COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA in Child and Adolescent Development (ChAD) program requires the completion of 30 units and is structured to provide advanced knowledge of developmental processes and their application in real-world settings. The core curriculum consists of 18 units and includes courses such as CHAD 260A (Research Seminar), which fulfills the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR), along with CHAD 260B (Advanced Seminar), CHAD 262 (Culture and Diversity), CHAD 266 (U.S. Social Policy Affecting Children and Families), CHAD 268 (Social and Emotional Development), and CHAD 270 (Cognitive and Language Development). These courses provide a comprehensive understanding of child and adolescent development from multiple perspectives, including research, policy, and cultural contexts.In addition to the core courses, students must complete 9 units of interdisciplinary electives. These electives are selected from a department-approved list and allow students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals. With approval from the Graduate Program Coordinator, students may petition to take courses outside the approved list if they can justify how the course aligns with their academic and professional objectives.The final component of the program is the culminating experience, which consists of 3 units. Students must choose between Plan A (Thesis) and Plan B (Project). The thesis option (CHAD 299) involves conducting original research and is typically suited for students interested in pursuing doctoral studies or research-focused careers. The project option (CHAD 298) emphasizes practical application and is ideal for those seeking professional roles in applied settings.Overall, the program integrates theory, research, and practice, preparing graduates for impactful careers working with children, adolescents, and families in diverse professional environments.