The Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development (ISHD) program combines the study of social, emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of human development, considered within cultural contexts and relevant to social policies. The Penn Graduate School of Education’s commitment to urban education and its West Philadelphia setting offer students the opportunity to create a specialized program of study that leads to an enriched understanding of the diverse perspectives of human development across the lifespan.

Specialized options may represent one of the following career interests: traditional academic appointment; youth programming and services; urban and ethnic studies; adult development and learning; corporate human resources development; international programming (e.g., work with NGOs); foundation administration and program development; and collaborative efforts in health care facilities.

Conceptually and methodologically, ISHD students are expected to integrate established psychological approaches with perspectives from other social and biological sciences. Students are encouraged to select courses from such disciplines as anthropology, psychology, sociology, philosophy, linguistics, communications, nursing, medicine, social work, and business. Visiting scholars and researchers share their perspectives and experiences in the ISHD Proseminar. The focus of the Proseminar, which every ISHD student attends, is to demonstrate how research is conceptualized, designed, and implemented. The collection, analysis, and communication of developmental data are also stressed.  Working with faculty, students have options to  conduct their own scientific research.