Program Requirements

The program’s 10 core courses cover child/adolescent development, family structure, societal effects on childhood, child abuse and family violence, career development, child policy, ethics, field placement, statistics and research methods. In addition, students must choose two educational courses, two direct services (psychological/social work) courses, two free electives related to the major and one more specific child/adolescent development course.

To earn a degree, students must complete 120 credit hours and earn at least a C average in all courses in their major. Seniors are also required to complete one semester of field placement in the community prior to graduation. The progression is designed to prepare students to graduate within four years if they select this major no later than their first semester junior year.

In addition to the major coursework, students are evaluated annually on seven core values:

• Written language
• Critical thinking
• Understanding of normal development
• Sensitivity of cultural differences
• Understanding of atypical development
• Use of technology
• Understanding of ethical practice

Child and Adolescent Studies Major Program Requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog