Skip to main content
Silhouette of six children holding hands at sunset.

Human Development

The human development program focuses on the human lifespan from infancy to old age, and encompasses many lenses, including psychological, biological, cultural and social. Our multidisciplinary approach in sociology, communications, psychology and health science gives students a well-rounded education to be very knowledgeable for a wide variety of careers in counseling, social work, communications, education, business and health promotion and wellness management.

Human development majors will design a multidisciplinary learning agreement that provides them with information from related disciplines relevant to their particular interests. Students gain the freedom to tailor their major to their personal passions and career paths.

Current Oswego students can declare a major or minor in Human Development through their MyOswego account. New students to the College can choose Human Development on their admissions application.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of life span developmental theories and processes
  2. Integrate and apply theoretical knowledge to internship experiences and future career goals
  3. Demonstrate competence in quantitative and qualitative research methods, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs.
  4. Critically analyze issues and problems related to diversity, equity, and inclusion across the lifespan. 
Student meeting with an advisor across a table with a laptop, representing professional development, with text promoting the Human Services Leadership Institute microcredential.

Human Services Leadership Institute (Microcredential)

Develop practical leadership skills for supervisory roles through this competency-based program. Learn to manage conflict, lead teams, and achieve professional goals through real-world scenarios. Earn a digital badge with Tier 1 and Tier 2 training.

 

Smiling adult and young girl gently touching noses, representing care and connection, with text promoting a Child Advocacy Studies microcredential.

Child Advocacy Studies (Microcredential)

Build essential skills to recognize, respond to, and prevent child maltreatment through SUNY Oswego’s CAST-based program. Ideal for students entering education, healthcare, social services, and related fields. Earn a digital badge that showcases your expertise in child protection.

Purple and gold invitation for the Human Development Student Honors Reception celebrating student achievement, with event details: April 17, 2026, Hewitt Union Room 128, 1:00–2:30 PM, with light refreshments.

Join the Celebration

Celebrating student achievement 

Join the Human Development Department at our Honors Reception

April 17, 2026, in Hewitt Union Room 128 from 1:00–2:30 PM

Light refreshments will be served

 

Join Us!

News

Senior human development major Krista Souders presents her research poster “Teaching and Learning in the AI Times: Insights From Students’ Voices” at the university’s Fall Poster Symposium to Kristin Croyle

Human development major explores student perspectives on AI use

SUNY Oswego student Cheyenne Sinchico was recently selected by the SUNY system to receive a Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for EOP Student Excellence.

Oswego student earns EOP award for excellence

Mamta Saxena, an associate professor of human development at SUNY Oswego, earned the Best Overall Presenter award for her virtual presentation with the the 9th World Conference on Women's Studies

Faculty member’s presentation earns top award at international conference

Human Development Department

Suite 304 Poucher Hall
315.312.3236
[email protected]

Human Development 

Administrative Assistant

Jissell Sherman
222 Marano Campus Center
[email protected]