Aichi Prefectural University

Master of Science in Human Development

The Graduate School of Human Development offers a Master’s course, within the Department of Human Development.

At present, the circumstances surrounding a child’s upbringing appear to be far from rosy, and what has been called the “child development crisis” is being universally aggravated.

Therefore, this department is committed to investigating possible scientific solutions to this crisis - which is manifested in all aspects of a child’s life. The syllabus is therefore built on the disciplines of pedagogy, psychology, curriculum research and development, and child-care and education. This program is furthermore geared towards engendering experts who possess the research capability and practical skills to analyze in detail and to hypothesize on potential answers to daily confronted issues.

In addition, this department is particularly focusing on the area of recurrent education, and so is cultivating the advanced specialists who can actively contribute to regional communities. Research is conducted in cooperation with institutions, such as elementary schools, kindergartens, nursery schools, child-raising support centers, consultation centers, and non-profit organizations.

The curriculum comprises of subjects that are related to welfare, and on two central themes built on the disciplines mentioned above - these themes being the theories of human development, and the method of how to support human development.

In addition, some subjects which are essential to obtaining a qualification to become a clinical developmental psychologist, have been introduced into the syllabus.

Moreover, all collaborated educational research is conducted at the Department’s “Lifespan development research center”.

Thus, the department’s carefully organized curriculum assists students in acquiring the knowledge to help address the “Child development crisis”, from a number of different angles.