Child & Adolescent Development (BA (Hons))

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development program at San Francisco State University equips students with knowledge and skills for careers in youth work, school age child and family, and early childhood. The program takes a social justice lens, preparing students for post-graduate studies and careers in education, social work, counseling, and other related fields. Students choose concentrations to align with their interests and postgraduate goals.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development (CAD) program at San Francisco State University provides a broad undergraduate preparation for students interested in early care and learning, elementary education, special education, and a variety of social service careers. The program is designed to support and engage students as they gain knowledge about children, youth, and their families from a developmental perspective. It prepares them to serve in school and community settings. All of the program's concentrations prepare students for advanced study in various disciplines. Students choose courses in their concentration to prepare for post-graduate studies in fields such as education, law, child life, medicine, psychology, social work, recreation, counseling, and physical therapy.

Careers:

The program prepares students for careers in:

• Youth Work and Out of School Time: After-school programs, social service agencies, juvenile justice, recreation, residential treatment facilities for school-age children and youth, or other community-based programs for children and youth.
• School Age Child and Family: Elementary school teachers (students plan to enroll in a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential Program after graduation).
• Early Childhood: Social service agencies, preschools, serving children to birth to five-years-old and their families.
This concentration is recommended for students who wish to meet requirements for the Child Development Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Other:

The program is taught through a social justice lens.