Human Development (MA)

Tuition costs 29,500 USD per year.

This Master of Arts program focuses on human development within the context of family and society. Students develop an individualized program of study and research in consultation with a special committee, acquiring a broad base of knowledge in behavioral sciences.

Focus areas include Aging and health, Ecology of human development, Family studies and the life course.

The program requires a minimum of two semesters and completion of at least 15 graded credits with a minimum GPA of 2.25, including coursework and a master's thesis. Students are expected to enroll in research courses each semester.

Graduates are prepared for academic careers in psychology, sociology, or human development, and for research roles in governmental agencies, community agencies, and private enterprise, but not for clinical or school psychology.

Applicants must meet all Graduate School requirements, including English language proficiency, and submit two recommendations. Most successful applicants have an undergraduate major in a social science field, but students of high ability may be admitted regardless of undergraduate background. The application deadline for Fall admission is February 1.

In Person, Ithaca, NY, minimum of two semesters. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.