Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Child and Adolescent Development
Build a Meaningful Career in Education
Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development (ChAD) at San José State University and build a strong foundation in developmental science, research and applied practice.
The Early Childhood Focus and Community Focus track options allow you to tailor your degree to your passion. With real-world experience and rigorous learning, you are prepared for careers supporting children, youth and families in schools and other community-centered settings and for further graduate study.
Why Become a Child and Adolescent Development Major at SJSU?
Apply to the child and adolescent development major at SJSU for:
- Flexible full-time and part-time enrollment for you to progress toward your academic and professional goals at a pace that suits your needs.
- A well-rounded curriculum designed to deepen your understanding of cognitive, social and emotional development across childhood and adolescence.
- Two specialization options — Early Childhood Focus or Community Focus — so you can tailor your professional preparation.
- Real-world practicum experiences that get you out of the classroom and into the field so you can expedite your skill-building.
- Dedicated support from faculty who bring years of expertise and a strong commitment to student success.
- Comprehensive ChAD department resources, including academic advising, career guidance and service-learning opportunities.
Excited to learn more about what our university has to offer? Explore SJSU, what we’ve achieved and how that transforms your education.
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What You’ll Learn
Pursuing your BA in Child and Adolescent Development positions you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, youth and families.
Along with completing SJSU’s general education requirements, you take 51 units required for the major. These courses encompass psychology, lifespan development, research methods and community-based practice, helping you build theoretical expertise and practical application.
You also choose a 15-unit specialization in Early Childhood Focus or Community Focus, allowing you to tailor your studies while gaining hands-on experience through practicum courses.
Throughout the entirety of your child and adolescent development major, you learn to:
- Analyze child and adolescent development across cognitive, social and emotional stages.
- Engage with a range of research methods and data analysis in developmental science to better understand behavior and learning.
- Evaluate risk and protective factors, resilience and community influences that shape children’s development, as well as prevention and intervention resources.
- Support students’ motivation and engagement in educational settings through developmentally informed practices.
- Design and assess programs for children and families, including early childhood education and community-based youth initiatives.
Learning Outcomes
After graduating with your bachelor’s degree in child and adolescent development, you’re skilled in:
- Demonstrating holistic knowledge of child and adolescent development that integrates physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains.
- Describing how contextual factors, including family, community, policy and culture, influence development across diverse populations.
- Applying developmental theory and research to address the individual and collective needs of children, youth and families.
- Demonstrating an understanding of effective advocacy to ensure equity and respect for children, families and the broader community.
Honors Program
If you excel in your course work, you may qualify for the Child and Adolescent Development departmental Honors Program.
To apply, you must complete nine units of upper-division child development course work with a minimum GPA of 3.5, along with CHAD 101 or STAT 95 (or an equivalent course) with a grade of A- or higher.
After meeting the eligibility requirements, you can earn departmental honors by demonstrating outstanding scholarly work. This typically includes completing a BA honors thesis (CHAD 199: Honors Thesis) or producing research that results in a published paper or a presentation at a professional conference.
To graduate with departmental honors, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all upper-division child development courses.
SJSU Student Spotlight
Meet Athena Weiland, a child and adolescent development major, who’s ready to make an impact in early childhood education settings. Watch our video to learn why she chose San José State University and how her degree positions her for future success.
Careers for Child and Adolescent Development Majors
A bachelor’s degree in child and adolescent development opens the door to careers that directly impact the well-being, learning and holistic growth of children and teens.
With the interdisciplinary education and interpersonal knowledge you gain, you’re prepared to work in youth services, education support, early education, nonprofit organizations and community programs. If you plan to continue your education, the program also equips you for graduate study in fields such as counseling, social work, psychology or education.
As a child and adolescent development major, you build the expertise to take on professional roles, including:
- Behavioral interventionist
- Case manager for youth services
- Child life specialist
- Early childhood program coordinator
- Family support specialist
Careers in Child & Adolescent Development
Where SJSU’s Alumni Work
For decades, San José State University has served as a launchpad for students dedicated to empowering and advocating for children, youth and families across the region. Our bachelor’s degree in child and adolescent development equips ambitious students like you with cultural competence and community-focused training.
SJSU’s alumni have gone on to work with organizations such as:
- Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
- College Bound
- First 5 Santa Clara County
- Kidango
- San Jose City Council
- San Jose Unified School District
Child and Adolescent Development Program Admissions
Ready to take your next step toward earning your BA in Child and Adolescent Development? Applying to San José State University is your gateway to transformative career preparation and a life of purpose.
Undergraduate Admissions Deadlines
Fall Semester
The application window for first-year and transfer students runs from Aug. 1 to Dec. 1.
The application window for international first-year and transfer students runs from Aug. 1 to April 1.
Spring Semester
The application window for transfer students runs from July 1 to Aug. 31.
The application window for international first-year and transfer students runs from July 1 to Sept. 30.
Application Requirements
Future SJSU Freshman and Transfer Students
Before entering the ChAD undergraduate program, your first step is to apply to SJSU. While the ChAD department doesn't have additional admission requirements, we recommend these prerequisite courses:
- ChAD 60 - Child Development
- ChAD 70 - Lifespan Development in the 21st Century
- PSYC 01 - Introduction to Psychology
- ChAD 80, STAT 95 or SOCI/SOCS 15 - Statistics
If you’re transferring from another institution, we recommend reviewing our articulation information to see how your academic credits transfer to SJSU.
For more detailed information on how to apply, select your student type:
Current SJSU Students
If you’re currently enrolled at SJSU and want to transfer into the ChAD program, you must complete these courses with a 2.0 GPA or higher across all four courses, with no grades of D or F:
ChAD 60 - Child Development
ChAD 70 - Lifespan Development in the 21st Century
PSYC 01 - Introduction to Psychology
ChAD 80 - Quantitative Analysis in Developmental Science
If you have fewer than 90 units, please submit the online Change of Major form. You
can anticipate an email confirmation within 2–5 business days regarding the status
of the request.
If you have more than 90 units, please schedule an appointment to meet with a ChAD Program Coordinator. They’ll review your request, plan a curricular roadmap and provide instructions for submitting a Change of Major request.
Former SJSU Students
To apply to the child and adolescent development major, complete the appropriate petition paperwork and submit it to the ChAD Department in Sweeney Hall 201 for review and approval.
To be eligible, you must have a minimum 2.0 overall GPA and a minimum 2.0 GPA across these four courses, with no grades of D or F:
- ChAD 60 – Child Development
- ChAD 70 – Lifespan Development in the 21st Century
- PSYC 01 – Introduction to Psychology
- STAT 95 or SOCI/SOCS 15 – Statistics
- If you’re a former student petitioning to return to San José State
- University, your application process may differ depending on whether you left the university in good academic standing or due to academic disqualification.
Financial Aid
Invest in your future at SJSU. Our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office offers the practical support and resources you need to achieve your academic and professional goals.
From finding scholarships and grants to submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), our team helps you understand how you can fund your BA in Child and Adolescent Development with confidence.
Empower the Next Generation With an SJSU Degree
Turn your passion for supporting children and teens into a meaningful career. At San José State University, the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development prepares you to work with youth and families in schools, community organizations and service agencies while making a lasting impact in your community.
Want additional guidance to help you plan ahead? Schedule a pre-admission appointment with our team to get started.
