B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Child Development
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Child Development at Whittier College delves into the complexities of human development from infancy through adolescence, with a strong focus on psychological, social, cognitive, and biological aspects. The program emphasizes connecting research and theory to practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to serve children and families in diverse settings. It also offers a pathway to a Child Development Permit, enabling graduates to work in childcare centers and after-school programs across California, and coursework that can contribute to an Elementary Teaching Credential, including a "Pathway Integrating Child Development and Education Specialist (PICES)" program that allows students to earn their bachelor's and K-12 Special Education teaching credential simultaneously.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a solid foundation in developmental psychology and related fields. Core courses typically include Introduction to Child Development, Research Methods in Child Development, and a Senior Seminar in Child Development. Students also explore specific age ranges through courses like Infancy Through Early Childhood and Middle Childhood, and delve into topical electives such as Language Development and Developmental Psychopathology. A crucial aspect of the curriculum involves a Child Development Practicum, offering supervised fieldwork experiences, particularly beneficial for those seeking the Child Development Permit or a teaching credential. The program also requires a course in statistics, underscoring its commitment to data-driven understanding of child development.
Research Focus: Whittier College's Child Development program strongly emphasizes hands-on research and discovery. Students are actively encouraged to assist faculty in carrying out research projects that investigate various aspects of child behavior and growth. This direct involvement allows students to gain valuable experience in data gathering, interpretation, and analysis, often leading to opportunities for co-authoring academic articles or making scholarly presentations at conferences like the annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference. Examples include student research on how culture affects play in minority children, providing real-world experience for aspiring researchers. The department's commitment to scholarly inquiry enriches the learning experience and prepares students for graduate-level research.
Industry Engagement: The program at Whittier College offers significant avenues for industry engagement, providing students with practical, real-world experience. A cornerstone of this engagement is The Broadoaks Children's School, Whittier College's on-campus laboratory school, where students gain invaluable hands-on experience working directly with children in a supervised setting. This includes classroom observation, participation in instructional planning, and teaching lessons. Furthermore, the program encourages internships and fieldwork in local schools, community programs, and other organizations serving children and families. The Weingart Center for Career and Professional Development supports students in finding these crucial experiential learning opportunities, connecting their academic knowledge with professional practice in the field.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is integrated into the Child Development program by fostering an understanding of diverse cultural influences on child-rearing practices, development, and educational approaches. While not explicitly stated as a separate concentration, the broader liberal arts framework at Whittier College encourages students to consider global contexts. Opportunities such as the Global Poet Scholarship and study abroad programs allow students to engage with different educational systems and child development practices worldwide. For instance, students have participated in programs like the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET), gaining experience teaching abroad and fostering intercultural understanding, which broadens their perspectives on child development in a globalized world.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Child Development from Whittier College provides graduates with a deep, interdisciplinary understanding of how children grow, learn, and interact with their world.
Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher: Many graduates pursue careers directly in early childhood education. They design and implement developmentally appropriate curricula, foster social-emotional growth, and prepare young children for future academic success. Whittier's program, with its on-campus Broadoaks Children's School and pathway for the Child Development Permit, provides excellent preparation for these roles.
Special Education Teacher: The PICES (Pathway Integrating Child Development and Education Specialist) program at Whittier directly prepares students to become K-12 Special Education teachers. These professionals work with children with diverse learning needs, developing individualized education plans and providing specialized instruction.
Child Life Specialist: In hospital or medical settings, Child Life Specialists help children and their families cope with illness, injury, and medical procedures. Their understanding of child development helps them provide emotional support, therapeutic play, and educational interventions to reduce stress and promote positive coping.
Social Worker: Child Development graduates are well-suited for social work roles, particularly those focused on child welfare, family support, or community services. They advocate for children's rights, connect families with resources, and address challenges such as neglect, abuse, or poverty.
Behavioral Specialist: These professionals work with children who have behavioral challenges, developing and implementing strategies to improve social skills, emotional regulation, and communication. They often collaborate with families and other professionals to create supportive environments.
Childcare Center Director/Administrator: With a comprehensive understanding of child development and often practical experience from the program's practicum requirements, graduates can move into leadership roles overseeing the operations, curriculum, and staff of childcare centers.
Parent Educator/Family Support Specialist: Graduates can work directly with parents and caregivers, providing guidance, resources, and support on child-rearing practices, developmental milestones, and fostering healthy family dynamics.
Youth Program Coordinator: Child Development knowledge is highly valuable for designing and managing programs for children and adolescents in community centers, non-profit organizations, or recreational settings. They create enriching and safe environments for youth development.
Research Assistant (Child Development/Psychology): For those interested in further academic pursuits or research, a B.A. in Child Development provides a strong foundation. Graduates can work as research assistants in university settings or research institutions, contributing to studies on child behavior, cognition, and social development.
Speech-Language Pathologist (with further education): While a master's degree is required for this profession, a B.A. in Child Development provides excellent foundational knowledge for those aspiring to become Speech-Language Pathologists. Their understanding of language acquisition and developmental milestones is crucial for diagnosing and treating communication disorders in children.
