Child Development, M.A.

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The Masters of Arts in Child Development is designed for students interested in research, theory and practice related to the study of individuals and families across diverse populations and settings. Students may coordinate degree requirements for the Elementary Subject Matter Credential, Special Education Credentials, or the Early Childhood Special Education Credential Program.

The Department of Child and Family Studies at California State University, Los Angeles offers an MA in Child Development that provides students with a rigorous and individualized course of study. All students take courses that examine various domains in infant and child development, research, risk, resiliency, and family life. Students select elective courses to complement their professional interests and goals. The Master of Arts Degree in Child Development strengthens professional competence and prepares individuals for leadership positions in child and family educational, pediatric (i.e., Child Life) and community settings, as well as for careers in higher education.

Admission to the Program

In addition to the University requirements for admission to graduate study, applicants must satisfy specific departmental requirements before admission to the program. These include:

Baccalaureate in child development or a closely related academic field from a fully accredited college or university.
Minimum grade point average of 2.85 in the last 60 semester units.
Two letters of recommendation and a written statement of intent.
Completion of the department application form, including a writing sample.

Students without a baccalaureate in child development or a closely related field must complete an 18-unit prerequisite program before being admitted to the child development master’s degree program. The MA Advisor will consult with students to identify prerequisites. Further information is available in the Child and Family Studies office.

Admission to the Master’s program in Child Development requires a complete application submitted through the Cal State Apply online system. The online application includes the department’s supplemental application materials. The department only admits students once a year for matriculation in the fall semester.

Requirements for the Degree

A total of 30 units is required, with at least 21 units in 5000-level courses.

Learning Outcomes Roadmap - CHDV MA (2023)

Requirements for the Degree ( 30 units)

Required Core (21 units)

CHDV 5000 - Advanced Developmental Science [3]
CHDV 5060 - Seminar in Social Development and Resiliency [3]
CHDV 5080 - Research Methods [3]
CHDV 5081 - Analytical Methods [3]
CHDV 5090 - Cognition and Language Development [3]
CHDV 5100 - Special Topics in Child Development [3]
CHDV 5950 - Graduate Field Work [1-3] (complete 3 units)

Electives (6 or 9 units)

Students must select electives in consultation with a graduate adviser to give meaningful support to their professional goals. The development of an individualized and interdisciplinary program is essential. Students also seeking an Elementary Subject Matter Credential or an Early Childhood Special Education Credential should select electives in consultation with a credential adviser in the College of Education and a child development graduate adviser. CHDV 5980 Graduate Directed Study may be included as an elective.
Students taking the Comprehensive Examination (CHDV 5960) must select 9 units of electives; Students completing a thesis (CHDV 5990) or Project (CHDV 5995) must select 6 units from the list of electives.

CHDV 5980 - Graduate Directed Study [1-3]

Comprehensive Examination or Thesis or Project (0 or 3 units)

A comprehensive examination or a thesis or project is required for the master’s degree. Students should expect to take the comprehensive examination (CHDV 5960) the semester they complete all course work on their program or thereafter and must comply with College and departmental requirements. A thesis or project, in lieu of the comprehensive examination, may be undertaken upon approval by a child development faculty committee.

Select one course:
CHDV 5960 - Comprehensive Examination [0]
CHDV 5990 - Thesis [1-5] (complete 3 units)
CHDV 5995 - Project [1-5] (complete 3 units)

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