Master of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology

The MS in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) builds the skills you’ll need to address the diverse needs of children, youth, and families across multiple settings, including community-based organizations, schools, hospitals, advocacy organizations, residential treatment programs, out-of-school programs, and service agencies. This rigorous four-semester program blends challenging coursework with community-based practice making graduates stand out in the job field.

Quick Facts

• Program Duration: 2 academic years (4 semesters)
• Time Commitment: Full-time or Part-time
• Term of Enrollment: Fall
• Course Requirements: 36 credits
• Format: With the exception of a few electives and online courses, ADP MS courses are offered in the evening.
• Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions; Child Life Priority is given to applications received by March 1.
• Admissions Requirements: GRE exam not required

Program Overview

Through a blend of research and professional practice training, students in this vital field acquire competencies and expertise in applying knowledge of development and evidence-based practices to address real-world problems in real-world settings. Applied developmentalists are experts in interdisciplinary collaboration; they use their knowledge of current research and evidence-based methods to design, implement, and evaluate innovative interventions and programs for children, youth and families; they emphasize principles of positive psychology to promote the success of all children and youth, especially those who are at developmental risk and/or have developmental/learning difficulties.

Concentrations

Students can choose from five specializations:

• Applied Research Methods for Child and Youth Serving Organizations
• Behaviorial Health in Schools and Communities
• Children with Special Health Care Needs with Child Life Option
• Infant Mental Health
• Child Youth Development

About Pitt Education

Pick Your Destination -- And We'll Help You Get There

Consistently ranked among the top graduate schools of education by  U.S. News & World Report , the Pitt School of Education offers world-class education programs that ignite learning for all. With over 50 graduate and undergraduate degree programs in education, we are focused on advancing education.

Facts and Rankings

We are proud to offer an education that advances equity in education through our emphasis on experiential learning, community-focused projects, and close interactions with faculty.

Faculty and Students

Faculty

• Full-time faculty: 77
• Full-time faculty with doctorates: 100 percent
• Funded grant research: $32 million in total active grants

Students

• Undergraduate: 409
• Graduate: 554
• Total: 963

Geography

• In-State: 68% from Pennsylvania
• Out-of-State: 32% from other U.S. states
• International: 7% of students international
• Countries Represented: 20 countries

Life in Pittsburgh

Culture. Sports. Art. Parks. Shopping. Dining.

Located in Oakland, the University of Pittsburgh campus is a unique area that also manages to harmonize with Pittsburgh and its other distinct surrounding neighborhoods. Pittsburgh is a fluid town, becoming whatever you want it to be. And the rest of the country has begun to catch on: Pittsburgh was recently ranked by CNBC as the “#1 City to Relocate to in America” and the “Most Livable City in America” by Forbes Magazine.

Our Mission-Vision

We are a school whose mission is rooted in equity, justice, and innovation.

We ignite learning. We strive for well-being for all. We teach. We commit to student, family, and community success. We commit to educational equity. We advocate. We work for justice. We cultivate relationships. We forge engaged partnerships. We collaborate. We learn with and from communities. We innovate and agitate. We pursue and produce knowledge. We research. We disrupt and transform inequitable educational structures. We approach learning as intertwined with health, wellness, and human development. We address how national, global, social, and technological change impacts learning. We shape practice and policy. We teach with and for dignity. We think. We dream. We lead with integrity. We are the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh.