EdM in Applied Human Development
The Applied Human Development program introduces future practitioners and researchers to the application of developmental theory to educational practice. The program prepares students for careers in diverse settings by providing them with opportunities to develop key competencies and experiences in the field. Our model seeks to emphasize the foundations of learning and education across interrelated developmental domains (e.g., cognitive, affective, moral, physical, social, etc.), while considering issues of cultural and social diversity. Through their course of study, Applied Human Development students develop an understanding of the intersecting dimensions of human development, including:
- A lifespan perspective
- The convergent impact of constancy and change
- Traditional and changing life roles
- The influence of gender, culture, race, disability, and socioeconomic status
Graduates of the EdM in Applied Human Development program will:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of lifespan development, pedagogy, and social-cultural diversity inside their chosen track (Physical Education, Sports Coaching, or Positive Youth Development).
i. Students will use that understanding to plan, implement, and evaluate programming.
ii. Students will apply evidence-based practice in their field.
iii. Students will be effective practitioners in the field.
iv. Students will collaborate within and across disciplines to enhance and advocate for the health and well-being of the populations with whom they serve.
v. Students will influence positive change in both their chosen field and the communities in which they work.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the field of human development, including theories of individual and family development, social psychological theories of interpersonal relationships, cognitive development with emphasis on learning, and the influence of society and culture on individual and social behavior across the lifespan.
3. Demonstrate competencies that enable one to work successfully within the competency, ethical, and legal standards of their chosen profession in both private and public work settings.
4. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, produce, and address problems of practice through research that furthers the knowledge base of the broader discipline of Applied Human Development.
5. Expand their knowledge and skills by investigating and implementing current, research-based trends in their respective chosen tracks.
Specializations
The EdM in Applied Human Development offers three specializations:
A) Positive Youth Development
B) Physical Education (licensure and non-licensure)
C) Sports Coaching
Our specializations provide students with broad instruction in human development while also providing course content specific to the student’s chosen field (see below for detailed information).
Positive Youth Development
The Positive Youth Development specialization prepares students to assume leadership roles and responsibilities in a variety of youth-serving organizations. Students are asked to investigate a range of principles related to youth development, including: cultural responsiveness, youth engagement and empowerment, and strengths-based developmental approaches.
Physical Education (Licensure and Non-Licensure)
The Physical Education specialization provides an opportunity for students to explore issues related to the health and wellness of today’s youth and explores physical activity and sport from a developmental perspective. Students are prepared to assume leadership roles in their educational communities and to become competent, credible, and reflective teachers. There is an opportunity for Massachusetts teaching licensure inside the Physical Education specialization.
Our Physical Education specialization welcomes students who would like to earn a master’s degree in order to:
- Remain in good standing with their current license
- Complete an educator preparation program to convert a Provisional License to an Initial License
- Complete an educator preparation program to earn an Initial License
- Continue their professional development in the field of Physical Education
Note: Incoming Physical Education students seeking teaching state licensure are not required to hold an undergraduate degree in Physical Education. However, students seeking licensure must provide documentation of current CPR and First-Aid certification prior to graduation.
Sports Coaching
The Sports Coaching specialization is designed for individuals who would like to begin a professional career in athletic coaching or further their professional development by expanding and deepening their coaching knowledge. This specialization is also appropriate for individuals who wish to move toward a career in coaching education and/or coaching research.
Program Requirements
Most students are expected to complete the Applied Human Development program on a full-time basis; however, many courses are offered at times that allow for completion of the degree part-time while maintaining full-time employment. Students are required to complete a total of 36 credits. The requirements are as follows:
Required Courses for All Applied Human Development Specializations
Human Development: 7 Credits
- SED CE 705 Lifespan Development (3 cr)
AND - SED PE 506 Motor Development (4 cr)
Research Requirement: 4 Credits
- SED RS 600 Intro to Research (4 cr)
Social, Cross-Cultural, and Policy Foundations: 4 Credits
- SED CE 741 Cross-Cultural Perspectives (4 cr)
OR - SED HD 511 Social and Policy Perspectives in PYD (4 cr)
OR - SED HD 530 Sport: Imperialist and Liberator (4 cr)
OR - SED HE 720 Selected Problems in Health Education (4 cr)
OR - SED PE 710 Sport Theory and Social Systems (4 cr)
Positive Youth Development Program of Study
| Fall | |
| SED CE 705 Lifespan Development | 3 cr |
| SED RS 600 Intro to Research | 4 cr |
| SED HD 510 Positive Youth Dev. in Youth-Serving Settings | 4 cr |
| 1 class from Social/Cultural/Policy requirement | 4 cr |
| Electives | 3 cr |
| Spring | |
| SED PE 506 Motor Development | 4 cr |
| SED HD 512 Transformational Leadership in PYD Settings | 4 cr |
| SED HD 600 AHD Practicum | 3 cr |
| Electives | 7 cr |
Physical Education Licensure Program of Study
| Fall | |
| SED RS 600 Intro to Research | 4 cr |
| SED PE 519 Adapted Physical Education | 2 cr |
| SED ED 502 Ed. Foundations | 0 cr |
| SED PE 513 Teaching Methods | 4 cr |
| SED HE 720 Selected Problems in Health | 4 cr |
| SED HE 722 Curriculum Development | 4 cr |
| Spring | |
| SED PE 580 or 582 PE Student Teaching (PreK–8 or 5–12) | 8 cr |
| SED CE 705 Lifespan Development | 3 cr |
| SED PE 506 Motor Development | 4 cr |
| SED ED 503 Ed. Foundations | 2 cr |
| SED PE 525 PE Safety, Law, and Risk Mgmt | 1 cr |
Physical Education Non-Licensure Program of Study
| Fall | |
| Elective | 4 cr |
| SED PE 519 Adapted Physical Education | 2 cr |
| SED PE 513 Teaching Methods | 4 cr |
| 1 class from Social/Cultural/Policy requirement | 4 cr |
| SED HE 722 Curriculum Development | 4 cr |
| Spring | |
| SED PE 506 Motor Development | 4 cr |
| SED RS 600 Intro to Research | 4 cr |
| SED CE 705 Lifespan Development | 3 cr |
| SED HD 512 Transformational Leadership in PYD Settings | 4 cr |
| Elective | 3 cr |
Sports Coaching Program of Study
| Fall | |
| Elective | 4 cr |
| 1 class from Social/Cultural/Policy requirement | 4 cr |
| SED PE 501 Methods of Coaching | 4 cr |
| SED RS 600 Intro to Research | 4 cr |
| SED PE 519 Adapted Physical Education | 2 cr |
| Spring | |
| SED PE 506 Motor Development | 4 cr |
| SED HD 512 Transformational Leadership in PYD Settings | 4 cr |
| SED HD 600 AHD Practicum | 3 cr |
| SED PE 529 Psychology of Coaching Teams | 4 cr |
| SED CE 705 Lifespan Development | 3 cr |
