About the course

The Child and Adolescent Development (CHAD) major focuses on the developmental processes that occur from conception through the end of adolescence. Students gain a comprehensive overview of typical and atypical development through exploration of empirically derived milestones across biological, cognitive, and psychosocial developmental domains. Course topics focus on developmental trajectories, theories, developmental research methods, ethics, and contexts of development. Throughout the curriculum, special emphasis is placed on the interaction of the individual and environment in the unfolding of development. Students acquire knowledge through exposure to relevant scientific literature, research projects, observations, and fieldwork. The curriculum provides students with a variety of tools to acquire, communicate, and disseminate information so that they may develop a lifelong pursuit of developmental inquiry. Graduates receive an excellent foundation for subsequent careers working with children and adolescents in various fields including research, education, health care, public policy and advocacy, the law, and counseling. The Child and Adolescent Development major is offered through the Psychology Department.

　　Career Opportunities

　　The Child and Adolescent Development major provides an excellent preparation for careers in developmentally related public organizations, teaching institutions, service agencies, and mental and physical health facilities. Our undergraduate program provides appropriate background for graduate training in developmental psychology, including experimental, applied, and clinical programs. Coursework in CHAD is also relevant to graduate training in counseling, teaching, medicine, law, child advocacy, and public policy relating to children and adolescents. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 4 Year(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Spring (January), 2024	San Marcos
Fall (August), 2024	San Marcos
Spring (January), 2025	San Marcos
Fall (August), 2025	San Marcos
Spring (January), 2026	San Marcos

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for California State University - San Marcos

Are or will be a high school/secondary school graduate or equivalent

　　Equivalent of a B (3.0) grade point average

　　SAT or ACT recommended but not required

　　Satisfy English Language Proficiency Admission Requirement for admission purposes with ONE of the following:

　　TOEFL score of 61 iBT with writing score no lower than 19 and no section score below 14

　　Alternatively, applicants may present a score of 500 or above on the paper-based TOEFL, a score of 173 or above on the computer-based TOEFL, or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5 or above.

　　Attended a high school where English was the principal language of instruction for 3 years (confirm with our International Admissions Office to see if your school is eligible)

　　

English language requirements

　　5.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

　　Book IELTS

　　About IELTS

　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 61.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at California State University - San Marcos. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

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