The Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology program is designed for students who seek to enhance their understanding of human development. The focus of the ADEP Program is development and learning in sociocultural context. Areas of program expertise within the study of child development and child functioning include cognitive development and social development from the preschool years through adolescence. We also have expertise on adult functioning in community settings. Development is examined, in both research and curriculum, across multiple, interactive contexts or levels.

Most Th.M. students are Jesuits or other religious in their diaconal year who use the Th.M. to complete their final, fourth year of theological study in preparation for ordination. Others are lay ministers who require further study or academic reflection to better meet the challenges of their vocation.