About the UC Davis Human Development Graduate Group (HDGG)
Welcome to the UC Davis HDGG!
We offer interdisciplinary graduate-level training in the study of human development across all domains (biological, cognitive, emotional, physical, social), with an emphasis on the contexts in which development occurs (peers, family, school, community, health & nutrition, policies & programs). The program has two separate degree options, a PhD in Human Development and a MS in Child Development, each with the flexibility of designing an individualized plan of study to fit students’ specific goals and develop original research on their topic of interest.
About the Program
Students choose their major professor and committee members from approximately 50 HDGG faculty members representing a range of disciplines, departments, centers and institutes. HDGG faculty support study and research training across a range of theories and perspectives to foster new and innovative questions about human development within cultural, family, social, and policy contexts. Students work closely with an academic advisor to design an individualized plan of study to reach their training goals. There are options to add a minor in Quantitative Psychology and to obtain a designated emphasis in Translational Research, Computational Social Science (CSS), and International and Community Nutrition by completing additional requirements.
Our program prepares graduates for careers as university professors and researchers, as well as positions in applied settings such as government and policy organizations, social services agencies, and business and industry. Many of our students have successfully competed for fellowships and awards from the NSF, NIH, and Ford Foundation, presented at national and international scientific conferences, and published papers as the first author in top developmental journals.
The mission of the UC Davis Human Development Graduate Group (HDGG) is to educate students in the scientific theories, methods, and research that further an interdisciplinary understanding of human development in context toward improving the lives of individuals and families.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Guided by the UCD Principles of Community and the UC Regent’s statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, HDGG at the University of California, Davis, is committed to an inclusive environment where all students, faculty, and staff are respected and appreciated. HDGG faculty and students seek to advance understanding of human development across contexts. We believe that a broad range of perspectives strengthens our efforts toward this aim. HDGG strives for a diverse faculty, staff and student membership and encourages applications from all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, religion, language, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, geographic region, or socioeconomic status.
HDGG’s academic home is the UC Davis Department of Human Ecology, and therefore shares its mission for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, and includes HDGG faculty representation on the departmental JEDI committee. You can learn more about our DEI principles and mission here: https://humanecology.ucdavis.edu/jedisplash