Higher Education and Student Development

Student Development Theory is a composition of psychological findings that are centered around or are applicable to college students. Student Development Theory is important in Higher Education because it allows Student Affairs practitioners to more fully understand the changes many college students are going through.  These theories provide models and a framework for a stronger understanding of how students develop, which in turn provides useful information on how professionals can make decisions that are in the best interests of the their students.  Student Development theory can be useful in a variety of areas of Student Affairs, from understanding how to best handle situations that may arise and also how to make improvements in educational policy that put students' need at the forefront of such advancements.