Human Development Research and Policy (MA)

Program Description

This one-year, 30-credit MA in Human Development Research and Policy (HDRP) prepares students from diverse disciplinary and methodological backgrounds for applied research and policy analysis in human development. Its two inter-related overarching goals are to enable students to:

1. Understand social, cognitive, and emotional development across the lifespan as well as the psychological, cultural, and socio-ecological factors that influence the contexts and systems in which people develop (e.g., families, schools, and neighborhoods) and
2. Produce and critically evaluate research to inform the design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs.

Students take courses across three core areas: foundations in human development, research methodology and statistics, and professional development. They also complete a semester-long externship at a partner institution while receiving mentoring and support from the program’s faculty and a culminating project.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program pursue successful careers as research project directors, research coordinators, grant writers, research scientists, and program evaluators in a wide variety of settings including government agencies, nonprofits and foundations, university-based research centers, private industry, and international organizations. When combined with a subsequent research experience, it may also prepare students for doctoral studies in human development.

Admissions

Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:

• Résumé/CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Proficiency in English

See NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.

See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of 30 credits, comprised of the following:

Sample Plan of Study

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Students will identify and analyze the psychological, cultural, and socioecological factors that influence the contexts and systems in which people develop (e.g., families, schools, and neighborhoods).
2. Students will apply appropriate research methods and tools to design and conduct empirical studies.
3. Students will identify and analyze social, cognitive, emotional, and health development of individuals across the lifespan.
4. Students will apply evidence-based research to facilitate the initiation, development, and management of programs related to the prevention and intervention efforts for psychological, social, educational, and health problems.
5. Students will describe and analyze how issues such as poverty, race, gender, and culture influence the daily lives of individuals.

Policies

Program Policies 

STEM OPT Benefits for International Students

If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Most students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students in this program may also be eligible for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) OPT extension, allowing you to extend your time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years. For more information on who can apply for this extension visit NYU’s Office of Global Services: STEM OPT.

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Steinhardt Academic Policies

Additional academic policies can be found the Steinhardt academic policies page.