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In the undergraduate program, an initial survey course (DEP 3053) is followed by courses that explore in more depth several age periods and topics of development: Infancy (DEP 4115), Adolescence (DEP 4305), Cognitive Development (DEP 4163) and Aging (DEP 4404). Research methods are taught in a lab course (DEP 4704C). A revolving topics advanced seminar (DEP 4930) allows undergraduates to study a particular topic in depth and in small classes of 15-20 students.
DEP 3053 Developmental Psychology -- Theory and research on psychological development from prenatal stages through adulthood.
DEP 4115 Infancy -- Emphasizes the development of psychological processes during infancy as well as prenatal, perinatal and postnatal influences on development.
DEP 4163 Cognitive Development -- Basic principles of cognitive development from infancy through adolescence.
DEP 4305 Adolescent Psychology -- Biological, psychological, and social development during adolescence.
DEP 4404 Psychology of Aging -- Topics in the field of gerontology from a life span developmental perspective, including the development of psychological problems of the aged, and theoretical and methodological issues in the study of the aged.
DEP 4704 Research Methods in Developmental Psychology -- Methodological approaches to the study of development including experimental and observational techniques.
DEP 4930 Revolving Topics in Developmental Psychology -- Advanced study of selected topics in developmental psychology. Recent courses have been on social development and language development.
In addition to formal coursework, most of the developmental faculty include undergraduates on their research team, either for course credit (usually PSY 3912) or for the research experience. To explore some but not all of the opportunities for working with developmental as well as other faculty, click on the undergraduate info menu at the top of this page, and select "opportunities" and then "research." Because the research team in most laboratories includes not only the faculty member but also graduate students, undergraduates who will be continuing into graduate school have the valuable opportunity to observe scientist models in roles that they will be entering. Furthermore, developmental faculty have supervised a number of undergraduate Honors theses. These provide the student a more extensive research experience. Normally undergraduates who wish to pursue an honor's thesis should anticipate working at least two full semesters in a lab, often more. They would typically start with the basic research credits (PSY3912 or CLP3911) and later proceed to developing a proposal taking PSY4905 and finally senior thesis credits (PSY4970). Undergraduates considering continuing on to graduate school in psychology or other fields should strongly consider carrying out a senior thesis as well as take one of the specialized laboratory courses, such as DEP4704, and the Communicating Psychological Science course, PSY3220. See an advisor in the psychology advising office, 135 psychology building, for details.
 Undergraduate Christina Tests Young Childon Cognitve Task |
 Undergraduate Farheen Checks EEG Electrodeson Older Adult |
Students are also encouraged to participate in natural settings with children and the elderly. The introductory survey course in developmental psychology (DEP3053) gives students the opportunity to observe and interact with infants and children in hospitals, nursery schools, settings for children with handicaps (physical, emotional, speech), and classes for gifted children. Students spend two hours a week throughout the term in one of these settings. Thus, both psychology majors and other majors with a wide variety of interests can gain experience in an applied setting. Similar experiences can be obtained through independent study credits, PSY4949. To explore some but not all of the opportunities for volunteering to work with children, adolescents, and older adults, click on the undergraduate info menu at the top of this page, and select "opportunities" and then "volunteer." You may also wish to visit the psychology undergraduate advising office for more information on volunteering for credit. See an advisor in the psychology advising office, 135 psychology building, for details.