Child Study and Human Development Master's Program: Tracks and Concentrations

As a current student in the Child Study and Human Development MA program, I have answered many clarifying questions about the ins and outs of the department and what it looks like to be a student in this program. Some of the main ones are about tracks and concentrations, so this is some clarifying information on what they are!   

 What are the Tracks?  

The capstone project is one of the main components of the CSHD MA program! There are two different tracks for the capstone experience you complete, and it is required to choose one. However, you do not need to declare which track you’ve decided on until after the first semester of your first year! You will learn about the tracks in the fall and be given plenty of time to consider your options and discuss with professors and other students which choice is best for you. Either way, you can’t go wrong with either track; they’re both great and have different benefits!  

Applied Track: This is for students who want to work in a setting with or on behalf of children, youth, and families. It is an intensive internship, and you are matched to a site for the second year of the program. There is a minimum number of hours you need to meet for the track, but many exceed this number! Most work a few days a week at their site, but the schedule is up to your site supervisor and you to decide on.  

Thesis Track: This is for students who want to conduct an independent research project. You can collect your own data and create a new study, or you can use pre-existing (secondary) data. The timeline will depend on whether or not you collect original data, as it takes more time to conduct your own research. However, in the second year, all students on the thesis track will be focused on writing their theses and doing analyses. You will have a thesis advisor, one who is separate from your program advisor, and they will be the one you work closely with to write your thesis and if applicable, collect data.  

What are the Concentrations?  

The concentration is optional for students! There are three concentrations of study a student can declare. However, you do not need to select a concentration, you can instead do an Individualized Plan of Study, which is the no-concentration option. If you decide to do a concentration, it appears on your transcript, but not on your diploma. Each concentration has its own foundation courses and electives you need to take in order to fulfill the concentration. You can declare a concentration at any point in the program.  

Clinical Developmental Health and Psychology: Focuses on the health and well-being of children and adolescents in various settings including schools, families, clinics, hospitals. It provides training in understanding clinical health and wellbeing issues from a developmental and systems-based perspective.  

Children, Arts, and Media: Provides opportunities to learn about the multiple ways media and the arts impact children's cognitive, social and emotional health and development, and develop appreciation for and ability to produce art and media. The concentration will enable students to design and critically evaluate arts and new media and technologies for young people; to participate and direct the implementation of programs aimed at using these to foster children's development; and to acquire technical skills and theoretical knowledge that will contribute to their development as practitioners and/or researchers in this emergent field.

Identity in Global Context: Focuses on the study of identity from multiple disciplinary perspectives, recognizing it as central to the wellbeing of humans as they negotiate their place and position in local, national, and increasingly connected global communities. Examines the multiple and intersecting dimensions of identity and socialization processes through which identities are constructed and negotiated.  

Hopefully this clears up some of the confusion around tracks and concentrations! One of the best parts of the CSHD MA program is how much flexibility and support there is to help you shape your experience in a way that fits your goals. Whether you’re leaning toward research, hands-on work, or just figuring it out as you go, there’s space for you here. And remember—you don’t have to have it all figured out right away!