2015–2016 Bulletin Addendum EdM in Applied Human Development

The Applied Human Development program is designed to introduce practitioners and future researchers to the application of developmental theory to education, construed in its broadest sense. The program seeks to emphasize the foundations of life-span learning and education across interrelated developmental domains (e.g., cognitive, affective, moral, physical, social, etc.), while considering issues of cultural and social diversity.

The promotion of human development and competence is a mission of educators, and the program orientation is pragmatic as well as conceptual. Students develop an understanding of the basic dimensions of human development: a life-span perspective and a specific focus on youth; the convergent impact of constancy and change; life stages; traditional and changing life roles; the impact of gender, culture, race, and socioeconomics; cognitive, psychomotor, and psychosocial development.

The Applied Human Development Program bridges the divisions of the School of Education, and the traditional divide between basic and applied research. Students draw on a wide range of courses and opportunities offered across the School of Education, and the broader Boston University community. Indeed, the study of Applied Human Development is directly related to issues of health and wellness, child advocacy, mental health, religion and spirituality, as well as social and psychological well-being, both from a domestic and an international perspective.

Specializations

The EdM in Applied Human Development offers three specializations: Positive Youth Development, Physical Education and Coaching, and Health Education. All specializations can be completed in two full-time semesters (36 credits) and each aims to provide students with broad instruction in developmental issues, while allowing space for specialization based on the student’s particular interests (see below for detailed information).

1. Positive Youth Development: The Positive Youth Development specialization provides a firm grounding in the major considerations for working in and for a variety of organizations that serve youth and emerging adult populations. Students that choose this specialization will have the flexibility to craft a pathway that matches their strengths and particular career interests and will position them for success in this vital sector.
2. Physical Education and Coaching: The Physical Education and Coaching specialization provides an opportunity for students to explore issues related to the health and wellness of today’s youth with an emphasis on physical activity and movement. This specialization prepares students to assume leadership roles in their communities and to become competent, credible, and reflective practitioners. This specialization is appropriate for those that are interested in physical education licensure, physical activity/movement, and growing the field of coach training and development.
3. Health Education: The Health Education specialization provides a foundation for working with youth in multiple capacities with a focus on assisting youth in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in health-enhancing behaviors and avoid risky behaviors. This specialization is appropriate for anyone interested in community health, school-based health education, or other health-related settings. There is an opportunity for licensure in Health Education with this specialization and it will prepare students for the Certified Health Education Specialist exam.

Within each specialization, ample opportunity exists for structuring the program to specific needs and areas of focus. All students learn diverse theories of human development and examine the distinctive issues involved in developmental research. Students are also encouraged to arrange field experiences under faculty supervision that apply developmental theory. In addition, other course offerings at SED and across the campus may enrich or support specialized study. Upon acceptance to the program, you will be assigned an academic advisor who will work with you to design a course of study tailored to your particular interests.

Courses

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 continuing full-time employment.

Required Courses for All Specializations

Human Development

• DS 504 Adolescent Development (2 cr) and
• CE 705 Lifespan Development with CT 900 Independent Study (4 cr) or
• PE 506 Motor Development (4 cr)

Research Requirement

• RS 600 Perspectives on Inquiry (4 cr)

Social, Cross-Cultural, and Policy Foundations

• CE 741 Cross-Cultural Perspectives (4 cr) or
• SE 650 Children at Risk (4 cr) or
• HE 720 Selected Problems in Health Education (4 cr)

Specialization Courses

*The specific number of courses chosen will vary. Students will work with their advisor to determine which courses are appropriate for completion of the specialization and to obtain the 36 credits necessary for the degree.

• CE 630 Positive Psychology (4 cr)
• CE 650 Counseling Techniques (4 cr)
• CE 710 Developmental Psychopathology (3 cr)
• CT 524 Values in PE & Sport (4 cr)
• EC 605 Topics in Child Development & Education (4 cr)
• ED 502/503 Pro Seminar (2 cr)
• HE 522 Community Health (4 cr)
• HE 554 Health Education Student Teaching (8 cr)
• HE 720 Selected Problems in Health Education (4 cr)
• HE 722 Curriculum Development (4 cr)
• HE 724 Sexuality (4 cr)
• PE 501 Methods of Coaching (4 cr)
• PE 502 Movement and PA in Schools (2 cr)
• PE 504 Workshop on Coaching Strategies (4 cr)
• PE 506 Motor Development (4 cr)
• PE 513 Teaching Methods in PE and HE (4 cr)
• PE 529 Psychology of Coaching Teams (4 cr)
• PE 591/2 Coaching Practicum 1 & 2 (2 cr/2 cr)
• PE 705 Analysis of Teaching and Coaching Movement (4 cr)
• PE 710 Sport Theory & Social Systems (4 cr)
• PE 580/581/582/583 Physical Education Student Teaching (8 cr)
• SE 502 Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (4 cr)
• SE 510 Special Education: Curriculum & Instruction (2 cr)
• SE 650 Children at Risk (4 cr)
• SE 760 Cognition, Learning, and Behavior (4 cr)
• AP 900 Independent Study (var cr)