Developmental Science
Department of Psychology • Florida International University

The Basic  Developmental Science (BDS) Specialization

The BDS specialization embraces research as its central focus for the training of scholars and professors
of developmental science.  The primary goal of the program is to equip students with the skills necessary
to function as academic and/or research psychologists.  The BDS specialization is based on a lifespan developmental perspective emphasizing the systematic description and explanation of changes that organisms undergo as they develop. This approach to developmental inquiry emphasizes the dynamic interplay of processes across time frames, levels of analysis, and contexts. As such, it is a
comprehensive and integrative program that encompasses multiple approaches to the study of development (i.e., biopsychology, cognitive, cultural, experimental, family/intergenerational dynamics, genetics, perception, personality, social).  BDS students have the opportunity to specialize on any phase of the lifespan or on any issues or topics that span phases of the lifespan.

The BDS specialization emphasizes the development of conceptual and methodological skills needed to conduct research, to apply developmental psychology to the solution of developmental problems, and to teach the subject matter of developmental psychology at the university level.  Students benefit from the diversity of BDS faculty’s areas of interest and expertise that converge to provide a well-rounded training program in lifespan developmental psychology (see link below for sample course curricula for the BDS specialization).  The BDS faculty are unified in their commitment to provide students diverse and comprehensive training in developmental science. Students are encouraged to become involved in research at an early point in their graduate training by participating in faculty research projects and by carrying out individual research under the guidance of one or several faculty members.  Students are also guided and encouraged to publish their individual research projects, present their work at professional conferences, and are provided opportunities for teaching as part of their graduate training.