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:

• Demonstrate an understanding of lifespan development, pedagogy, and social-cultural diversity inside their chosen concentration (Athlete-Centered Sport Leadership, Mental Performance, or Positive Youth Development).
  • Students will use that understanding to plan, implement, and evaluate programming.
  • Students will apply evidence-based practice in their field.
  • Students will be effective practitioners in the field.
  • Students will collaborate within and across disciplines to enhance and advocate for the health and well-being of the populations with whom they serve.
  • Students will influence positive change in both their chosen field and the communities in which they work.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Expand their knowledge and skills by investigating and implementing current, research-based trends in their respective chosen tracks.

Concentrations

The EdM in Applied Human Development offers three concentrations:

A) Athlete-Centered Sport Leadership
B) Mental Performance
C) Positive Youth Development

Our concentrations 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).

Athlete-Centered Sport Leadership

Are you ready to lead the future of sport? As the world of athletics rapidly evolves and changes, the demand has never been greater for leaders who can champion safe, inclusive, and athlete-centered environments.

Our Athlete-Centered Sport Leadership concentration is designed for forward-thinking sport administrators who want to set themselves apart. Unlike traditional sport management programs that focus narrowly on business and marketing, this program equips you with the knowledge and tools to foster holistic athlete development—helping athletes thrive not only in performance, but also in health, well-being, and personal growth.

If you’re looking to advance your career and become the kind of leader today’s athletes and organizations need, this program will give you the credentials—and the mindset—to make a lasting impact.

Mental Performance

Are you fascinated by the mental side of sport—the focus, resilience, and mindset that athletes strive for? Our Mental Performance concentration gives you the tools to help athletes and performers reach their peak potential—without the clinical requirements of a counseling degree. This program is built on the same foundation as our long-standing, highly regarded Sport Psychology program. You’ll gain access to expert faculty, a supportive community, and coursework that puts you on track to pursue a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification.

Positive Youth Development

The Positive Youth Development concentration 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.

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 units. The requirements are as follows:

Athlete-Centered Sport Leadership Program of Study

WED CE 705 Lifespan Development (3 units)

WED HD 530 Sport Imperialism and Liberation (4 units)

WED HD 599 Preparing for the Applied Human Development Field (2 units)

WED HD 600 AHD Practicum (3 units)

WED PE 501 Methods of Coaching (4 units)

WED PE 504 Workshop Sport Leadership Strategies (4 units)

WED PE 529 The Psychology of Coaching Teams (4 units)

WED PE 703 Management of Athletics and Physical Education (4 units)

WED PE 710 Sport Theory and Social Systems (4 units)

WED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 units) or one 4-unit course from the Educational Leadership & Policy Studies program (4 units)

Mental Performance Program of Study

WED CE 635 Counseling Skills and Techniques (3 units)

WED CE 650 Applied Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (4 units)

WED CE 710 Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3 units)

WED CE 740 Ethics and Professional Responsibilities (3 units)

WED DS 700 Theoretical Foundations of Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (4 units)

WED HD 530 Sport Imperialism and Liberation (4 units)

WED PE 501 Methods of Coaching (4 units)

WED PE 505 Motor Learning and Control (3 units)

WED PE 529 The Psychology of Coaching Teams (4 units)

WED PE 710 Sport Theory and Social Systems (4 units) or WED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 units)

Positive Youth Development Program of Study

WED CE 705 Lifespan Development (3 units)

WED DS 502 Introduction to Adolescent Development (2 units)

WED HD 510 Positive Youth Development (4 units)

WED HD 511 Social and Policy Perspective in Positive Youth Development (4 units)

WED HD 526 Meaning and Development of Play (4 units)

WED HD 599 Preparing for the Applied Human Development Field (2 units)

WED HD 600 AHD Practicum (3 units)

WED PE 505 Motor Learning and Control (3 units)

WED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 units)

Electives (7 units)