Overview

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Development provides students with the opportunity to explore the relationship between theory, research, and practice. The curriculum reflects an interdisciplinary approach to the study of children and families, and the social contexts that influence development. A variety of opportunities for practicum experiences in school settings, community and recreational agencies, hospitals, and parent and family life education programs are available. These experiences provide students with direct contact with consumers and the organizations and professionals who work with children and families within the region. Opportunities for original research are available as well. The BA degree in Child Development also provides an excellent pathway to graduate programs in a number of fields.

The Program includes a choice of two degree options:

Option I, General Option - prepares students to work as administrators in preschools, daycare centers or youth agencies or to gain entry into careers with children and families in early education, health, pediatric or community-based settings. Graduates of the program are prepared for employment as early childhood educators/administrators, parent educators, Certified Family Life Educators, Child Life Specialists, Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood Education and Administration, Youth Agency Administration, or case managers. 

Option II, a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) - approved Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation Program, prepares prospective teachers for grades K-8.  Students in this option take required coursework that waives the three subtests of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers: Multiple Subjects (CSET: MS). A grade of C or higher is required in all major courses and all Elementary Subject Matter courses. Students who select Option II must complete General Education requirements, the Child Development core, option specific required courses, and Elementary Subject Matter (ESM) courses.  Because Elementary Subject matter courses overlap with both the major and General Education requirements, the total number of units required for the degree is 109. Option II is not recommended for transfer students because many of the Elementary Subject Matter courses that overlap with General Education courses are not available at community colleges. New transfer students would have to complete these lower-division courses in addition to the required upper-division courses while at Cal State LA, thus delaying their graduation.       

Advisement

All students who intend to major in Child Development should meet with an advisor before the end of the second semester in residence to discuss program options and select a degree program. Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in all courses in the major program.  Information about the major and Department policies and procedures is available in the Child and Family Studies Department office and on the Department’s website.

Students who wish to pursue a California Multiple Subject Teaching or Special Education Internship Credential should consult with advisors in the Office for Student Services in the Charter College of Education, usually in their junior year.  Information regarding credential programs may be found in the Charter College of Education section in the Academic Programs: College-Based and University-Wide chapter for the regulations governing all Teacher Credential Programs.