Child and Adolescent Development - California State University - Northridge

Child and Adolescent Development from California State University - Northridge is a Campus Bachelor Child Care degree that prepares you for a Human Services career. Major The Department of Child and Adolescent Development offers an interdisciplinary liberal arts degree program which leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. Students explore the scientific study of human development from birth through adolescence with an interdisciplinary focus that includes psychological, educational, and social-behavioral perspectives. A critical component of the degree program includes connecting theories to practice through fieldwork and internships with community organizations and schools throughout the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area. Students in the major complete coursework from multiple academic departments across the Cal State Northridge campus that center around (a) an overview of the field, (b) the domains of social and cognitive development, (c) modes of inquiry and research in development , (d) cultural and linguistic influences on development, (e) professional development and training, and (f) a range of elective coursework that may be based on students??? interests. The major provides a strong foundation for post-baccalaureate graduate programs in child and adolescent development, educational psychology, developmental psychology, school psychology, early childhood education, special education, educational leadership, marriage and family therapy, clinical social work, clinical psychology, and teaching credential programs. Careers The major will be of interest to a wide range of students, including those who are interested in direct-service careers with children and families (i.e., teaching, counseling, therapy, social work, etc.) as well as indirect-service professions (i.e., educational researchers, lobbyists, consultants, school administrators, politicians, etc.). Many professional careers in the field of child and adolescent development require advanced degrees and/or credentials as well as relevant work experience. After completing the Bachelor of Arts degree, students can pursue advanced degrees and credentials leading to careers including, but not limited to: early childhood education teachers, elementary, middle and high school teachers, special education teachers, school counselors and school psychologists, school principals and administrators, school board members, educational researchers, child and family attorneys, child psychologists and therapists, licensed clinical social workers, pediatricians and obstetricians, registered nurses, child life specialists, genetic counselors, college/university professors, community/youth agency administrators, educational consultants, policy and legislative analysts, and politicians. Student Learning Outcomes for the Undergraduate Program Graduates of the undergraduate program in Child and Adolescent Development should be able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the theories, concepts, and methodology that underlie the study of the physical, cognitive, and social development of children and adolescents and the multiple contexts in which they live. Apply developmental theories in community settings. 2. Write critically about theories and constructs of child and adolescent development. Orally deliver information in a manner that engages an audience. 3. Facilitate the development of children in a culturally pluralistic society. Gain knowledge of culture, race and ethnicity while increasing their personal self-awareness and discovering strategies for implementing social justice within the larger community. 4. Demonstrate technological literacy that allows both access to and dissemination of information electronically. Demonstrate effective management of information by utilizing media sources and complying with the ethics of manipulating and presenting information. 5. Describe, critique, and practice various empirical methodologies used to study child and adolescent development including design, data analysis, and interpretation. 6. Students will be able to articulate and participate in the importance of developing professionalism including the areas of career exploration, ethical issues of direct services to youth, and service learning in the community. View more details on California State University - Northridge, CA . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Child Care courses.