Child Development M.A.

Rita Asher, Ph.D., Graduate Program Co-Director
Victoria Cortez, Ph.D., Graduate Program Co-Director

The Master of Arts in Child Development is a 34-unit program that integrates developmental theory and research with practice. Students begin with a foundation of theory and research courses in preparation for topical graduate seminars in social-emotional, cognitive-language and physical-motor development. Thematic topics of the advanced graduate seminars change each term, a unique feature to this program that enables faculty and students to explore new research and technologies. The program includes integration of content knowledge into applied areas, such as: literacy, intervention, curriculum, and social cognition, as well as field experience. Finally, students complete a thesis, project or comprehensive exam. These culminating experiences provide opportunities to give back to the community and discipline. This program is designed for students who are professionals in the community as administrators, educators, child and family service workers, as well as those individuals committed to pursuing doctoral study.

Specific questions about the graduate program in child development should be directed to the Graduate Program Director.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will:

1. Demonstrate child development knowledge to include theoretical perspectives, developmental domains, lifespan and contextual influences;
2. Demonstrate research processes to include ethics, methods, designs, critical analysis, and APA presentation;
3. Demonstrate professional practice to include legal and organizational infrastructure, developmentally appropriate practices and intervention strategies, and anti-bias strategies; and,
4. Demonstrate integration of theory, research and application in culminating experience.

Admission Requirements

Acceptance into the program for the Master of Arts in Child Development is determined by the Child Development faculty of the Department of Psychology and Child Development. Applicants are asked to sign an agreement to abide by one or more of the professional standards of conduct published by their respective professional organizations, to include: (American Psychological Association, APA; National Association for the Education of Young Children, NAEYC; the National Council for Family Relations; NCFR, and the Society for Research in Child Development, SRCD).

1. A fully completed California State University, Stanislaus Graduate Application for Admission form, submitted online at www.CalState.edu/Apply;
2. Baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 units completed;
3. Minimum of 18 upper-division units in child development or related coursework. Suggested content includes: statistics, upper-division child development theory, developmental research methods, and prevention and reporting of child abuse. Child development laboratory courses or professional work experience is desirable;
4. GPA of 3.0 in all upper-division child development coursework;
5. Writing section of the GRE with a score of 3.5 or higher; and,
6. Submission of a program application to include a written statement of personal philosophy, transcripts, resume, professional work samples, three recommendation letters, California Department of Social Services mandated reporting training certificate and signed agreement to abide by professional standards of conduct.

Minimum Requirements of Continuation

1. GPA of 3.0 or better in all courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the degree program;
2. No grade lower than a B in a course taken to satisfy the requirements of the degree program; and,
3. Other requirements may be stated in University and Departmental Guidelines for Academic Probation and Termination. The student is responsible for obtaining copies of these regulations and complying with the criteria listed.