Human Development in Context at Northwestern University

The Human Development in Context (HDC) program examines how people develop, influence, and shape their social settings–families, communities, educational institutions, and the workplace–across their lifespan. HDC courses focus on theories of individual and family development; the local and global dynamics of learning; and cognition, social relations, and policy. This interdisciplinary program draws from current and actionable theory, research, and practice from areas as diverse as psychology, sociology, intercultural studies, gender studies, economics, and policy science.

Faculty: School of Education and Social Policy  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

All HDC students complete a one-quarter practicum internship for academic credit during their junior year to apply the skills they developed in the classroom. Students often begin working in human resources, customer success management, curriculum development, psychological research, teaching/education, social work, crisis intervention, outreach, and community education.

Career pathways

Approximately 25 percent of HDC alumni attend graduate school immediately after earning their bachelor's degree from SESP, and others pursue graduate work later in their careers.

Official programme page