Academic Programs

The Applied Developmental Science Option values the analysis and synthesis of classic and contemporary research that promotes positive developmental outcomes spanning conception through emerging adulthood. Students explore theories, concepts, and phenomena relevant to the development of individuals and social systems including the wide range of familial, biological, societal, cultural, physical, ecological, political, and historical settings of human development.

Research methodology and a scientific approach to development is emphasized so students may be adequately and competitively prepared for advanced degree and professional programs. This is an excellent choice for those preparing for the fields of clinical social work, clinical/counseling/school psychology, K-12 teaching, college teaching, and developmental research. 


Some students prefer this BA Option because the 12-units of CADV Electives provides greater flexibility. For instance:

• students can take more courses from other departments such as Psychology, Family & Consumer Science, Anthropology, etc. (this is also helpful if you are double-majoring/minoring)
• several courses that can be double counted for your upper division general education requirements (i.e., FCS 340, RTM 352, PSY 312)
• some students strategically use their Electives to start completing prerequisite courses for a graduate or credential program. 

The Early Childhood Development (ECD) Option also values the analysis and synthesis of classic and contemporary research that promotes positive developmental outcomes. Students also explore theories, concepts, and phenomena relevant to the development of individuals and social systems including the wide range of familial, biological, societal, cultural, physical, ecological, political and historical settings of human development.

The ECD option narrows coursework on the development of infants, toddlers, and young children. This is ideal for students planning a career in the field of early childhood development (i.e., infant care, preschool teacher, early intervention) and desire to have a diploma explicitly acknowledging this as their focus.

The Department Honors Program recognizes and supports the academic and professional development of exceptional undergraduate students earning the B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development. Students in the Honors Program engage in advanced level assignments, activities and projects beyond the standard requirements for the degree. Students who successfully complete all requirements for the Program will have the designation of Department Honors noted on the diploma and official transcripts upon completion of the degree.

Requirements for the Minor in Child and Adolescent Development are as follows:

I. Lower Division Required Courses (6 units)

• CADV 150 Foundations of Child and Adolescent Development (3)
• CADV 250  The Child and Adolescent Development Profession (3)

II. Upper Division Required Courses (12 units)

• CADV 350 Applied Cognitive Development (3)
• CADV 352 Applied Social Development (3)

Choose TWO of the following courses:

• CADV 310 Developmental Impacts of Abuse and Neglect (3)
• CADV 373 Emerging Adulthood (3)
• CADV 450 Helping Children Cope with Medical Environments (3)
• CADV 451 Alternative Approaches to Discipline (3)
• CADV 452 Child Advocacy (3)
• CADV 453 Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (3)
• CADV 455 Mentoring the Emerging Adult (3/3)
• CADV 456 Coping with Grief & Loss in Childhood and Adolescence (3)
• CADV 460 Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Culture in Development (3)
• CADV 470 Advanced Theories (3)
• CADV 495A/B Graduate School Skills & Research (3/3)
• CADV 497AA-ZZ Selected Topics (3)
• CADV 394/494 Internship I & II  (3/3)

Units in the Minor: 18

Internship Program Overview

Available Internship Sites