Child/Adolescent Development

Through the child/adolescent development minor at USD, you'll gain in-depth knowledge of the developmental process in childhood and adolescence, then examine that development within the lifespan. The curriculum is based on Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, which looks at a child’s development as a function of interactions with their environments (immediate, social, cultural and global). You'll have the opportunity to explore your own development and the development of others through engaging coursework taught by expert faculty. You'll also choose elective coursework that relates to your interests and career goals, giving you the chance to explore additional contextual factors that affect child and adolescent development. The knowledge you gain in this program will serve you well in a variety of careers, including those in education, human service organizations, pediatric nursing, juvenile justice, speech language pathology, social work and more.

Expand your understanding of the developmental process in childhood and adolescence at USD.