Child and Adolescent Development AA-T Degree

College of the Desert offers a Child and Adolescent Development Associate in Arts for Transfer degree, also called Child and Adolescent Development AA-T. Students completing this interdisciplinary degree are prepared to understand the processes of change and growth that characterize human development from conception to age 18. Course offerings are drawn from psychology, sociology, human development, anthropology, and biology, with electives from other departments. Students completing an associate’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development are qualified to work in school districts as classroom paraprofessionals and for social services programs as entry-level social workers. Students completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in this major typically choose careers in education, social services, counseling, and guidance, or in the field of health. 

The Child and Adolescent Development AA-T is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. This degree requires students to complete 60 CSU transferable units including completion of CSU GE or IGETC and 21-23 units in the major with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. Title 5 requires that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. There are no additional graduation requirements. Student should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon satisfactory completion of this program students will be able to:

  1. Identify and analyze key concepts and theories about human and/or societal development.
  2. Critique generalizations and popular opinion about human behavior and society, distinguishing opinion and values from scientific observations and study.
  3. Understand and think critically about different cultures (including topics such as race, gender and class) and their influence on human development or society.
  4. Examine the biological, psychological, and sociological factors that influence the personalities and behaviors of females and males from a multicultural perspective.
  5. Develop individual responsibility, personal integrity, and respect for diverse people and culture.

Program Requirements 

Course Code Title Units
Required Core Courses
CDE 101Child Growth & Development3
CDE 227Child Guidance3
BI 004Elements of Biology4
or BI 007 Biology of Mammals
PSY 001General Psychology3
PSY 003Developmental Psychology3
MATH 014Statistical Methods4
or SOC 003 Fundamentals of Statistics
LIST A
Select one course from the following (3 units):
ANTH 002Cultural Anthropology3
CDE 102Child, Family, & Community3
SOC 001Introductory Sociology3
SOC 014Introduction to Race & Ethnicity3
Required Subtotal21-23
Select one of the following: 137-39
Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 transferable units) 2
DEGREE TOTAL60
1

 Units for the major may be double counted for CSU GE or IGETC, confer with Counselor.

2

 Elective units to reach 60-unit total must be CSU transferable, confer with Counselor.

Please refer to Associate Degree for Transfer (SB 1440).