Description & Objectives
The Master of Arts Program in Child Development (MACD) is a 2-year, 38-40 unit evening program that strives to foster an understanding of the major theories and empirical research in child development from infancy through adolescence. This includes an understanding of the core psychological domains of cognition, language, physiology, emotions, personality and social behavior, along with an understanding of developmental methods. An emphasis will be placed on understanding development in the contexts in which children live their lives including family, school, and peer groups.
Attend an Information Session virtually via Zoom!
We strongly encourage you to attend one of our MACD Info Sessions. In each information session, you will learn about the program, opportunities, application process, and potential careers in Child Development and have an opportunity to ask questions.
Next Information sessions:
- Tuesday 9/26 4pm-5pm
- Tuesday 10/10 6-7pm
- Monday 11/6 4-5pm
Link to Join: https://csusb.zoom.us/j/86171346438
Why choose our M.A in Child Development?
- The Child Development Program provides research and professional opportunities with a diverse population.
- This degree leads to a Program Director Child Development Permit, which is the highest early education teaching permit offered by the State of California, This affords Permit holders the ability to direct multiple child care sites.
- Externships in the community are available with our many community partners.
- Applied experiences are abundant: teaching undergraduate courses, research assistants on grant funded projects, and local child and family agencies.
- Opportunities for involvement with projects affiliated with the CSUSB Institute for Child Development and Family Relations.
- Faculty encourage involvement in their research which often leads to conference presentations and publications.
- We have 2 NAEYC accredited centers on campus: the Infant-Toddler Laboratory, which serves children aged 0-2 and The Children’s Center, which serves children aged 3-5. Employment opportunities for students are available.
Requirements
View the current Catalog.
To apply to the MA Child Development program, please visit our Graduate Admissions webpage for deadlines and step-by-step instructions.
For more information contact the director of the Child Development program, Dr. Amy Van Schagen via telephone at (909) 537-3841; via e-mail at amy.vanschagen@csusb.edu or in person in her office (SB-503) by appointment.
What can I do with this degree?
This program will provide students with an in-depth background in child growth and development. As such there is a growing need for highly educated adults to work with children and their families.
We have a strong track record of preparing students who plan to pursue doctoral-level studies in related fields.
Jobs MACD graduates are qualified for:
- Child and Family Advocate for non-profits
- Community College Professor
- Parent Educator
- Adjunct instructor at 4-year institutions
- Child Development Coordinator
- Director of Early childhood programs (single and multiple sites)
- Early Interventionist/Child Development Specialist
- Early Childhood Educator
Graduates from our program have been employed with:
- Research Institutions
- Child and Family non-profits
- San Bernardino County Schools
- City and State positions
- Community College Professor
To apply to the MA Child Development program, please visit our Graduate Admissions webpage for deadlines and step-by-step instructions.
Award Winning Faculty
- Outstanding Professor, Outstanding Student Awards, Golden Apple Teaching Award.
- Provide diverse and innovative courses that promote a deep understanding of child development.
- Engaged in meaningful research and service in areas including cognitive interventions, enhancing school engagement, teacher development and preparation, parenting, family, working memory development, and diverse contexts.
- Many of our Child Development faculty are involved with the Institute for Child Development and Family Relations which does community-based research and outreach.
- Faculty stay relevant by presenting at local, national and international conferences and publishing in distinguished academic journals.
Our MACD graduates are highly sought after, following graduation!