Psychology & Human Development

At Prescott College, we believe that a classroom is more than just four walls. Our classrooms are places, like mountains, forests, cities, and farms. With a mission to create a healthy, just, and sustainable world, we solve problems by getting into the field and taking action. Our students are educators, activists, counselors, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. We are inspired by all those we meet, while making a difference in our local and global communities. We don't only learn within the classroom. At Prescott College, we take it outside.

The Psychology and Human Development Program (HDP) is dedicated to providing students with a foundational understanding of what it means to be human and how humans interact with each other and the non-human world. The HDP program assists students in following their interests and passions as it relates to helping others through focusing on social justice, critical theory, and encouraging service learning in the community. Students are encouraged to develop self-awareness, emotional maturity, and a respect for both the human world and the non-human world by exploring cultural, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of the human personality as well as an understanding of how larger systems influence individuals and communities. This kind of integration often requires a shift in attention beyond traditional Western views of human nature and a refocusing on the economic, political, and cultural aspects of our lives. At the advanced level, we offer unique opportunities to learn not only through courses offered across departments but also through supervised field experiences. Students select from cutting-edge foundational courses taught in our unique Prescott College way. We also offer advanced courses that help students develop proficiency and expertise in a number of emphasis areas (see below). In addition to the emphasis areas listed below, creative and self-directed students are encouraged, with the help of faculty advisors, to create their own unique emphasis areas.

Areas of Emphasis:

• Ecopsychology
• Expressive Arts Therapy
• Holistic Health and Wellness
• Sacred Psychology

Learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate professional and ethical knowledge of the history and theories of the field, as well as the necessary dispositions with regard to their roles in the helping professions
• Students will engage in self-reflective practices designed to prepare them to be fit to practice within a therapeutic setting, this includes understanding one’s own positionality within power/privilege social structures
• Students will demonstrate professional oral and written communication skills including within class/course discussions, through submission of academic assignments, with instructor and peer interactions, within professional settings, and on social media
• Students will demonstrate the development of culturally-appropriate and socially-just practices and advocacy
• Students will engage in self-inquiry with a focus on understanding how they can best use their skills and knowledge to contribute to healing themselves and their communities
• Students will develop an appreciation for the value of the non-human world along with a deep sense of responsibility for its protection and care