Bachelor of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology

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Shape Lives, Starting Here

Have you ever wondered what makes us who we are? In EWU’s Applied Developmental Psychology program, you’ll explore how people grow and change throughout their lives.

From childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, you’ll gain a deep understanding of human development while also building skills in counseling, research, and human relations. Your education will extend beyond the classroom with field study experiences, giving you valuable real-world practice shadowing a psychologist, counselor, or other human service professional.

With options to study 100% online or in person, an Applied Developmental Psychology degree from EWU gives you the flexibility to learn in the way that works best for you. You’ll be prepared for careers in human services or for pursuing graduate studies in counseling, psychology, or related fields.

For additional information, please call the department at 509.359.6227 or email us at psychology@ewu.edu.

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Program Locations

Earn your Applied Developmental Psychology BS online or at our Cheney campus.

Cheney Campus

EWU School of Psychology 
Martin Hall 135 ▪ Cheney, WA 99004
📧 psychology@ewu.edu | ☎ 509.359.6227

Online

Study anytime, anywhere while still getting personal guidance from professors, gaining hands-on experience, and building industry connections.

Why Study Applied Developmental Psychology at EWU?

Get a hands-on education, real-world experience, and personalized support from faculty so you can launch your career with confidence.

Academic Excellence

Our program is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

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Affordability

Graduate debt-free with competitive tuition rates.

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Flexibility

With four start dates a year, you can begin in summer, fall, winter, or spring.

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Applied Learning

Engage in hands-on projects and case studies that connect theory to practice.

Career Focused

Develop skills for high-demand roles in human services, therapy, and related fields.

Expert Faculty

Learn from experienced professionals dedicated to your success.

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Applied Developmental Psychology Major, Bachelor of Science (BS)

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology prepares students for entry-level work and graduate study in a variety of developmental and human service careers. The program covers basic areas of human developmental psychology across the life span with a special focus on processes and principles of developmental change.

Required Foundational Courses
PSYC 305CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT4
PSYC 306ADULT DEVELOPMENT4
PSYC 307PSYCHOLOGY OF ADJUSTMENT5
PSYC 309SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGY5
PSYC 310PSYCHOLOGICAL STATISTICS5
PSYC 314TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS5
PSYC 315PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RELATIONS4
PSYC 324CONDITIONING AND LEARNING4
PSYC 344INTRODUCTION TO THE HELPING PROFESSIONS4
Advanced Courses17
BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
DEVELOPMENTAL THEORIES AND APPLICATIONS
CHILD AND FAMILY GUIDANCE
GROUP DYNAMICS
Focus Experience–students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of PSYC 493.8
FIELD STUDY IN APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (4 credit minimum–may be repeated)
SEMINAR
DIRECTED STUDY
Senior Capstone–choose one4-5
SENIOR CAPSTONE: THE TRADITION OF PSYCHOLOGY
SENIOR THESIS (by faculty invitation)
Total Credits69-70

The following plan of study is for a student with zero credits. Individual students may have different factors such as: credit through transfer work, Advanced Placement, Running Start, or any other type of college-level coursework that requires an individual plan.

Courses could be offered in different terms, checking the academic schedule is paramount in keeping an individual plan current. Students should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

All Undergraduate students are required to meet the Undergraduate Degree Requirements.

First Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
ENGL 1015ENGL 2015Natural Science BACR 115
Humanities & Arts BACR 115MATH 1075Social Science BACR 215
Social Science BACR 115Humanities & Arts BACR 215Elective - minor or general elective5
 15 15 15
Second Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
Natural Science BACR 215Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5
Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5
Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5
 15 15 15
Third Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
PSYC 3054PSYC 3064PSYC 3105
PSYC 3075PSYC 3145PSYC 3154
PSYC 3095PSYC 3444Diversity - graduation requirement15
 Elective - minor or general elective2 
 14 15 14
Fourth Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
PSYC 3244PSYC 4024PSYC 4764
PSYC 374 (Global Studies - graduation requirement)5PSYC 4054PSYC 4835
PSYC 493, 498, or 4994PSYC 490 (Senior Capstone - graduation requirement)5Elective - minor or general elective5
Elective - minor or general elective3PSYC 493, 498, or 4994 
 16 17 14
Total Credits 180
1

University Graduation Requirements (UGR) and Breadth Area Course Requirements (BACR) courses may be less than 5 credits and additional credits may be required to reach the required 180 total credits needed to graduate.  Students should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

Field Study in Applied Developmental Psychology
(PSYC 493)

Each quarter of Field Study consists of completing at least 128 hours at an approved site, and meeting once a week on Thursdays from noon to 12:50 p.m.  To meet the 128 hours, students typically complete approximately 13 hours per week for 10 weeks.

Field Study is offered Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. To register for PSYC 493 you first must meet with the department field study advisor (Elisa Pope) the quarter prior to the quarter you wish to begin your field study. To start field study fall quarter please contact the field study advisor by approximately the end of April; for winter quarter, by approximately the end of October; for spring quarter, by approximately the end of February. When you meet with the field study advisor (a) possible field study sites, (b) what is expected of Field Study students, and(c) learning contracts will be discussed. If you are interested in field study, please contact Elisa Pope via email at  epope1@ewu.edu.

This is a list of sites where our students have completed the field study experience. The list is not exhaustive but should provide you with an idea of the places you might choose for this important experience.

Below are some schools where our students have completed the field study experience: 

Applied Developmental Psychology (BS) students complete a Focus-Experience which can be met in two ways: (a) two consecutive quarters of Field Study, or (b) one quarter of Field Study and 4 credits of PSYC 498 (Seminar) or PSYC 499 (Directed Study). This section addresses the Field Study specifically.

BS in Applied Developmental Psychology FAQs

This program prepares students for human services and health-related careers, with a focus on developmental processes across the lifespan, both typical and atypical.  

You can complete the BS in Applied Developmental Psychology at our Cheney campus or fully online.

No. This program does not require a foreign language. 

You will study the developmental processes across the lifespan, adjustment, human relations, developmental theory, and research methods.

Yes. Students complete one or two quarters of field study experience at human service agencies in the community. 

Yes. The program actively prepares students for graduate programs in psychology and related human service fields.

Common roles include behavior technician, ABA interventionist, early intervention specialist, adolescent care technician, child/adolescent protection worker, and elder care services coordinator.

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