Help Others Thrive with an EdM in Applied Human Development
With a master’s in applied human development, you will be prepared to assume leadership roles and responsibilities as a professional in youth-serving fields. In this EdM in Applied Human Development, you can choose from two concentrations: positive youth development and sports coaching.
The flexible master’s in Applied Human Development is designed for working professionals. Grow as a leader and communicator as you study how individuals grow, learn, and thrive across the lifespan.
Program Concentrations and Field Experiences
This applied human development master’s (EdM in Applied Human Development) program has a strong focus on lifespan development. This prepares you with broad instruction in human development while also providing course content specific to your chosen field, whether that is positive youth development or sports coaching.
This concentration prepares you to assume leadership roles and responsibilities in a variety of youth-serving organizations. You will investigate a range of principles related to youth development, including cultural responsiveness, youth engagement and empowerment, and strengths-based developmental approaches.
Make a difference for youth as an athletic coach. Begin a professional career in athletic coaching or further your professional development by expanding and deepening your coaching knowledge. This concentration is also appropriate for individuals who wish to move toward a career in coaching education and/or coaching research.
Students in the EdM in Applied Human Development complete a practicum in their last semester. These field-based experiences are tailored to fit your schedule and goals in both positive youth development and sports coaching.
Pursuing this master’s degree at Boston University is enhancing my professional skills in working with children of different developmental stages as I deepen my understanding of lifespan development.
Career Outcomes for an EdM in Applied Human Development
Become a skilled professional ready to provide leadership in positive youth development or sports coaching in diverse settings. When you complete an applied human development master’s (EdM in Applied Human Development), you’ll have the skills for careers such as:
- Social-emotional learning specialist
- Research coordinator
- Program development
- Youth development specialist
- Director of youth-serving organizations
- Athletic director
- Community health advocate
- Athletic coach
- Academic/college advisor
Featured Faculty
Faculty connected to the BU Wheelock EdM in Applied Human Development are experts in supporting the healthy development of youth and adolescents in a wide range of educational, recreation, familial, and justice-oriented settings.
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Detris Adelabu
Clinical Professor
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Kathleen Corriveau
Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs
Professor -
Tina M. Durand
Program Director, Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development PhD
Clinical Associate Professor -
Petra Hesse
Clinical Associate Professor Emerita
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John McCarthy
Clinical Associate Professor
Director, Institute for Athletic Coach Education -
Michael A. Medina
Program Director, Applied Human Development
Assistant Professor -
William Rodriguez
Senior Lecturer
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Rebecca Shangraw
Senior Lecturer
Applied Human Development Courses
Core courses in the applied human development master’s (EdM in Applied Human Development) program cover lifespan development, motor development, introduction to research, policy perspectives, health education, and sport theory. In addition to those courses, you’ll take classes in your concentration of choice on topics like:
- Motor Development: Considerations for Planning Movement
- Transformational Leadership in Positive Youth Development
In this concentration, you’ll complete a practicum (3 units) and can also take elective courses (7 units).
- Methods of Coaching
- Corrective and Adaptive Physical Education
- The Psychology of Coaching Teams
Students in the Sports Coaching concentration of the EdM in Applied Human Development will complete a practicum (3 units) and can take elective courses (4 units).
Scholarships Available
Ready to begin your applied human development master’s (EdM in Applied Human Development)? Don’t let questions of funding hold you back. At Boston University, merit-based scholarships are available to graduate students.
Admissions & Dates
Spring & Fall 2026
Aug 15, 2025
Application Opens
Spring 2026 Semester
Dec 15, 2025
Application Deadline
Fall 2026 Semester
Jan 15, 2026
Deadline to Receive Priority Scholarship Consideration
Fall 2026 Semester
Aug 1, 2026
Application Closes
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about the Master of Education (EdM) in Counseling program. Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.