Child Development

Overview

The International MA Program in Child Development offered by the University of Haifa  is designed to train the next generation of international experts who will focus on pressing questions regarding the nature of child development and how it applies to the lives of children and their families in developing countries.

This unique program equips future professionals with a comprehensive theoretical basis and an applied skillset that will be effective in influencing the well-being of children and their families in a positive manner.

The program is made up of courses designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of child development from the vantage point of a number of different disciplines, so as to provide a holistic and encompassing understanding of the field in all its facets. Elements of study include developmental psychology, psychopathology, neuroscience, cognitive and language development, intervention and prevention, methodology and statistics, parenting, and child development in a cross-cultural environment. Workshops in clinical observation are also included.

There are also a series of guest lectures by leading scholars from various disciplines where topics covered have included early child care, child maltreatment; environment and genetics; orphanages, foster care, adoption, traumatic stress, drama therapy, sleep and child development; political violence and child soldiers; and children’s rights.

Career:

The program upgrades significantly the status of professionals working with children and families and prepares students for leadership roles in the community, in educational, health and welfare settings, and NGOs. In addition, the program provides skills for conducting child and family assessments, designing prevention and intervention programs and evaluating the quality of ongoing programs.