Child and Adolescent Development AA-T Degree
College of the Desert offers a Child and Adolescent Development Associate in Arts for Transfer degree, also called Child and Adolescent Development AA-T. Students completing this interdisciplinary degree are prepared to understand the processes of change and growth that characterize human development from conception to age 18. Course offerings are drawn from psychology, sociology, human development, anthropology, and biology, with electives from other departments. Students completing an associate’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development are qualified to work in school districts as classroom paraprofessionals and for social services programs as entry-level social workers. Students completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in this major typically choose careers in education, social services, counseling, and guidance, or in the field of health.
The Child and Adolescent Development AA-T is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. This degree requires students to complete 60 CSU transferable units including completion of Cal-GETC and 21-23 units in the major with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. Title 5 requires that students must earn a “C” (or "P") or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. There are no additional graduation requirements. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.
Learning Outcomes
Upon satisfactory completion of this program students will be able to:
- Identify and analyze key concepts and theories about human and/or societal development.
- Critique generalizations and popular opinion about human behavior and society, distinguishing opinion and values from scientific observations and study.
- Understand and think critically about different cultures (including topics such as race, gender and class) and their influence on human development or society.
- Examine the biological, psychological, and sociological factors that influence the personalities and behaviors of females and males from a multicultural perspective.
- Develop individual responsibility, personal integrity, and respect for diverse people and culture.
Program Requirements
| Course Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| CDE 101 | Child Growth & Development | 3 |
| CDE 227 | Child Guidance | 3 |
| BI 004 | Elements of Biology | 3-4 |
| or BI 007 | Biology of Mammals | |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 003 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 3-4 |
| or SOC 003 | Fundamentals of Statistics | |
| LIST A | ||
| Select one course from the following (3 units): | ||
| ANTH 002 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| CDE 102 | Child, Family, & Community | 3 |
| SOC 001 | Introductory Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 014 | Introduction to Race & Ethnicity | 3 |
| Required Subtotal | 21-23 | |
| Cal-GETC 1 | 34 | |
| Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 transferable units) 2 | ||
| DEGREE TOTAL | 60 | |
- 1
Units for the major may be double counted for Cal-GETC, confer with a Counselor.
- 2
Elective units to reach 60-unit total must be CSU transferable, confer with a Counselor.
