About Human Developmental Sciences in University of California San Diego
The HDS curriculum focuses on growth and changes in biology, behavior, and environment that occur over the human lifespan, what causes them, and their impacts. Courses can cover the entire lifespan, or examine a life-stage.
HDS does this though the integration of our three domains:
- Biological: the physical maturation and aging of the human body
- Cognitive: everything to do with the mind
- Socio-Cultural: the environments of development, such as family, school, peers, and society
Degrees Offered
The Human Developmental Sciences major offers the option of completing either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science (with or without a specialization).
Any of the above degrees, combined with career specific preparation, are perfectly acceptable for pursuing career and graduate school opportunities.
GPA (Grade-Point Average) Requirement
To be eligible for admission to UC San Diego, you must earn the following minimum GPAs:
- California residents must earn a GPA of 3.0 (or better) with no grade lower than "C."
- Non-California residents & International applicants must earn a GPA of 3.4 (or better) with no grade lower than "C."
Your GPA is based on the above college preparatory (A-G) courses taken during 10th and 11th grades. Students admitted to UC San Diego have GPAs that exceed these minimums.
UC San Diego will not consider SAT or ACT test scores as a factor in admissions decisions through Fall 2024. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll.
International Students
If your native language is not English and your secondary/high school education was in a country where English is not the language of instruction, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination (academic modules) and have your scores reported to the UC San Diego Office of Admissions. A minimum score of 83 is required for the TOEFL, or a minimum score of 7 is required for the IELTS. Learn more on the International Students page.
University of California Cost of Attendance
An expected budget for overseas students wishing to study in the United States is as follows for potential university aspirants enrolling in the forthcoming sessional term:
| Cost of Attendance |
On-Campus (USD) |
Off-Campus (USD) |
| Tuition |
14,480 |
14,480 |
| Housing and Meals |
14,680 |
13,942 |
| Books and Supplies |
1,124 |
1,124 |
| Transportation |
1,363 |
1,537 |
| Personal Expenses |
723 |
1,287 |
| Non-California Resident Supplemental Tuition |
29,754 |
29,754 |
| Total |
62,124 |
62,124 |
The cost of attendance for graduate programs varies by program. However, the estimated cost is presented below:
| Fees |
Amount (USD) |
| Student Services Fee |
1,128.00 |
| Tuition |
11,442.00 |
| University Center Fee |
304.38 |
| Recreation Facility Fee |
351.00 |
| GSA Fee |
36.00 |
| Student Transportation Fee |
193.74 |
| Health Insurance |
3,900.00 |
| Nonresident Supplemental Tuition |
15,102.00 |
| Total |
32,457.12 |
