skip to content

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 Student Services 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

For Individuals with a Bachelor of Arts Degree:

  • Child Development Specialist for alternative detention program
  • Residential Youth Counselor
  • Pupil Services Specialist
  • Youth Services Coordinator
  • Teacher's Assistant
  • Opportunities to work as a child care specialist while obtaining a graduate degree.
  • Direct Care Staff in a community living program
  • House Parents for family home supervision
  • Program Director for youth programs
  • Case Manager
  • Program Monitor
  • Tutor
  • Child Development Specialist for Extended Day Treatment Program
  • Adventure counselor for summer programs
  • Experiential Counselor
  • 4-H Youth Agent
  • Youth Counselor
  • YMCA Program Coordinator
  • Program Coordinator for Youth Services Bureau
  • Research Assistant
  • Residential Director
  • Developmental Specialist
  • Community Facilitator
  • Family Development Specialist
  • Outreach Program Coordinator

For individuals seeking to obtain an advanced degree:

  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Family Therapist
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Secondary Education Teacher
  • Speech/Language Pathologist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • School Guidance Counselor
  • School Psychologist
  • Social Worker