BA in Child and Adolescent Development (Social and Community Contexts)

Units required for Major: 49
Total units required for BA: 120

Program Description

Child and Adolescent Development is the study of the biological, physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive growth and development of the child from conception through emerging adulthood. Using theory, empirical research, and practice, this rigorous academic program prepares students to work as agents of social change with diverse populations of children, adolescents, emerging adults, and families in a variety of areas, including education, advocacy, research, policy, counseling, and/or other settings.

The concentration in Social and Community Contexts is appropriate for students interested in working with diverse groups of children, adolescents, emerging adults, and families in community, social, government or counseling settings and/or for advanced degree and professional programs. 

The concentration in Social and Community Contexts seeks to prepare students to support developmental trajectories of children, adolescents, and emerging adults through application of theory and research into practice with diverse community settings. This concentration fosters students’ abilities to apply ecological perspectives and engage in ethical and reflective practices within the local and professional community. Graduates will be able to communicate developmental research to various audiences and collaborate with community stakeholders that provide resources to support the strengths of diverse individuals.

C-" or higher is required for all coursework in the Child and Adolescent Development major

Program Requirements

Required Foundation Courses (10 Units)
CHAD 101Career and Major Exploration in Child and Adolescent Development2
CHAD 123Qualitative Methods in Human Development 14
CHAD 133Quantitative Methods in Human Development 14
Required Core Courses (18 Units)
CHAD 131Language Development3
CHAD 135Culture and Human Development3
CHAD 156Child and Adolescent Development in Context3
CHAD 137Cognitive Development3
CHAD 138Social and Emotional Development3
CHAD 190Capstone in Child and Adolescent Development3
Required Concentration Courses (12 Units)
CHAD 30Human Development 23
or CHAD 35 Child and Adolescent Development
CHAD 30CHuman Development and Fieldwork in Community and Social Contexts 53
or CHAD 35E OR CHAD 35F
CHAD 146Fostering Healthy Youth Development3
CHAD 147Influences of Public Policy on Children & Adolescents3
Developmental Depth Electives (6 Units)
Select 6 units from the approved Developmental Depth Elective List 36
General Electives (3 Units)
Select 3 units of approved General Electives List 43
Total Units49

Developmental Depth Elective List

CHAD 139Educational Play: Theory and Practice3
CHAD 143Mind and Brain in Developmental Context 13
CHAD 157Infant and Toddler: Development and Care3
CHAD 142Development of Learning and Memory3
CHAD 172Identity Development3
CHAD 130Parent Education3

General Elective List

Cultural Diversity 1
Art Education for Children
Developmental Experiences, Methods and Curriculum
History of Childhood: International and Interdisciplinary Perspectives 1
Controversial Issues in Childhood Development, Education, and Social Policy (Pending Approval, CHDV 145 will meet WI requirement) 1
Apprenticeship in Advanced Child Development
Infant and Toddler: Development and Care
Internship in Child & Adolescent Development
Special Problems
Family Communication
Literature For Children
Multicultural Children's Literature 1
Typical & Atypical Developmental Characteristics and Outcomes for Young Children with Disabilities
Typical & Atypical Development Characteristics and Outcomes for Young Children with Disabilities Lab (Must take 130A and 130B together)
Introduction to Counseling 2
Power, Privilege and Self Identity in Counseling 2
Child and Family Psychopathology 2
Urban Education 1
Sex Role Stereotyping in American Education 1
Legal and Social Foundations of Inclusive Education
Ethnic America 1
FACS 156
Family Communication
Issues in Parenting
Multicultural America
Movement Education
Professional and Public Service Ethics
Psychological Aspects of Death and Dying
Community Organization
Leadership and Fundraising for Non-profit Organizations
Introduction to Statistics 1
Crosscultural Theory and Practice: Issues of Race, Gender and Class 1
The Child and the Law
Child Welfare Services
Children's Theatre

General Education Requirements1

Area A: Basic Subjects (9 Units)
A1 - Oral Communication3
A2 - Written Communication3
A3 - Critical Thinking3
Area B: Physical Universe and Its Life Forms (7-13 Units)
B1 - Physical Science3
B2 - Life Forms3
B3 - Lab (Note: Lab experience to be taken with one of the following: B1, B2 or B5)1
B4 - Math Concepts 30 - 3
B5 - Additional Course (Any B to reach 12 units) - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. 30 - 3
Area C: Arts and Humanities (9-12 Units)
C1 - Arts3
C2 - Humanities3
C1/C2 - Area C Course3
C1/C2 - Area C Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. 30 - 3
Area D: The Individual and Society (3-6 Units)
Area D Course3
Area D Course0
Area D Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. 30 - 3
Area E: Understanding Personal Development
Area E Course 20
Area F: Ethnic Studies (3 Units)
Area F Course3
Total Units31-43

Graduation Requirements1

Graduation Requirements (required by CSU) (3-9 Units)
American Institutions: U.S. History 20 - 3
American Institutions: U.S. Constitution & CA Government3
Writing Intensive (WI) 30 - 3
Graduation Requirements (required by Sacramento State) (9 Units)
English Composition II3
Race and Ethnicity in American Society (RE)0
Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement 46