Degrees in Child Development

The Child Development Major offers two routes to a degree:

1. The Liberal Studies Child Development (LSCD) route allows students flexibility in their coursework. The major requires each student to complete 58-59 units plus general education requirements and electives. Within the major, every student must complete a 34 unit core and then each student completes their remaining 24-25 units of major coursework by selecting courses within one of three tacks. The three tracks are (a) the teaching track, (b) the child and family services track or (c) the specialized study track. Within the teaching track, students further select the early childhood education option, the elementary education option, or the special education/early intervention option. A visual representation of the listing of courses for each track and the three options within the teaching track can be found at Liberal Studies Child Development Curriculum Chart and the HSU catalog descriptions may be found at Liberal Studies Child Development Degree Requirements.

This LSCD degree is appropriate for students planning to enter:

• teaching of infants/toddlers, preschoolers, elementary aged students, or early childhood special education
• teaching in the public schools in California, other states, or internationally
• fields in public policy and advocacy for children and families
• graduate programs in fields like psychology, social work, Child Life Specialists, or child therapy
• fields that serve families and children or intervention services (e.g., Parent/Family Life Education, Early Head Start, Family Preservation, Juvenile Justice, etc.)
• recreation leadership
• other child and family related professional activities

Students are encouraged to acquire a minor along with their major.

2. The Liberal Studies Child Development Elementary Education (LSCE) route is designed for students who are interested in teaching in elementary schools. The HSU catalog description may be found at Liberal Studies Child Development Elementary Education Degree Requirements.

The LSCE major focuses on the integration of knowledge of the subject matter taught at the elementary level with knowledge of the characteristics of children and of the theories and methodologies appropriate to working with school age children. This option has been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and is designed to prepare students to enter into teacher credential programs.

Minors

Students are encouraged to acquire a minor along with their major. Minors range from 12-35 units depending upon the focus/department.

Minors should be selected to complement a student's studies and enhance his or her career opportunities. Frequently selected minors chosen by CD majors include:

• American Indian Education
• Early Childhood Development
• Business
• American Sign Language & Special Populations
• Ethnic Studies
• Family Studies
• Public Administration
• Psychology
• Teaching English as a Second Language

Majors in other degree programs may wish to choose to minor in Early Childhood Development .

See the HSU Course catalog for more information about degree programs.

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Last revision 11/29/06