Human Development, Culture, & Learning Sciences (HDCLS), as a core academic area of specialization, represents the scientific and theoretical bases for research and practice within the field of Educational Psychology.<br>The Human Development and Culture Concentration has the purpose of training graduate students in the theories of developmental, social, and personality psychology to prepare them for teaching and research. Threaded through each of these topics and the others represented in HDCLS is a strong commitment to exploring the impact of culture on human development and outcomes. Students are trained to be skilled consumers of research information and to be skilled creators of research information. It is expected that many of the doctoral graduates will teach in small colleges, teach and conduct research in universities, or work in human service delivery organizations. It is also expected that PhD students will be able to teach others how to conduct research, as well as to engage in the process of research.<br>Advanced course work in developmental, personality, and social psychology is available for students who plan to pursue teaching and research. Topics include child and adolescent development, social psychology and educational outcomes, family relationships, adulthood and aging, cognitive and social development in children, gender, race, and ethnic influences on academic achievement, the influence of culture and personality on behavior, theory and assessment, and a variety of special topics covered in seminars reflecting student and faculty needs and interests. Opportunities for research are available through facilities on campus, as well as in connection with the research activities of individual faculty members. Course work, practica, and other experiences are planned to meet individual student needs as dictated by interests and career plans.<br>Course work and research activities are geared to meet individual needs, qualifications, and objectives. On completion of core requirements, students may plan the remainder of their academic preparation through individual consultation with faculty members whose primary research interests and activities are in the student's area of interest.