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Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Human Development (HDEV) is an innovative, alternative degree program designed to provide subject matter preparation for prospective elementary or K-12 special education school teachers.

The program offers a major in human development that uses an accelerated degree completion format. It accommodates experienced adult learners, many of whom are working in classrooms as paraeducators, and draws upon their rich experiences in school settings. This program is designed specifically for adults who have at least 60 semester units of transferable college credit and want to earn a degree while on the job.

Benefits and Distinctives

This program, designed for the adult learner, emphasizes convenience, practicality, and relevance.

  • Professors use students’ experiences as the foundation upon which theory and practice are tested.
  • The HDEV Program provides students with a background in the liberal arts and sciences grounded in human behavior, social issues, and a Christian worldview.
  • Students in the program study in a cohort and progress through the entire program together.
  • Classes can start at anytime during the year when an 18-24 student cohort forms.
  • Small classes ensure focused student-teacher interaction.

CAPS Accreditation

In addition to receiving accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), APU also stands as one of only three private schools in California accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), which means APU credential preparation programs enjoy recognition throughout the United States and internationally. Further, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) has approved this alternative program of subject matter preparation for elementary school teachers and K-12 special education school teachers.

University Reputation

Azusa Pacific University held its place for the second year in the most prestigious category of the U.S.News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2009, ranking in the third tier of the national category. Additionally, for the first time, APU ranked ninth among the best up-and-coming national universities. Previously, APU was ranked in the top 25 schools within the Western Universities-Master’s category, enjoying prominent placement and recognition for outstanding first-year and service-learning programs.

According to Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine, APU ranked number 6 in the nation in awarding the most master’s degrees to Hispanics. In addition, The Princeton Review included APU as 1 of 120 colleges in the 2009 Best in the West category.

Note: This information is current for the 2009-10 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for the most current and controlling information. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.