Childhood and Adolescence

The Childhood and Adolescence concentration focuses on development from conception through adolescence. Students study processes of change in physical, cognitive, and social development, with an emphasis on how these changes are influenced by biological, cultural, ethnic, economic, and family factors. Students develop an understanding of (1) biological, behavioral, psychological, and social development and change from the prenatal period through adolescence; and (2) the development of the child in the context of the family, school, community, and the larger society. Students are encouraged to apply this understanding to human development services for children and their families in educational, child welfare, social service, or health care setting. For more information, visit the Department's Advising Center located in the Family Studies Building and get a copy of the full descriptions there.

RECOMMENDED COURSES

• Infancy
• Social and Personality Development in Young Children
• Adolescent Development
• Parenthood
• Parent-Child Relations in Cross-Cultural Perspective
• Child Welfare, Law, and Social Policy
• The Family-School Partnership
• Observational Child Study

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Agencies and organizations working with children and adolescents including social service agencies, hospitals, libraries, museums
• Youth service programs with special reference to problems of teen pregnancy, substance abuse
• Parent education programs
• Child health
• Research in child development
• Child welfare, especially problems of child abuse and neglect
• Prevention and intervention services for children and teens at risk