“I came to Penn GSE to learn how to use science-based evidence to empower children, families, practitioners, and policymakers.”
Zijin Zhang, M.S.Ed., GED'20
Deepening the understanding of human development across the lifespan.
The Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development, M.S.Ed. (ISHD) program offers students the opportunity to design a personalized course of study that deepens their understanding of human development across the lifespan. Areas of focus may include academic research, youth services, urban and ethnic studies, adult learning, international programming (such as work with NGOs), foundation administration, and program development.
Program Details
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Rolling Application Deadline
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Fall Entry term
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Full or Part-Time Enrollment Format
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10 Courses
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1 Year Duration (Full-Time)
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On Campus Modality
Overview
The Interdisciplinary Human Development master’s program offers students the flexibility to design a specialized course of study that leads to an enriched understanding of the diverse perspectives on human development across the lifespan. Areas of focus may include traditional academic research, youth programming and services, urban and ethnic studies, adult development and learning, international programming (e.g., work with NGOs), foundation administration, and program development.
Designed for pre-professional training, the program prepares students to advance within their careers by developing a deeper understanding of human development issues. The ISHD program also provides a strong foundation for those planning to pursue doctoral study in human development, family studies, and related fields.
| This program qualifies for the STEM OPT extension for students on an F-1 visa. |
Take the Next Steps
Application Requirements and Deadlines Tuition and Fees Financial Aid
Hear From Our Alumni
Hear From Our Alumni
Zijin Zhang, M.S.Ed., GED'20
Upcoming Events
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Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
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Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
Curriculum
ISHD students integrate established psychological approaches with perspectives from various social sciences, including anthropology, sociology, philosophy, and social work. The program emphasizes Developmental Foundations, Social, Cultural & Policy Foundations, and both Quantitative and Qualitative Methods.
All students participate in the Proseminar, which focuses on how research is conceptualized, designed, and conducted, with a strong emphasis on collecting, analyzing, and communicating developmental data.
The ISHD program offers flexibility, allowing students to complete the program at their own pace. Students can take 3-4 courses during the fall and spring semesters, 0-2 in the summer, and extend their studies for a master’s thesis. The program requires a total of 10 courses, which can be completed over one calendar year (two semesters and a summer term) or extended over two years. For more information on courses and requirements, visit the Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development M.S.Ed. program in the University Catalog.
The Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development program also offers a dual-majors with other programs. This option extends the length of the degree program, requires more than 10 courses, and requires approval from the second program after the student has matriculated into ISHD and has begun taking courses. Learn more about Dual and Joint Degrees at Penn GSE.
Do you have questions about the plan of study?
We're happy to help! Contact the Administrative Coordinator, Dominic Homac, homacd@upenn.edu.
Outcomes
Graduates typically seek careers in academic research, youth programming, urban and ethnic studies, research consultation, program evaluation, and advanced research. Many of our graduates go into doctoral programs in Human Development and Family Studies, and seek research and academic positions afterwards.
Alumni Careers
- Clinical Research Coordinator, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Health Initiatives Coordinator, Cornell University
- Research Associate, American Institutes for Research
- Senior Research Associate, Alliance for Decision Education
- Social Emotional Learning Specialist, Felton Institute
- Student Services Advisor, UC Davis
Doctoral Programs
- Applied Human Development, Boston University
- Educational and Counseling Psychology, McGill University
- Human Development, Learning, and Teaching, Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Learning Sciences and Human Development, University of Washington
- Policy, Leadership, and Research Methods, University of California, Santa Barbara
- Psychology and Neuroscience, St. Andrews University, Edinburgh
Apply Now
A graduate degree from Penn GSE opens up whole new worlds, intellectually as well as professionally. If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader—or aspire to be one—Penn GSE is the place for you.
Affiliated Faculty
Our affiliated faculty are valued members of the Penn GSE community and are leaders in their fields and disciplines across higher education and in the private sector. In addition to teaching students, many of our affiliated faculty also contribute to curricular development, research, and serve as student mentors.
Contact Us
Do you have questions about the application, financial aid, or requirements? We're happy to help!
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