Child Development B.A.
The Child Development Major is organized around six broad competencies-child development knowledge/foundations; the research process; legal, ethical, and pragmatic issues; professionalism; developmentally-appropriate practices; and integration of a personal/professional worldview.
The Major
The program leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development provides students with a background of knowledge and skills in child growth and development. The degree is delivered by the Department of Psychology and Child Development. Courses are selected from child development and related fields and include laboratory and field experiences at the Stanislaus State Child Development Center (CDC) as well as other applied settings. The Child Development major is designed to prepare students for professional occupations with children and families as well as to prepare students to pursue advanced studies or research careers.
All students are expected to:
- Complete the prerequisites to the major;
- Complete the core of required courses;
- Complete one of the program pathways described below; and
- Complete the capstone senior seminar and co-requisite internship.
Program Pathways
The Child Development Program offers a variety of courses for different career and educational goals. These three professional pathways are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and abilities.
- Child Learning and Education Pathway - prepares professionals as teachers and administrators of child development programs and elementary schools, curriculum specialists, program evaluators, recreational leaders, and other professionals that work with children and families in the community.
- Child and Family Services Pathway - prepares professionals to meet the social welfare and guidance needs of young children, parents, families, and the community in agencies, parent education programs, foster care, etc.
- A General Pathway - is available for those students who wish to tailor their academic programs to a particular developmental focus. A general track pathway plan of thematically related units must be developed with the student’s CDEV academic adviser and submitted for the Child Development Committee’s approval prior to completion of coursework. The requirements for the General Pathway are shown in the catalog sections that follow and on the general track pathway plan form.
Updated: March 27, 2025