Child and Adolescent Development Specialization
The specialization is grounded in principles of developmental science that highlights the contribution of biological and contextual factors to describe and explain how children and adolescents change and remain the same over time both in terms of typical and atypical development. The specialization emphasizes current evidence-based, age-appropriate psycho-educational interventions and effective caregiving practices for children and adolescents. The program offers a blend of academic and experiential activities to prepare students for entry-level positions in organizations that serve children, adolescents and their families. The specialization serves as a meaningful stepping stone for students who want to pursue advanced studies in human development and family studies, developmental psychology, applied developmental psychology, counseling and clinical psychology. Students will also have the opportunity to complete the existing psychology independent research sequence (PSY-295, PSY-395, PSY-495) to engage in focused applied research in youth development that will make them more competitive for admission to graduate school as well as entry-level positions in family and youth services organizations.
Specialization in Child and Adolescent Development
Required Courses (18 credits)
| PSY-283 | DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
| PSY-308 | PSYCHOLEGAL ISSUES CHILDREN & FAMILIES | 3 |
| PSY-315 | PSYCHOLOGY OF FAMILY | 3 |
| PSY-351 | CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
| PSY-352 | CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPATHOLOGY | 3 |
| PSY-499 | INTERNSHIP | 3 |
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| Or | |
| PSY-459 | INDEPENDENT STUDY | 1 to 3 |