Graduate Programs
The MA in Child & Adolescent Development is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced study in the field for the following professional and/or academic purposes:
- to obtain a graduate-level degree in Child & Adolescent Development
- to prepare for community college teaching
- to prepare for further study leading to a doctorate in Child & Adolescent Development
- to acquire academic background in the field for application in occupational settings that deal with issues involving children and/or youth and their families
The degree is particularly appropriate for individuals who already possess entry-level credentials or licensing and who 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 services 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, and secondary schools, pediatric nurses, and professionals in public health and health care agencies.
Learning Outcomes
Students who complete an MA degree should:
- demonstrate advanced knowledge of children's growth and development in four major domains and understand the interrelationships among these domains
- understand the role of context in the development of children and their socialization by family, community, and society
- connect theories of child growth and development to social policy, education, and intervention
- apply theoretical knowledge and problem solving skills in practical situations with children
- examine and evaluate information about children and families from a variety of sources (e.g., major publications in the field, popular journals, newspapers, websites)
- formulate research and evaluative questions; seek answers
- read with comprehension and write clearly using APA editorial guidelines
- demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills for facilitating the development of children and meeting the challenges of working with other professionals
- understand ethical and advocacy responsibilities in working with children and families
Application and steps to completing the masters degree
Program elements
Advising information
MA program electives
Course requirements and schedule
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