Developmental Science Concentration
Coordinators, Dr. Ed Merrill, emerrill@bama.ua.edu, Dr. Mary Liz Curtner-Smith, mcurtner@ches.ua.edu

The Developmental Science concentration began in 2006 as a joint concentration between the Psychology Department and the Human Development and Family Studies Department. The goal of the Developmental Science concentration is to prepare students for careers in research, teaching, and applied developmental work. The Developmental Science PhD concentration is for students who are interested in aspects of social, cognitive, and/or language development and the cultural and family context within which that development takes place. It is for students who are interested in typical development or atypical development, and who are interested in either basic research or applied research. Successful applicants have strong academic skills, background in psychology or human development, and a keen interest in research. Each student in the concentration works closely with one of the primary (core) faculty involved in this concentration.

Meet our Students

Focus Area Option. To develop a specific area of expertise within the developmental concentration, students have the option of choosing a Focus Area from among those that have been approved. Students who opt for a focus area take an additional course related to their focus area (in addition to the coursework required for the concentration) and complete a dissertation on a topic related to their focus area. Many students also complete their first-year project and thesis in their focus area. Current focus areas are in (1) Early Childhood Development, (2) Developmental Disabilities, (3) Youth Aggression.

(1) Early Childhood Development: cognitive, linguistic, and social development from birth through preschool age. The focus is on typical development during this age.

(2) Developmental Disabilities: cognitive, linguistic, and social aspects of intellectual disability, learning disability, and autism. The focus is on atypical development associated with developmental disabilities. 

(3) Youth Aggression: bullying, antisocial behavior, school and family intervention, substance abuse. The focus is on typical and atypical development that leads to youth aggression.

Dual Concentration Option. Students have the option to complete a Dual concentration in Developmental Science and Cognitive Psychology or Developmental Science and Social Psychology. Students who choose this option complete all requirements for both concentrations.

First Year Project. Students complete a First Year Project in which they conduct a research project designed by their primary research mentor. Students present their research in a mini-conference at the end of the year.

Developmental Proseminar. Developmental Proseminar is a weekly research presentation meeting for all faculty and students involved in the Developmental concentration.