aging
  • PSYCH2403 Adolescent Development (SA) (SS)

Take one of the applied development classes listed below:

  • PSYCH3201 Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH3210 Child Psychopathology
  • PSYCH3212 Adult Psychopathology
  • PSYCH3404 Emerging and Established Adulthood

Take one of the following electives:

  • PSYCH2203  Social Psychology (SA) (SS)
  • PSYCH2210 Personality Psychology
  • PSYCH2211 Race, Gender and Sexuality: Intersection of Privilege and Oppression (SA) (SS) (DM)
  • PSYCH2405 Health Psychology
  • PSYCH2410 The Psychology of Happiness and Well-being
  • PSYCH3101  Seminar: Psychology of Women
  • PSYCH3103  Relationships, Marriage and the Family (SA)
  • PSYCH3601 Counseling Theories and Techniques

Senior capstone experience (two semesters):

  • PSYCH4282/PSYCH83 Research Internship I and II  or  PSYCH4494/PSYCH95 Applied Internship I and II

The psychology and neuroscience department’s Learning Goals are based on the recommendations of the American Psychological Association and consist of:

  1. Knowledge and Critical Engagement in Psychology: Students will understand and can apply the major concepts, theoretical perspectives (biological, behavioral, cognitive, developmental, and social), empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology, as well as the APA Code of Ethics.
  2. Research Methods in Psychology: Students will be able to engage in research design, sampling, data collection, data analysis and interpretation.
  3. Information and Technological Literacy: Students will be proficient in the use of information and technology for many purposes relevant to the field of Psychology.
  4. Communication Skills: Students will be proficient in written and oral communication in a variety of formats for educational and professional purposes.
  5. Personal and Professional Development: Students will understand the links between personal and professional values, knowledge and skills, and academic and career goals.

What can I do with a degree in developmental psychology?

Developmental psychology majors can pursue a variety of career paths. These careers often involve working directly with individuals across different age groups or conducting research to better understand human development. Here are some potential career paths:

Clinical and Counseling Professions

  • Clinical Psychologist: Work with clients of all ages to diagnose and treat mental health issues, often requiring a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and licensure.
  • School Psychologist: Provide psychological services within educational settings, including assessments and interventions for students, requiring a specialist degree (Ed.S.) or doctoral degree.
  • Child Psychologist: Specialize in the psychological needs of children and adolescents, providing therapy and assessments.

Research and Academia

  • Developmental Researcher: Conduct research on various aspects of human development, such as cognitive and social development, often working in universities, research institutions, or government agencies.
  • University Professor: Teach developmental psychology courses and conduct research, typically requiring a Ph.D.

Educational Settings

  • Early Childhood Education Specialist: Work in preschools, daycare centers, or educational organizations focusing on early childhood development.
  • Special Education Teacher: Work with children with developmental delays or disabilities, providing specialized instruction and support.

Healthcare and Rehabilitation

  • Occupational Therapist: Help individuals of all ages develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working, requiring a master's or doctoral degree in occupational therapy.
  • Speech-Language Pathologist: Assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders in individuals across the lifespan, requiring a master's degree in speech-language pathology.

Social Services

  • Social Worker: Provide support and resources to individuals and families in need, focusing on various stages of development, requiring a master's degree in social work (MSW).
  • Child and Family Advocate: Work for non-profits or government agencies to support the well-being of children and families, addressing issues such as abuse, neglect, and family dynamics.

Public Health and Policy

  • Public Health Educator: Develop and implement programs that promote health and well-being across the lifespan, often requiring a degree in public health.
  • Policy Analyst: Analyze and develop policies related to health, education, and family services, often working for government agencies or think tanks.

Gerontology

  • Gerontologist: Specialize in the study of aging and work with older adults to improve their quality of life, often working in healthcare, research, or policy.
  • Aging Services Coordinator: Plan and coordinate services and programs for older adults in community centers, assisted living facilities, or non-profit organizations.

Therapeutic Services

  • Family Therapist: Provide therapy to families to address dynamics and developmental issues, requiring a degree in marriage and family therapy.
  • Play Therapist: Use play to help children express feelings and resolve psychological issues, often requiring specialized training and certification.

Early Intervention Specialist

  • Early Intervention Specialist: Work with infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or disabilities, providing support and services to enhance development.

Youth Services

  • Youth Counselor: Provide guidance and support to adolescents dealing with various challenges, including mental health issues, family problems, and social pressures.
  • Recreational Therapist: Use recreational activities to improve the physical, cognitive, and social well-being of individuals across different age groups.

Consulting and Program Development

  • Developmental Consultant: Provide expertise to schools, non-profits, and businesses on programs and policies related to human development.
  • Program Coordinator: Develop and oversee programs that support developmental needs, such as after-school programs, youth organizations, or elder care services.

These career paths leverage the understanding of human development across the lifespan, allowing developmental psychology majors to make significant contributions in various settings, from clinical practice to research, education, and public policy

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Along with areas of knowledge and major requirements, you will cultivate essential values in the classroom and complete two courses in each area:

  • Social Justice (SJ): Develop knowledge, skills, values and motivation to participate beneficially in activities of personal and public concern.
  • Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM): Understand the complexity of identity the historical truths of different cultural perspectives to address bias and examine contemporary social issues. 

One hundred percent of Emmanuel students complete an internship as part of the core curriculum. In a city as dynamic as Boston, your options are bound only by the limits of your curiosity.

Psychology and Neuroscience majors put their classroom- and lab-based learning into practice completing original research alongside faculty or with internships at nearby institutions such as Boston Children’s Hospital, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital, the Broad Institute, Bay Cove Human Services and more.

In all majors, the Capstone Experience involves completing a significant piece of work that requires the integration and application of learning from multiple courses.

All Psychology majors complete a two-semester capstone experience during senior year, choosing either an applied internship that engages in clinical and professional work at any number of institutions or a research experience that engages in empirical research or an independent study. Either experience sets Emmanuel graduates apart when seeking employment or graduate school admission post-graduation.