Research Opportunities

HDP 191 is a 6 unit course required for the completion of the HDP major. This course requires that HDP students select an off-campus site where they will then go to conduct 40 hours of observational research over the 10 week quarter. The Human Development Program offers a wide variety of field research sites carefully selected in order to represent the multitude of interests held by our majors. Site opportunities that are offered give the HDP students the chance to gain experience working in educational, clinical and public health settings, as well as the opportunity to work with people of a variety of age groups ranging from infants to senior citizens.

• Declared Human Development major.
• Completion of HDP 181.
• Completion of significant upper division coursework.
• Completion of Pre-Enrollment Questionnaire one year prior to enrollment.

The following list represents a sampling of field research sites available to students. Please note that research opportunities vary according to the quarter of enrollment in HDP 191.

• Barrio Logan College Institute
• Casa de Manana
• Crimson Center for Speech & Language
• Del Mar Heights Elementary School
• Early Childhood Education Center (UCSD)
• Fredericka Manor care
• The Gifted Preschool
• Hanna Fenichel Center of Child Development
• Head Start
• Kate Grace Physical Therapy
• Mission Bay Montessori Academy
• Pacific Beach Middle School AVID
• Rady Children’s Hospital
• Reality Changers
• Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
• Senior Community Centers
• Shiley Eye Center
• University City High School AVID
• Young Audiences of San Diego

HDP 193 is a 4 unit independent research course that may be used to satisfy a requirement for the Human Development major. It is similar to a 199 course in that it provides students with an opportunity to conduct an independent research project under the guidance of a faculty instructor, however it differs in that it allows students to earn a letter grade for their work and to fulfill one of the HDP major requirements. Enrollment in this course provides students with the opportunity to gain research experience, form a relationship with a faculty member, enhance knowledge in a field of interest and build valuable skills that will be a great asset to a graduate school application or resume. It also gives the student a valuable opportunity to tailor a project that is specific to their education and/or career goals

• Declared HDP Major.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8.
• Minimum 90 cumulative units completed.
• Completion of 3 HDP core courses and 1 methods course.
• Completion of HDP 193 Application .
• Completion of a 2 page research proposal.
• Must be taken for a letter grade.

• One quarter of HDP 193 may satisfy one development elective requirement (dependent on the content of the research project).
• Two quarters of HDP 193 may satisfy the additional methods requirement (dependent on the content of the research project).

1. Identify faculty instructor.
   • When meeting with potential faculty instructors, it is important to discuss the nature of the project, frequency of contact, prerequisite knowledge needed, and the means of evaluation with the faculty instructor prior to enrollment in this course.
2. Complete HDP 193 Application 
3. Complete research proposal (see guidelines below).
4. Submit completed application and research proposal to HDP Student Affairs Office (AP&M 5320) for review by the Department Chair.
5. Students will be notified of approval and given further instructions on enrollment processes.

• 2 pages.
• Must describe and justify the research project.
• A complete proposal should include the following areas:
  • An introduction of the research topic with a proposed research question and an explanation of the significance of the project.
  • A brief survey of current literature on the topic.
  • A tentative outline of subjects and methods that might be used.
  • A preliminary reference list.

Note: Students must schedule an appointment with an HDP advisor in order to discuss enrollment.

HDP 194 is a 4 unit, yearlong sequence of advanced independent research courses designed for students who have demonstrated excellence in the Human Development major. Eligible students will explore advanced issues in the field through an honors thesis, on a topic of their choice, under faculty supervision. Upon completion of all honors requirements, successful students will graduate with the distinction of Honors in Human Development.

• Declared HDP major.
• Junior level standing, with at least 90 units of coursework completed.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2.
• Minimum major GPA of 3.5 for all courses taken within the Human Development major.
• Completion of the lower division statistics requirement.
• Highly recommended: Completion of HDP 191, a laboratory course and/or a 199 course prior to application.
• All requirements must be met by the end of the spring quarter prior to enrollment in the Honors Program.

Please refer to the Honors Program page for further, more detailed information.

HDP 199 is an independent study course that provides Human Development majors with the opportunity to conduct an independent research study under the guidance of a faculty instructor. This course provides a means for students to gain research experience, form a relationship with a faculty member, enhance knowledge in a field of interest and build valuable skills that will be a great asset to a graduate school application or resume.

This course is not required for the completion of the HDP major and will not satisfy any of the requirements necessary for the completion of the HDP major, but is useful (and in some instances required) for graduate degrees requiring a significant amount of research experience for admission.

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
• Minimum 90 cumulative units completed.
• May be taken for 2 or 4 units.
• Must be taken Pass/No Pass.
• No major credit.

HDP 199 opportunities that are brought to the attention of the HDP office will be posted to the HDP 199 Opportunities page, but students are also encouraged to directly contact faculty members to inquire about open 199 positions. HDP affiliated faculty members have unique and varied areas of study, so it is likely that students will be able to identify a faculty member whose interests mirror their own.

• 6 hours of research per week.
• Means of evaluation varies according to faculty instructor as outlined on the 199 application.
• Please note that many professors may require student to commit to a 4 unit course.

• 12 hours of research per week.
• Means of evaluation varies according to faculty instructor as outlined on the 199 application.

1. Identify faculty instructor.
   • When meeting with potential faculty instructors, it is important to discuss the nature of the project, frequency of contact, prerequisite knowledge needed, and the means of evaluation with the faculty instructor prior to enrollment in this course.
2. Obtain HDP 199 Application
3. Section I: This section is to be completed by the student.
4. Section II: This section is to be completed in conjunction by the student and the faculty instructor.
5. Section III: Submit the application with the first and second sections completed to the HDP Student Affairs Office (AP&M 5320). The application is subject to approval by the Director of HDP.
6. To enroll: Students will be notified via e-mail when their HDP 199 application has been fully processed. Students must physically take the completed form to the Registrar in order to enroll in the course!

Note: Students that have completed less than 90 units will need to take this course as HDP 99