Child Development

Master of Science (M.S.)

Contacts

Application Questions
[email protected]

The focus of the program is on social and emotional development and on child development in context (e.g., early childhood education programs, schools, families, communities). This program can help students move on to Ph.D. programs in related areas, and to further their professional expertise and credentials in areas related to children and families.

The Master of Science degree in child development is one of only 2 child development programs available in the CSU. With 101 community college child development programs, following the mandate of the Ryan Act, in California and 17 undergraduate programs within the CSU system, the M.S. program in child development plays a major role in training professionals for the State and region. The Department of Child and Family Development plays a leadership role in integration of curricula for community colleges and the CSU.

Areas of Emphasis

early childhood development
prevention
intervention
family processes
risk and resilience
development across the lifespan
parent-child intergenerational relationships
enhancing school readiness and preparing teachers to work with families
socio-emotional and behavior support in educational settings and homes
influences of language and culture
atypical development

Program Features

2-year academic program of 30-32 graduate credits (Spring and Fall semesters)
Program of study meets the educational requirements for administrator, coordinator, or service provider positions in
a variety of agencies, including:
- Preschools, day care centers, and schools
- Hospitals and hospice centers
- Public welfare and family service agencies
- Family planning clinics
- Community programs
Designed for working professionals as well as full-time students
Furthers professional expertise and credentials in areas related to children and families

Capstone Options

The M.S. in Child Development program at SDSU allows you to choose the capstone option that is best for your interests and professional goals. Download a list of our graduated master's students (PDF), including their thesis/project titles.

Thesis

Conduct research on a topic related to children and/or families with the guidance of experts in the field (our tenure track faculty) and a report on this work for your thesis
This is a great capstone for students interested in building academic expertise and applying for a Ph.D. program upon completion of this degree
Publish this research and/or present it at professional conferences

Project

Design and implement a program for children, families, or the professionals who serve them (e.g., early childhood educators, teachers, service providers). This work would also be mentored by a CFD faculty expert.
This is a great capstone for applied professionals who would like to develop programs in the field.
Students who conduct a quality evaluation of their project can also publish their results, and this can help students move on to Ph.D. programs.

Comprehensive Exam

Complete a comprehensive exam on material from courses you have taken in the M.S. in our Child Development program.
This is a great option for students with an applied focus on helping infants and young children.
Note that you must take a specific set of electives to choose this option.

Sample Courses

CFD 624: family processes with applications for prevention and intervention
CFD 650: professional development and professionalism in the child and family development field
CFD670A: human development theories, attachment regulation in young children
CFD 670B: human development theories, intervention and prevention lifespan approach
CFD 790: research methods and program development

Note: Students who have completed the EC-TEaMH Certificate will have earned 12 units towards the Master of Science degree that can count as the electives needed for plan A or the part of the additional required courses for Plan B.

For full list of course requirements or more information about graduate studies in the Department of Child and Family Development, review the University Catalog.

Admissions

The Child Development M.S. program accepts applications for Fall admission only.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree (Child Development or related fields preferred)
Grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester units attempted
English language reading and writing proficiency

For application due dates, instructions, and a full list of required program-specific documents visit:

How to Apply

Degree Learning Outcomes and Curriculum Map

#	Learning Objective	Courses
1.	Students will be able to describe human development across the lifespan by drawing on developmental theory, historical influences, and societal and cultural influences.	CFD 650, CFD 670A, CFD 670B, CFD 790, CFD 799, CFD 798 & Comps
2.	Students will be able to evaluate and critique family and human development theories and research.	CFD 624, CFD 650, CFD 670A, CFD 670B, ED 690, CFD 790, CFD 799, CFD 798 & Comps
3.	Students will be able to apply social justice and equity frameworks to the understanding of child and family development and application of theory and research to education, promotion, prevention, intervention, and research project development.	CFD 624, CFD 650, CFD 670A, CFD 670B, ED 690, CFD 790, CFD 799, CFD 798 & Comps
4.	Students will be able to apply knowledge and experience regarding child and family development to refining and articulating their professional identity (including leadership, professional standards, ethical practices, and advocacy).	CFD 624, CFD 650, CFD 790, CFD 799, CFD 798 & Comps
5.	Students will be able to create or apply knowledge integrated across theory, research, and research-based practice to the development and application of research studies, intervention, and advocacy.	CFD 624, CFD 650, CFD 670B, ED 690, CFD 790, CFD 799, CFD 798 & Comps

SDSU Resources for Future Students