Fordham University

In 1991, Fordham University, in New York City, hosted the first National Conference on Graduate Education in Applications of Developmental Science Across the Lifespan, where representatives from organizations throughout the country met to discuss concerns regarding the efficacy of controlled laboratory-based developmental research in meeting the needs of children and families in real-world community contexts (Fisher, Murray, et al., 1993). The consensus of conferees was that the effectiveness of future social programs to treat and prevent developmental problems and optimize human growth rests in large measure on training a new generation of scientist-professionals to work with community members and policymakers to ensure that community goals are achieved (Fisher, Murray, & Sigel, 1996; Lerner & Fisher, 1994; Melton, 1995). Thus began [Page 475]the extension of developmental psychology beyond laboratory settings and into the community to study and solve practical social problems (Fisher, Rau, & Colapietro, 1993).

Educational guidelines were established for training the newly proposed developmental scientist-professionals to work with community groups, practitioners, and policymakers in generating knowledge and creating programs aimed at minimizing developmental risks of children and their families across the life span. These guidelines included the ability (a) to conduct research reflecting real-world issues and problems in the context in which they occur; (b) to develop, administer, and interpret developmentally and culturally fair assessments; (c) to design, implement, and evaluate interventions promoting positive development; and (d) to disseminate information to professionals, organizations, and policymakers involved in child and family welfare. Conference participants also saw field experience as essential to training, allowing students the opportunity to apply acquired knowledge and skills to social problems in real-world contexts. Using these recommendations, the Fordham University doctoral specialization in applied developmental psychology (ADP) was developed to train students in professional psychology with a development-enhancing, risk prevention, scientist-practitioner emphasis.