The Associate in Arts in Child and Adolescent Development for Transfer provides broad preparation for students interested in studying the theories and concepts about bio-physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive developmental milestones from conception through adolescence; individual and cultural differences; and common variations in development. In this broad, interdisciplinary curriculum, students will develop critical thinking, writing, and oral presentation skills in preparation to be professionals working with children and families.

Students completing this degree will possess a working knowledge of human development from childhood through adolescence and will understand the importance of the family and cultural connection to the developing child.  After completing a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development, Child Development, or related major, students will have a foundation for a wide range of careers in developmentally related public organizations, teaching institutions, service agencies, and mental and physical health facilities, child advocacy, and youth programs, and will be prepared for advanced degrees and professional programs in the fields of clinical social work, clinical psychology, school psychology, school counseling, K-12 teaching, college teaching, public policy, and developmental research.

The Associate in Arts in Art Child and Adolescent Development for Transfer (AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development) is intended for students who plan to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development, Child Development, Child, Adolescent & Family Studies, Human Development or other “similar” majors 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 designated as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to CSU’s Associate Degree for Transfer Major and Campus Search webpage and seek guidance from an Oxnard College counselor. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.

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

1. Complete a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units including both of the following:
   1. Certified completion of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education – Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) requirements.
   2. A minimum of 18 semester units in the Child and Adolescent Development major as listed in the Oxnard College catalog.
2. Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information.
3. Obtain a grade of “C” or better or “P” in all courses required in the major. Even though a "pass-no-pass" is allowed (Title 5 § 55063), it is highly recommended that students complete their major courses with a letter grade.
4. Complete residency requirements. For students in the Ventura County Community College District, a minimum of 12 semester units must be completed in residence within the district.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept 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 designated as a 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 when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

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

• Compare and contrast typical and atypical development of children and adolescents.
• Locate, interpret, and critically evaluate scholarly articles in developmental psychology.
• Apply theoretical knowledge and methodological skills to observation, assessment, and interaction with children, adolescents, and the adults in their environment.
• Describe the scientific approach to developmental psychology.
• Apply basic research methods in developmental psychology, including research design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and interpretation.
• Clearly and effectively express ideas using oral communication skills with attention to audience and topic.
• Demonstrate effective written communication skills using APA format when appropriate.
• Evaluate the role that context (i.e., family, peers, schools, communities, cultures) plays in development.
• Describe and defend the guidelines for the ethical treatment of children and adolescents as articulated by the American Psychological Association, the Society for Research in Child Development, and the Society for Research on Adolescence.