The Department of Human Development and Behavioral Sciences offers four degree programs that are grounded in evidence-based theory and best practices in the Early Childhood field. The Early Childhood A.A.S. program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); the B.S. program is based on the NAEYC’s advanced standards and prepares students for leadership positions and advanced study. A B.S. in Applied Psychology is a unique program, one of only a few in New York State, and the only one in the state with the option for a Rural / Community Psychology concentration.  Early Childhood coursework and field experiences combined with a strong Liberal Arts and Sciences component ensure that graduates have a well-rounded education.

Students who are successful in these programs uphold the department’s code of ethics and have strong skills in written and verbal communication. These skills allow them to provide positive language and literacy experiences for children, and they also support professional communications with families and colleagues. Students going on to baccalaureate study need skills sufficient to ensure success in upper-division academic work. In addition, technological literacy is an essential (NAEYC).