Bachelor of Arts in Child Development
Be an advocate for children while having an impact on their future development. When earning your child development degree you will have the opportunity to focus on the biological and psychological progression of children, from their infancy stages through their adolescent years. With an increasing focus on the factors that impact the development of children, the study of child development continues to be an area of focus for many organizations. With your Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from the University of Arizona Global Campus, you will study the stages of development from infancy through adolescence and the ways that family, culture, peers, and schools influence the growth of children. Online child development degrees can offer convenient options for professionals.
What is Child Development?
As touched on briefly above, child development refers to the study of biological, psychological, sociological, and emotional factors that influence the well-being and learning of children. While specific ages vary, the field of child development will traditionally examine the stages of development from infancy through adolescence. The way family, culture, peers, and schools influence the growth of children all play an important role and are areas that are taken into consideration during the child development process. With a degree in child development, students can be equipped with the necessary skills to seek employment in education, social services, and in other related fields.
What you will learn
The Bachelor of Arts in Child Development demonstrates your competence and ability in working with children. You will discover how family structure and culture influence communication in a child's environment. And you will learn to apply your knowledge as an advocate for children and their families. Upon completion of your child development degree, you will be able to:
- Utilize knowledge of child development to construct and evaluate curriculum that effectively addresses the stages of development including cognitive, language, physical and affective development of young children
- Analyze the influence and impact of families and communities on a child’s learning and development
- Describe how family structure and cultural backgrounds influence communication processes in a child’s environment
- Evaluate the critical role of play in children’s learning and development
- Apply their knowledge as an advocate for children, families, childcare and education
Your Courses in Child Development
Understand children and families with your bachelor’s degree in child development. Your online child development courses include a wide variety of topics, from language acquisition to behavior and the critical role of play in children's development and education.
Introductory Courses
To help students acclimate to the online classroom, you may be required to complete Introductory Course requirements. Learn more about Introductory Courses.
Major Course Requirements (39 credits, all courses are 3 credits.)
Emphases for Child Development
An emphasis provides you with additional opportunities to broaden and enrich your education that is distinct from and enhances your major. It may be taken as a way to expand career options, to prepare for graduate study, or simply to explore in greater depth an area different from your major. An emphasis consists of three (3), three (3) credit courses. Choose from the following emphases:
Cognitive Studies
Environmental Management & Sustainability
Public Administration
Public Relations
Web & Mobile App Technology
Careers in Child Development
Professionals with a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development could start careers in a variety of fields. As the population grows, so does the need for those who can educate and assist in the developmental process. Parents who work or have other responsibilities will continue to need the assistance of childcare workers. Early child education and development is widely recognized as an important part of a child’s intellectual and emotional development. The demand for professionals with a child development education should increase. Additionally, because of its interdisciplinary nature, the field of child development can be an attractive option for you due to the wide variety of job opportunities it can provide. A few child development related careers can include:
Human Services: A career in human services can give you the opportunity to meet the needs of others, while focusing on prevention and solutions for current societal problems. Improve the overall quality of those around you, by advocating for positive social change.
Childcare Services: Play a role in the development of a child’s overall education and development by working in a childcare services profession. Engage and interact with children by providing new and challenging hands-on learning activities.
Special Education: Adapt content and different teaching methodologies in order to meet the specific needs of a child. You may have the opportunity to design instructional materials that will meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.
If you are interested in exploring more specific job opportunities, then take a look at some other potential child development career options below.
Additional Programs
Benefits of Working with Children
Pursuing a career that lets you work with children gives you the opportunity to serve your community. By educating children, you are making life better for the next generation of young people and the community. Additionally, working with children can not only make an impact on their lives, but they will make an impact on yours. You will learn the valuable opportunity of becoming a positive role model as children will look up to you for both intellectual and emotional support. Lastly, this career can give you a new perspective on life as interacting with kids on a daily basis can open you up to their incredible imaginations and to new ways of thinking about the world.
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