BS in Education & Human Development at Boston University

At BU Wheelock, we are dedicated to transforming systems (educational, social, health-related, legal, and economic) that create equitable outcomes for children and families. The BS in Education & Human Development is designed for students who want to work directly with or on behalf of children and families. Its exploratory design and field-based learning experiences allow students the time and space to immerse themselves in cross-disciplinary coursework in education and human development before selecting a specialized pathway in their junior year.  

Human development is an applied form of developmental psychology focused on how people grow, develop, and adapt to life’s stages from birth through old age. Students will learn about child, adolescent, and adult development by studying and applying theories of cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and cultural development. They will also consider sociological perspectives of human development and the impact of ecological systems on development.

Students will be introduced to a range of potential careers including those as educators, mental health counselors, youth justice advocates, Deaf education support specialists, child policy analysts and researchers, and educational designers and social entrepreneurs. Students interested in pursuing teacher licensure or earning a license in school or mental health counseling are encouraged to speak with their academic advisors early about their interest and pursue a related pathway in their junior year and may be eligible for preferred admission into one of our several master’s degree licensure programs.