Bachelor of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology

Shape Lives, Starting Here

Have you ever wondered what makes us who we are? In 51¸£ÀûÉç’s Applied Developmental Psychology program, you’ll explore how people grow and change throughout their lives.

From childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, you’ll gain a deep understanding of human development while also building skills in counseling, research, and human relations. Your education will extend beyond the classroom with field study experiences, giving you valuable real-world practice shadowing a psychologist, counselor, or other human service professional.

With options to study 100% online or in person, an Applied Developmental Psychology degree from 51¸£ÀûÉç gives you the flexibility to learn in the way that works best for you. You’ll be prepared for careers in human services or for pursuing graduate studies in counseling, psychology, or related fields.

For additional information, please call the department at 509.359.6227 or email us at psychology@ewu.edu.

Request Info ApplyÌýCurriculum & Requirements

 

Program Locations

Earn your Applied Developmental Psychology BS online or at our Cheney campus.

Cheney Campus

51¸£ÀûÉç School of PsychologyÌý
Martin Hall 135 â–ª Cheney, WA 99004
psychology@ewu.edu | 509.359.6227

Online

Study anytime, anywhere while still getting one-on-one guidance from professors, gaining hands-on experience, and building industry connections.

Why Study Applied Developmental Psychology at 51¸£ÀûÉç?

Get a hands-on education, real-world experience, and personalized support from faculty so you can launch your career with confidence.


Academic Excellence

Our program is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Affordability

Graduate debt-free with competitive tuition rates and fees.

Flexibility

With four start dates a year, you can begin in summer, fall, winter, or spring.

Applied Learning

Engage in hands-on projects and case studies that connect theory to practice.

Career Focused

Develop skills for high-demand roles in human services, therapy, and related fields.

Expert Faculty

Learn from experienced professionals dedicated to your success.

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official , which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Applied Developmental Psychology Major, Bachelor of Science (BS)

51¸£ÀûÉç

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology prepares students for entry-level work and graduate study in a variety of developmental and human service careers. The program covers basic areas of human developmental psychology across the life span with a special focus on processes and principles of developmental change.

Required Foundational Courses
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT4
ADULT DEVELOPMENT4
PSYCHOLOGY OF ADJUSTMENT5
SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGY5
PSYCHOLOGICAL STATISTICS5
TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS5
PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RELATIONS4
CONDITIONING AND LEARNING4
INTRODUCTION TO THE HELPING PROFESSIONS4
Advanced Courses18
BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
DEVELOPMENTAL THEORIES AND APPLICATIONS
RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
GROUP DYNAMICS
Focus Experience–students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of .8
FIELD STUDY IN APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (4 credit minimum–may be repeated)
SEMINAR
DIRECTED STUDY
Senior Capstone–choose one4-5
SENIOR CAPSTONE: THE TRADITION OF PSYCHOLOGY
SENIOR THESIS (by faculty invitation)
Total Credits70-71

The following plan of study is for a student with zero credits.ÌýIndividual students may have different factors such as: credit through transfer work, Advanced Placement, Running Start, or any other type of college-level coursework that requires an individual plan.

Courses could be offered in different terms, checking the academic schedule is paramount in keeping an individual plan current.ÌýStudents should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

All Undergraduate students are required to meet theÌý.

First Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
55Natural Science BACR 115
Humanities & Arts BACR 1155Social Science BACR 215
Social Science BACR 115Humanities & Arts BACR 215Elective - minor or general elective5
Ìý15Ìý15Ìý15
Second Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
Natural Science BACR 215Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5
Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5
Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5
Ìý15Ìý15Ìý15
Third Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
445
554
54Diversity - graduation requirement15
ÌýElective - minor or general elective2Ìý
Ìý14Ìý15Ìý14
Fourth Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
445
(Global Studies - graduation requirement)54, , or 4
5 (Senior Capstone - graduation requirement)5Elective - minor or general elective5
Elective - minor or general elective2, , or 4Ìý
Ìý16Ìý17Ìý14
Total Credits 180
1

University Graduation Requirements (UGR) and Breadth Area Course Requirements (BACR) courses may be less than 5 credits and additional credits may be required to reach the required 180 total credits needed to graduate.Ìý Students should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

51¸£ÀûÉç

(GER)

  • Minimum Quarter Credits—180 cumulative credit hours
    • 60 upper-division credits (300 level or above)
    • 45 credits in residence (attendance) at 51¸£ÀûÉç, with at least 15 upper-division credits in major in residence at 51¸£ÀûÉç
  • Minimum Semester Credits—120 cumulative credit hours
    • 40 upper-division credits (300 level or above)
    • 30 credits in residence (attendance) at 51¸£ÀûÉç, with at least 10 upper-division credits in major in residence at 51¸£ÀûÉç
  • Minimum Cumulative GPA ≥2.0

University Competencies and Proficiencies


 

 


(BACR)

 
 


 (UGR)




 
 (for Bachelor of Arts)


Application for Graduation (use ) must be made at least two terms in advance of the term expected to graduate (undergraduate and post-baccalaureate).

Use the to determine .

  1. The catalog in effect at the student's first term of current matriculation is used to determine BACR (Breadth Area Core Requirements) and UGR (Undergraduate Graduation Requirements).
  2. The catalog in effect at the time the student declares a major or minor is used to determine the program requirements.

51¸£ÀûÉç

Students who earn a BS in Applied Developmental Psychology from 51¸£ÀûÉç should be able to:

  • develop ethical and evidence-derived decision-making;
  • use APA style effectively in empirically based reports, literature reviews and theoretical papers;
  • recognize and understand major perspectives of psychology;
  • evaluate the appropriateness of design, statistical analyses and conclusions derived from psychological research;
  • demonstrate understanding of psychological phenomena from a life-span perspective.

Printable Requirements

The printable degree maps are intended as a suggested planning guide. Your most up-to-date degree requirements are reflected in the and .

Applied Learning Opportunities

A student presents her project at the 51¸£ÀûÉç Student Research and Creative Works Symposium

  • Classroom-Based Applied Learning/Simulation: Practice decision-making through simulations, case studies, role playing, and other hands-on activities in the classroom.
  • Field Work: Extend learning beyond the classroom to apply knowledge in real-world settings.
  • Internships: Get professional experience (and often credit or pay) through work related to your career goals.
  • Student Employment & Leadership at 51¸£ÀûÉç: Gain skills, connections, and confidence through on-campus jobs and leadership roles in student government, departments, athletics, or clubs.
  • Study Abroad: Travel, learn, and experience new cultures while earning credit and building communication skills that help you thrive anywhere.
  • Undergraduate Research: Collaborate with professors on real-world research projects where you ask questions, solve problems, and present what you discover.

BS in Applied Developmental Psychology FAQs

This program prepares students for human services and health-related careers, with a focus on developmental processes across the lifespan, both typical and atypical.ÌýÌý

You can complete the BS in Applied Developmental Psychology at our Cheney campus or fully online.

No. This program does not require a foreign language.Ìý

You will study the developmental processes across the lifespan, adjustment, human relations, developmental theory, and research methods.

Yes. Students complete one or two quarters of field study experience at human service agencies in the community.Ìý

Yes. The program actively prepares students for graduate programs in psychology and related human service fields.

Common roles include behavior technician, ABA interventionist, early intervention specialist, adolescent care technician, child/adolescent protection worker, and elder care services coordinator.