SJSU Catalog

Child and Adolescent Development, Department of

Introduction

The Child and Adolescent Development (CHAD) Department's interdisciplinary major provides students with a broad, liberal education with an emphasis on human development in infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Students interested in teaching and human services, generally, may choose this program. Graduates may pursue careers in teaching at any level from infant programs through post-secondary schools. Other careers available to graduates are in health, welfare, child care, and social service agencies. The Department operates a campus laboratory preschool which enrolls children from ages 2 through 5 in two programs: toddlers (age 2) and a multi-age group (ages 3-5).

The MA - Child and Adolescent Development is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced study in child and adolescent development for the following professional and/or academic purposes:

1. To obtain a graduate-level degree in child development;

2. To prepare for community college teaching in a child and adolescent development or early childhood education program;

3. To prepare for further study leading to a doctorate degree in child development;

4. To acquire academic background in child and adolescent development to be applied in occupational positions that deal with youth and children's issues.

The degree is particularly appropriate for individuals who already possess entry-level credentials or licensing and wish to develop greater expertise and deeper knowledge about children and youth in order to advance in their careers or to prepare for new occupational options. This includes individuals such as professionals in human service agencies, Head Start and day care administrators, parent educators, child/youth advocates in social and legal arenas, child and family counselors, teachers in elementary, middle level and secondary schools, pediatric nurses, and professionals in public health and health care agencies.