2025-2026 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook
Bachelor of Arts in Human Development
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Return to: Academic Programs Offered at Pacific Oaks College
Total Credit Hours Required: 120
Maximum Allowable Transfer Credits: 87
Program Admissions Requirements: Program-specific admissions requirements can be found here: Admissions Policies
Tuition and Fees: Tuition and fees for the College and individual programs can be found here: Financial Aid and Student Accounts Policies
Number of Admit Terms per Year
Pasadena: 3
Online: 6
- Fall Sessions I & II
- Spring Sessions I & II
- Summer Sessions I & II
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts degree program in Human Development focuses on the growth and development of youth, adolescents, adults, older adults, and their families within the social contexts in which development takes place. Students gain foundational knowledge and appreciation for the varied trajectories of development, from typical to atypical, across the lifespan.
Each domain of study is grounded in respect for the time, place, and socio-political context in which development occurs. The multi-disciplinary curriculum encourages students to develop a holistic perspective rooted in empowerment, equity, and social justice. Applied experience is a key component of the program, supporting students who are committed to meaningful engagement in their communities. Supervised field experiences at an approved site are a required part of the program.
Students will also select a concentration, which is an area of focused study designed to deepen their knowledge of a specific aspect of the developmental process.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
Development: Students comprehend and analyze developmental and ecological theories impacting Human Development.
Diversity: Students value diversity, demonstrate commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion. They are able to identify and analyze the dynamics of institutional and individual biases and the use of power.
Communication: Students implement and analyze individual, dyadic and group communications for efficacy, clarity, appropriate audience reception, authenticity, and experience of empowerment for self and others.
Research: Students are able to distinguish between observations and theory in published research. Students create original research, present their findings, and link their research with existing literature in the field.
Praxis: Students develop a philosophy of learning reflective of developmental theories guided by observation and grounded in a lens of equity and multiculturalism. Students evaluate these actions based on results and their impact on other persons, groups, and systems (ethics, values, principles, and empowerment). Students learn to incorporate developmentally and culturally appropriate practice with individuals and systems. Praxis will involve activities such as practica, fieldwork or student teaching.
Program-Specific Requirements
Credit Requirements
40 General Education credits
50 General Elective Credits
18 Upper Division Human Development Program Credits
12 Concentration Credits
120 total credits
This is a year-round program, including enrollment in summer. On-ground attendance includes fall and spring 16-week semesters and a 12-week summer semester. Online attendance includes 8-week terms.
A full-time student entering with 0 credits and successfully completing 12 credits per semester would have a time-to-completion of ten semesters, which is equivalent to 3 1/3 years, or 40 months.
Fieldwork Requirements
Fieldwork is a required component of the program. It involves practical, applied learning experiences completed outside the traditional classroom environment. Students gain knowledge, acquire new skills, and refine existing skills while providing service to the community. Each student must complete 45 hours of service at an approved fieldwork or internship site during the term or semester in which they are enrolled in the fieldwork course.
Residence Requirement
All credits earned through courses offered by Pacific Oaks College are considered residence hours, regardless of whether they are completed online, on-ground, at instructional sites, or through off-campus cohort locations. Credits earned from institutions other than Pacific Oaks College are considered non-resident credits. All students must complete a minimum of 30 residence hours to be eligible for program completion.
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development, students must successfully complete the following:
- The approved program of study, including a minimum of 30 credits completed in residence at Pacific Oaks College; and
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in all coursework attempted at the College.
Students must submit a Petition for Degree Completion and the associated fee to the Office of the Registrar during the semester prior to completing their degree requirements. All outstanding debts must be paid to the Student Accounts Office, and any academic deficiencies must be resolved. Students must also be in good academic standing for the degree to be awarded.
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