The Department of Child and Adolescent Development offers an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary undergraduate degree program focusing on the study of human development from conception through emerging adulthood. The degree program leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development. Students elect to complete the option in Applied Developmental Science or the option in Early Childhood Development.
The option in Applied Developmental Science emphasizes the analysis and synthesis of classic and contemporary research in the interest of promoting positive developmental outcomes spanning conception through early adulthood. Students in this option explore theories, concepts and phenomena relevant to the development of individuals and social systems, including the wide range of familial, biological, societal, cultural, physical, ecological, political and historical settings of human development. Students who elect to complete the option in Early Childhood Development develop a strong foundation of content knowledge and practical skills applicable to working with young children (i.e., conception through age 7). Students in this option have the opportunity to complete all of the requirements for the Child Development Permit (credential required for preschool teachers, administrators and childcare professionals) during the degree program. Many students in this option may choose to add the Minor in Child-Care Administration (see Department of Family and Consumer Sciences) without delaying completion of the degree. Note that 9 units in the Early Childhood Development option meet requirements for the Minor in Child-Care Administration.
Both options in the degree program emphasize the use of research- and evidence-based knowledge to empower students to become critical consumers of theoretical perspectives and information relating to the physical, social and cognitive development of children and adolescents. This foundation allows students to develop content knowledge and skills essential to participating in informed public dialogue, social policy and interventions/best practices facilitating positive development.
Students learn ways to use basic and applied research to explore educational and mental health issues, including cultural processes, atypical developmental trajectories, resiliency, developmental transitions, motivation, physical and psychological well-being and major developmental milestones. The department is committed to an ecological model that examines developmental changes and processes across multiple contexts to identify human universals, as well as context-specific differences in human development.
The domains of cognitive and social development receive particular emphasis throughout the degree program. The program also emphasizes practical applications of theoretical and research-based knowledge gained in the classroom. Students are provided the opportunity to complete a department-sponsored year-long internship with selected 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 centers around (a) general foundations of the field of human development, (b) in-depth exploration of social and cognitive development, (c) ways in which practitioners and scholars conduct and use research, (d) best-practices for practitioners, (e) exploration of cultural and linguistic influences throughout development, (f) identification of academic and professional pathways to pursue upon completion of the B.A. degree, and (g) developing breadth and/or depth of study through a robust menu of elective coursework.
Coursework in the major prepares students to be competitive applicants 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, counseling, clinical social work, clinical psychology and teaching credential programs. Students earning the Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Adolescent Development are also prepared to enter the workforce in entry-level positions in a host of job settings serving children, youth and families. Given the broad interdisciplinary focus of coursework leading to the degree, students can tailor their courses to prepare for a host of professional programs, such as counseling, teacher education, social work, law school, medical school, nursing, child life and occupational therapy.
Obtaining a Child Development Permit
The Child Development Permit is a State of California authorized credential, which verifies completion of the requirements established by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for assisting, teaching or supervising in a child development program (e.g., pre-kindergarten/early childhood education programs) in the State of California. Students who complete the option in Early Childhood Development and Minor in Child-Care Administration will have satisfied coursework and practicum/fieldwork requirements for the Permit. Most undergraduate students pursuing careers in Early Childhood Education are eligible for financial support (grants and stipends) through the Child Development Training Consortium. See also the disclosure statement regarding Programs Leading to Licensure and Credentialing.
