2022-2023

Psychology of Human Development and Learning, Graduate Certificate

Department of Educational Psychology

College of Education

The purpose of this graduate certificate is to provide instruction on the psychology of human behavior and development with a focus on its application to the learning process within the context of diversity.

This plan will not be available to new students after Summer 2024

    • Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many graduate certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
    • No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 - 4 units) may be used on a graduate certificate program.
    • No more than twenty-five percent of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
    • A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
    • A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a Grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
    • A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
    • Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College.
  • Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates, if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program).  See the “Details” tab for additional information.

In addition to University Requirements:

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 18
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

Purpose Statement

The Psychology of Human Development and Learning Program provides you with a strong foundation on the psychology of human behavior with a focus on its application to the learning process within the context of diversity. Having graduate level knowledge using scientific approaches to learning you will become familiar with the key concepts of human development, learning and behavior as well as the research that supports these concepts. You will gain an in depth knowledge of the field and increase your effectiveness as a teacher of psychology in a community college setting. You will acquire an advanced understanding of human behavior and the learning process, as well as understanding basic statistics and measurement and the application of this knowledge in the assessment of learning. Aspiring community college teachers seeking graduate level knowledge in these areas are best served by this graduate certificate program.


Student Learning Outcomes

  • Integrate psychological theory and empirical evidence on human development and learning to determine research-based educational practice.
  • Analyze the role of context, including racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity in informing the interpretation of psychological theories, applied to educational settings.
  • Employ statistical and measurement theory and practice in the design and use of human development and learning assessment.
  • Integrate effective critical thinking skills in a human development and learning context.

Additional Admission Requirements
  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • Personal/Professional Essays
Certificate Requirements
  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Under both circumstances, federal financial aid can be used for this certificate.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.