Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology focuses on biopsychological change and growth over the lifespan. Our primary emphasis is on infancy, childhood, and adolescence. We examine diverse processes and outcomes that include culture and context, language, cognition, emotion, social functioning, psychopathology, and neurodevelopment.

Our graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers. Our former students have pursued academic positions in universities or affiliated research institutions in the U.S. and abroad. Others are employed in consulting positions, the public sector, government, and industry. As a major research institution located at the gateway to the Pacific Rim, USC provides unique opportunities for rewarding international careers.

We encourage collaboration across labs and different areas of the psychology department. In addition, we maintain a strong orientation toward multidisciplinary education. In the past, our students have worked with mentors in schools of law, social work, linguistics, medicine, and education (see list of faculty).