A major in Child and Adolescent Development offers lower division coursework examining classical and contemporary research that promotes positive developmental outcomes spanning conception through emerging adulthood. This option of study is intended for students who aspire to careers in developmental research, public policy, social work, school psychology, and similar fields.

The Associate in Arts in Child and Adolescent Development for Transfer degree (AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development) is intended for students who plan to transfer and complete a bachelor's degree in: Child Development; Child Development (Pre-credential) Child and Adolescent Development; Child, Adolescent and Family Studies; Family and Consumer Sciences (Child Development and Family Studies); Human Development (Adolescent Option, Childhood Option, Children's Services); Liberal Studies (Child Development) or a major deemed similar at a CSU campus. Each CSU campus determines which of the degrees it offers are “similar” and can be completed with the preparation included in the AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development within 60 units once a student transfers, so which majors are “similar” varies from CSU to CSU. For a current list of what majors (and what options or areas of emphasis within that major) have been designed as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to the CSU'S Associate Degree for Transfer Major and Campus Search webpage and seek guidance from a Moorpark College counselor. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major of choice.

To earn an AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development, students must:

1. Complete a minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

a.   The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements.

b.  The required coursework for the AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development as listed in the Moorpark College catalog.

2.  Complete all courses in the major and the Cal-GETC with a grade of “C” or better or “Pass/Credit” if the course is taken on a "pass-no-pass" basis. Even though a “Pass/Credit" grade is allowed, it is highly recommended that students complete their major courses with a letter grade (A, B, or C). Note: the UC system allows a maximum of 14 semester (21 quarter) units of courses graded "Pass/Credit" toward the 60 transferable semester units required for transfer admission.

3.  Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for admission, some transfer institutions and majors may require a higher GPA.  Please consult with a counselor for more information.

4.  Complete a minimum of 12 semester units within the Ventura County Community College District. 

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree (unless the major is a designated “high-unit” major at a particular campus). This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system.  Students should consult with a counselor to obtain more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• demonstrate an understanding of the perspectives, theories, research methods, and core concepts of child development from conception through adolescence as an area of scientific inquiry.
• develop an environment that honors the diversity of the learning community through empowerment, equity, respect, and dignity.