Human Development and Community Engagement
Shimada Resource Center
College of Education and Human Development
150 Ritter Annex
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
215-204-8011
The Human Development and Community Engagement (HDCE) program prepares students to influence the programs, policies, and practices of schools, agencies, and governmental bodies. Graduates with this major will be prepared for careers in non-profit organizations, child-care, after school programming, disability services, or work in other fields that require the application and understanding of human development. This program provides the training needed to understand factors that impede or facilitate the cognitive, social, and physical development of individuals, particularly in urban communities.
This program includes coursework in child development, intercultural communication, research and program evaluation methods, organizational development, urban education, and leadership. The HDCE major nurtures future professionals who are committed to serving their community. A unique feature of the major is the opportunity for undergraduate students to gain practical, hands-on experience through a year-long practicum and internship at a local community organization. In order to tailor the degree to students' interests and goals, students are required to select and complete courses in one of four concentration areas: Applied Behavior Analysis, Community Education, Human Services, or Non-Profit Management and Social Entrepreneurship.