UC San Diego
Human Development Program
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Careers

As suggested in the HDP mission statement the goal of the Human Development Major at UCSD is twofold: first to provide students with a broad and integrated appreciation of human development from the level of biology through the influence of cultures. Second, we encourage students to develop a specific focus within the larger field that will help direct their future career path.

A common question that arises among students, and parents of students, considering a major in human development, is, "What can I do with a human development major, once I have finished my degree at UCSD?"

The materials that follow are intended to serve as a guide for answering that most important question. As students will see, there are many, many possible career paths and directions a student of human development might pursue. Due to the fact that the field is diverse, the most important trick for students is to plan ahead and structure a course of study that will prepare each individual student for their career of choice.

Preparation

  • Career path planning should begin as early as possible in the student’s academic career.
  • If possible, planning should begin at or prior to the student’s arrival at UCSD. All incoming UCSD students are admitted to a college with specific rules and general education requirements. Those requirements provide the first set of constraints in the shape and direction of each student’s educational path.
  • HDP major requirements should be analyzed for possible overlap in career requirements.

HDP academic advisors will provide students with an overview of possible career paths

  • The overview is extensive, but by no means complete, and is designed to provide students with a sense of the range of opportunities as well as the basic requirements for pursuing them.
  • Thumbnail sketches are provided for possible professions along with basic information about training, salaries, etc.

Extracurricular Activities

  • Extracurricular activities are exceedingly valuable tools and resources for students to utilize in evaluating potential careers.
  • It is also very helpful for students to think about extracurricular activities that are important in helping them to make career decisions.
  • Internships, study abroad opportunities, independent studies, are all good mechanisms to learn about fields of study, and whether or not they are appropriate for each individual student.
  • To assist students in taking advantage of these opportunities, sections on research, internships, and study abroad opportunities for a range of career paths have been developed.

Careers in Human Development

(Currently under revision, please visit the HDP office for detailed career guides)

I. Medicine

A. Physician (Pediatric, Family, OBGYN, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine)
B. Physician Assistant
C. Nursing
      1. Registered Nurse     
      2. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)--Masters Level (Midwife, Practitioner, anesthetists, clinical specialists)
E. Pharmacy
F. Public Health (see Social/Public Services & Policy)

II. Therapy & Rehabilitation

A. Physical Therapy
B. Occupational Therapy
C. Speech Therapy/Pathology
D. Audiologist
E. Rehabilitation Counselor
F. Child Life Specialist
G. Respiratory Therapists

III. Behavioral Health

A. Clinical Psychology
B. Clinical Social Work
C. Marriage & Family Therapy
D. Mental Health Counselor
E. Child Life Specialist
F. Rehabilitation Counselor
G. Substance Abuse Counselor
H. School Psychology

IV. Education

A. Teaching
      1. Preschool, Kindergarten, and Elementary
      2. Middle, Secondary, and Vocational
      3. Special Education
      4. College Professor
B. Educational Counseling
C. Instructional Coordinators
D. School Psychologist
E. Administration & Management

V. Social/Public Services & Policy

A. Social Work
      1. Child, Family, and School Services
      2. Clinical Services
      3. Public Health Social Worker
B. Criminal Justice
      1. Correctional Officers
      2. Lawyer
      3. Police and Detectives 
      4. Probation officers
C. Public Relations
D. Public Health
      1. Epidemiology
      2. Genetic Counselor
      3. Clinical Dietitian
      4. Community Dietitian
      5. Consultant Dietitian
      6. Management Dietitian
      7. Nutritionist & Dietitian

 VI. Arts, Communication, and Marketing

A. Writers and Editors
B. Library Science
C. Archivists and Curators
D. Graphic Media & Design
E. Public Relations

Curriculum Plans for Human Development Students

(Undergoing revisions, please visit the HDP office for curriculum planning)

  • Speech Therapy/Audiology
  • Physical Therapy
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Public Health
  • Public Policy
  • Pre-Law
  • Multicultural
  • Education
  • Pre-Medicine

Graduate Study

Guide to Graduate School
Offers directories of graduate and post-graduate programs, free of charge for prospective students. The site contains thousands of programs listed by curriculum including descriptions, contact information and in some cases links.
Paterson's Graduate Planner
"the most comprehensive and heavily traveled education resource on the Web."
Graduate Education at the University of California
This publication, Continue the Journey, provides essential information about graduate study at the University of California.
Promoting Diversity in Graduate and Professional Education
Provides information on systemwide efforts to recruit and retain qualified and diverse student populations for UC graduate and professional schools.

Graduate Programs in Human Development

Child and Family Development Programs

Student & Educational Development Programs