Adolescent Development

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of New Hampshire offers a one-year, minimum 15-credit, multidisciplinary program of study leading to a graduate certificate in adolescent development.

The certificate program is intended for individuals who may be working in the field but lack specific knowledge about adolescent development such as professionals employed by social-service agencies, juvenille justice facilities and child welfare programs, educational institutions, and independent programs that provide pogramming and services to adolescents.  A certificate in Adolescent Development is ideal for professionals in a variety of youth-related fields.

The certificate program builds general competence in understanding and applying theory and research regarding adolescent development with particular emphasis on the influences of family and communities.  The program is grounded in an ecological approach that focuses on supporting the health and well-being of all adolescents, with special attention to using a developmental perspective to develop programs, policies, and other interventions that address contemporary risk and protective factors.

• Transcript evaluation by a third party is not required as long as an application is in English. Translation services and evaluation services may be requested at the discretion of the academic department.
• Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.
• International applicants may submit copies of official transcripts by emailing [email protected]. We will upload those transcripts to your application checklist. 
• Official transcripts will be required if admitted. These can be hand-delivered in a sealed envelope upon arrival, emailed to [email protected], or mailed hardcopy to UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall, 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824.