Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Human Development & Human Services
With a guaranteed $20,000 scholarship, 100% of human development and human services majors participate in at least one field experience or practicum. These often include opportunities to shadow professionals in the human development and human services sector.
By examining development from infancy to late adulthood you’ll learn how people change, but also how some factors remain stable over time.
Human Development & Human Services Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Practicum/ Field Experience
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
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Fall Open House
Sunday, December 7, 2025
from 10:30 am
to 3:30 pm
Learn more about our academic schools and programs, take an in-depth campus tour and meet members of our community! Open House attendees are eligible for on-the-spot admission decisions and an automatic $1,000 visit grant.
The Human Development and Human Services Major
Through the human development and human services curriculum you’ll study the physical, mental and social-emotional development of individuals across the lifespan and apply this knowledge to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities.
What You'll Study
At Merrimack, you’ll study a variety of subjects to prepare for future careers. Key areas include:
Human Development
Humanities
Speech and Hearing Science
Intro to Audiology
Mental Health Across the Lifespan
Positive Learning Environments
Skills You'll Learn
Level up your skills in the classroom, so you’re the most prepared for your future career!
Human Development and Human Services Courses You'll Take
Biological Bases of Development
hde 1600
This course introduces students to the structure and function of the human brain and the biology of human behavior, including those involved in vision, attention, memory, language and movement. It is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of human biology.
Speech and Hearing Science
hde 3900
This course is for students who are considering careers in areas such as speech-language pathology, audiology, dentistry, medicine and performance arts. It provides students with an overview of the scientific study and application of human production and perception of acoustics.
Introduction to Audiology
hde 3500
This course is for students who are considering careers in areas related to speech-language pathology, social work, dentistry and medicine. Students will get an overview of the profession of audiology and an introduction to human anatomy and physiology for functions related to hearing and balance.
See All Courses & Options Available for Human Development and Human Services Majors
Human Development and Human Services Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Human Development and Human Services Students in the Classroom & Beyond
When it comes to career readiness, we believe getting outside of the classroom is key. At Merrimack, you’ll complement your coursework with experiences like guaranteed internships, co-ops, service learning or faculty-led research projects.
Career Outlook: Where Can a Human Development and Human Services Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
95% of the undergraduate class of 2024 in the School of Education and Social Policy were employed full time, part time, participating in a service program, U.S. Armed Forces or enrolled in a program of continuing education at graduation.
Experiential Learning
100% of Human Development and Human Services majors participate in at least one practicum. You’ll gain invaluable classroom experience during your pre-practicum and practicum student teaching.
Graduate School
Northeastern University, Ottawa University, Vanderbilt University and Merrimack are just some of the graduate programs SESP graduates are attending.
Jobs with a Human Development and Human Services Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in the field of human development and human services. Positions may include:
- Community organizations such as the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club
- Childcare and education centers and preschools
- Drug and alcohol treatment centers and hospitals
- Child and domestic abuse centers
- Human resources departments of large companies
Where Merrimack Human Development and Human Services Graduates Work & Intern
Stoughton High School
Special Education Teacher
Lynnfield Middle School
Graduate Teaching Fellow
East Irondequoit Central School District
Special Education Teacher
J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center
Behavioral Health Technician
Reading Public Schools
8th Grade Science Teacher
North Reading Public Schools
Internship - Substitute Teacher
Wilmington Public Schools
Substitute Teacher
Framingham Public Schools
5th Grade Teacher
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to the Human Development and Human Services Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2026)
- Most Innovative Schools (#8)
- Regional Universities North (#38)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#20)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#16)
- Best Value Schools (#52)
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Human Development and Human Services Major
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