Human lifespan development

Microcredential
Online
delivery
Introductory
level
3
courses

Change shapes us at every stage of life, leading to the growth and resilience that define our experiences. Being able to understand the physical, cognitive and social changes that occur throughout life is essential if you want to work in fields like psychology, education and human services. To get there, give yourself the tools to support people and communities effectively when you earn a Microcredential in Human Lifespan Development online from Oregon State University.

Learn about the various stages of human development, from infancy to later adulthood. This three-course offering covers topics such as developmental psychology, the impact of genetics and environment on growth, and the social and cultural factors that influence development. You’ll gain the skills needed to apply this understanding in real-world settings.

Coursework (12 credits)

This is an introductory-level microcredential that is designed for those with no previous experience in a subject. These offerings will help you build a strong foundation in this discipline. Introductory microcredentials might occasionally require some prerequisite college courses.

Prerequisite courses

Before you enroll in the microcredential courses listed above, you must complete certain prerequisites. 

To enroll in PSY 350:

Two people working together in a garden, closely examining and holding a bundle of dried plant roots among green plants, with a house and trees in the background.

Skills you’ll gain

The in-demand skills you'll develop as a student in this microcredential will give you what you need to stand out and level up in your career.

  • Psychological science
  • Scientific reasoning
  • Lifespan development

Additional details

Oregon State microcredentials consist of at least three courses and 8 credits that follow OSU’s quarterly term calendar. All microcredentials are delivered online and some microcredentials may be offered on campus. All course credits used to complete a microcredential must be completed at Oregon State and transfer credit and placement tests may not be used toward microcredential course credits. Read other important microcredential details » 

Microcredentials allow you to gain specialized skills in focused subject areas in less time than it takes to complete a full degree or certificate program. Typically, you can complete a microcredential in nine to 12 months. All microcredential courses follow the same term schedule as on-campus courses and are not self-paced. Learn more about course delivery methods »

Once you complete all classes in this microcredential, you'll receive a digital badge from Oregon State University. You can add the digital badge to your résumé and on LinkedIn, GitHub or other social media profiles. It provides employers with proof of the skills and discipline-specific knowledge you gained from the microcredential. Oregon State's digital badges are issued by Credly, the world's largest digital credential network.

Completing a microcredential is dependent on course availability, term offerings, course sequencing and any required prerequisites. Connect with the OSU Ecampus enrollment services team to better understand when courses in this microcredential are delivered to help you create a timeline for application and enrollment. You can also explore the schedule of classes to preview course availability.

  • Apply to earn a microcredential as a current student: If you’re a current OSU student interested in pursuing a microcredential online, please submit this form. Note: You must complete at least one of the microcredential courses after having been accepted into the microcredential.

You can find detailed tuition information for microcredential offerings on the tuition rates webpage. Please note: If you are pursuing a standalone microcredential as a nondegree student, you will not qualify for federal financial aid.

If you are pursuing a microcredential as a current student in an OSU degree or certificate program, you will be charged your program's tuition rate (if differential tuition is applicable). 

Earning a microcredential is a great way to develop a skill set that current and future employers are looking for. If your employer offers a tuition benefit program, you may be able to enroll online with Oregon State and receive a tuition scholarship that makes your student experience more affordable. You can also learn about the organizations OSU collaborates with to offer direct tuition benefit programs for online learners.

Once you complete a Microcredential in Human Lifespan Development, you can apply the 12 credits you earn directly toward Oregon State’s online bachelor’s degree in psychology.

If you plan to apply these credits toward a full degree, we encourage you to first contact the microcredential program to learn about the degree requirements. Please note that acceptance into a microcredential does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program.