Child and Adolescent Development, BA

This ChAD program, offered by the Department of Child and Adolescent Development , provides a strong foundation in child and adolescent development and could be the basis for graduate study in child and adolescent development and related fields. This major is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in a variety of child-related fields, such as early childhood and elementary school classrooms, community settings, and/or agencies serving children, youth, and families. Students who have declared Child and Adolescent Development (ChAD) as their major should meet with the department advisor for consultation and approval of program roadmaps. Information about ChAD advising and how to make an appointment can be found on the department website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

1. Complete the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

Students must satisfy the specific degree requirements for their undergraduate major and fulfill the following University degree requirements:

Academic (program total units with an average 2.0 GPA - “C” or better)
General Education (GE) (34 Lower Division + 9 Upper Division)
American Institutions (AI) (0-6 units) (may be satisfied in GE Areas 3A, 3B, 4, UD 3, or UD 4)
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) 3 units (see Writing in the Disciplines)
Physical Education (PE) (0-2 units)
Units in Residence (30 units, including 24 upper division and 12 in major)
Upper Division Units (40 units, including 12 upper div in major for BA, 18 upper div in major for BS)
Undergraduate Policies & Procedures

Apply for Graduation
Information about the Commencement Ceremony and Conferral of the Degree

Summary of Degree Units

Core Lower Division General Education: 22 (6 units may be satisfied by major coursework)

American Institutions/ US123 Requirements: 6

Upper Division General Education: 9 (0 units may be satisfied by major coursework)

Physical Education: 2

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR): 0 (3 units satisfied by CHAD 100W)

Major Requirements: 39

Concentration Requirements: 51

University Electives or Minor: 30

Total: 120

2. Major Requirements (51 units)

Lower Division Core (12 units)

CHAD 60 - Child Development 3 unit(s)
CHAD 70 - Lifespan Development in a Global Context 3 unit(s)
PSYC 1 - Introduction to Psychology 3 unit(s) (GE Area 4 / Formerly Area D)
CHAD 80 - Quantitative Analysis in Developmental Science 3 unit(s) (GE Area 2 / Formerly Area B4) OR STAT 95 - Elementary Statistics 3 unit(s) (GE Area 2 / Formerly Area B4) (May substitute UNVS 15/MATH 15 or SOCS 15 /SOCI 15 )

Upper Division Core (24 units)

CHAD 101 - Research Methods in Developmental Science 3 unit(s)
CHAD 165 - Risk and Resilience in a Community Context 3 unit(s)
CHAD 168 - Social and Emotional Development 3 unit(s)
CHAD 169 - Motivating Children and Adolescents in Educational Settings 3 unit(s)
CHAD 170 - Cognitive Development in Context 3 unit(s)
CHAD 195 - Senior Seminar in Child & Adolescent Development 3 unit(s)

Complete one course:

CHAD 100W - Writing Workshop 3 unit(s) (WID) (may substitute LLD 100W)

Complete one course:

CHAD 162 - Cultural Influences in Childhood and Adolescence 3 unit(s)
CHAD 164 - Contemporary Parenting 3 unit(s)

Area of Specialization (15 units)

Specializations are a cluster of courses used by departments for advising purposes. Specializations will not appear on transcripts or diplomas. Please see an advisor for more details. Complete one of the following specializations:

Early Childhood Focus (15 units)

CHAD 150 - Development of Language and Communicative Competence 3 unit(s)
CHAD 152 - Foundations for Early Childhood Curriculum 3 unit(s)
CHAD 160 - Practicum in Early Childhood Education 3 unit(s)
CHAD 161 - Administration of Early Childhood Programs 3 unit(s)
CHAD 173 - Critical Issues in Infant/Toddler Development 3 unit(s)

Community Focus (15 units)

CHAD 104 - Program Evaluation and Assessment in Community-Based Programs 3 unit(s)
CHAD 156 - Social Media and Youth Civic Engagement 3 unit(s)
CHAD 157 - Program Management in Community Organizations 3 unit(s)
CHAD 158 - Practicum in Community Organizations 3 unit(s)

Critical Issues in Child and Adolescent Development (3 units)

Complete one course:

CHAD 163 - Critical Issues in Adolescent Development 3 unit(s)
CHAD 173 - Critical Issues in Infant/Toddler Development 3 unit(s)

3. University Electives or Minor (30 units)

A minor is strongly suggested.

Total Units Required (120 units)

CHAD 158 , CHAD 160 and CHAD 195 may only be repeated once.