Bachelor - Child Development: Child & Adolescent Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Bachelor of Science in Child Development with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Studies is an online program that examines cognitive and educational development of children as they mature into their teens. This non-licensure program was designed to reflect the professional guidelines set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in the field of education. The program includes current research and trends in child and adolescent care, such as gender issues, eating disorders, drugs, bullying, peer relations, teen pregnancy, and more. The curriculum focuses on all domains of child and teen development, including emotional, physical, cognitive, and social development, and gives you the opportunity to examine influencing factors such as community, family, and diversity. Coursework includes Making Connections classes, which focus on current issues impacting professionals working with children and teens.

What Are the Prerequisites?

Students should have an interest in working with young people in an educational or community setting. Applicants to Walden University's programs must be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent; or be an active member of the military or a veteran; or have already earned at least 90 quarter hours of credit. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. You must complete 181 credit hours to earn the B.S. in Child Development program with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Studies from Walden University. Core courses and concentration courses are listed below.

Child Development Courses

• Introduction to Education
• Pioneers and Philosophies of Education
• Making Connections: The Early Childhood Field
• Educational Psychology
• Child Development
• Making Connections: The Developing Child
• Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• Child, Family, and Community Relationships
• Making Connections: The Well-Being of Children
• Language Development
• Children's Literature
• Making Connections: The Foundations of Literacy
• Observation and Assessment of the Young Child
• Children With Special Needs
• Making Connections: The Individuality of Children
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
• Making Connections: Living in a Diverse World

Concentration Courses

• School-Age and Adolescent Development
• School-Age Children and Adolescence in a Multicultural Society
• Making Connections: Professions in the Field of School-Age and Adolescent Development
• Motivating and Guiding School-Age Children and Adolescents
• Home, School, and Community
• Making Connections: Effective Learning Environments for School-Age Children and Adolescents
• Trends and Issues in School-Age Children
• Trends and Issues in Adolescence
• Making Connections: The Role of the Professional

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities:

Students of Walden University's B.S. in Child Development program with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Studies have the opportunity to prepare for careers in community education, recreation, or family services.

Positions that graduates may seek include:

• Education Administrator
• Community and Social Service Specialist
• Teacher Assistant
• Childcare Worker
• Social and Human Services Assistant

Career opportunities may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Advanced Degrees

Graduates of Walden University's B.S. in Child Development program with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Studies may choose to continue their education. Earning a master's degree in child development, counseling, or education may prepare you for licensure or more advanced career opportunities. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:

• Master of Arts in Adolescent Counseling
• Master of Science in Child Development
• Master of Social Work
• Master of Arts in Child Psychology
• Master of Arts in Education