The masters program in ChAD provides students a comprehensive blend of theory and real-world application. ChAD faculty have expertise in social/emotional/cognitive development, linguistics, early childhood education, education, social policy, and diversity. Our program goals are to provide MA candidates with an academic background that will enhance their understanding of child and youth issues and that can be applied to their occupational positions and advance their careers. The program is designed for professionals who work in a wide range of child- and youth-oriented fields. In addition, the MA in ChAD can prepare students to:
teach at community colleges in Child Development and ECE programs,
obtain positions dealing with research, intervention, prevention, and social policy relevant to child and adolescent development, and
continue on to advanced study leading to a doctorate in child and/or adolescent development.
The Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluation (GAPE) website has a wealth of information. The information for admitted students on the GAPE site is also helpful.
Check the GAPE website for application deadlines. The applications process consists of two parts, one submitted to GAPE and the other directly to ChAD.
GAPE application:
Department of Child & Adolescent Development (ChAD) application materials to be sent directly to the department:
Application materials for the department should be sent to:
Graduate Program Coordinator
Child & Adolescent Development
One Washington Square
San José State University
San Jose, CA. 95192-0075
The minimum admissions requirements for the MA program in Child and Adolescent Development:
30-unit course of study for an MA in ChAD:
ChAD 260A* Seminar in ChAD and Research
ChAD 260B Capstone Seminar in ChAD
ChAD 262 Multi-Cultural Issues in ChAD
ChAD 266 Social Policy Issues in American Childhood and Youth
ChAD 268 Seminar in Social and Emotional Development
ChAD 270 Seminar in Cognitive and Language Development
ChAD 298 Special Study (To be taken concurrently with 260B)
Three electives from the department-approved list** (9 units)
Total Units 30
*Meets the Graduate Studies writing requirement. Must be taken in the first semester of enrollment.
**Electives may be taken at any time during the MA program. In rare circumstances, MA candidates may petition to take an elective not on the list. Candidates should submit a written statement to the Graduate Program Coordinator indicating what course is requested and a justification for why the course and not one of the pre-approved electives is necessary.
During the semester that the first nine units of course work will be completed, the MA candidate will need to submit a Departmental Request for Candidacy form [pdf]. This form must be signed by the ChAD Graduate Program Coordinator and submitted to GAPE by the appropriate deadline. Check the deadline for submitting the Request for Candidacy form. Any changes made in the program degree academic plan as listed on the Request for Candidacy form need to be requested using the course substitution form [pdf]. This form must be signed by the ChAD Graduate Program Coordinator prior to submission to GAPE.
Complete the Application for Award of Master's Degree form and send it directly to GAPE. Be sure to check the deadline for submitting the graduation application form.
When ChAD 260B and ChAD 298 are successfully completed, confirm with the course instructor that a verification of culminating experience form will be submitted to GAPE.
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