Bachelor of Arts - Child Development

Child Development majors develop a deep understanding of child behavior and growth through the study of developmental psychology. Whittier prepares students for graduate-level academic work, child advocacy, and/or entry-level careers serving children and families in a variety of fields.

The Department offers a variety of classes on child development by specific age ranges (infancy through early childhood, middle childhood), as well as on specific topics (language development and developmental psychopathology). Most classes are designed to connect research and theory on child growth and development to their practical applications.

The majors also engage in valuable experiences outside of class, from helping faculty carry out research projects that study child behavior to working at The Broadoaks Children’s School, the laboratory school on campus, to serving as Jumpstart mentors in local preschools to advocating for children’s rights as a member of OMEP, students work alongside faculty and members of the Whittier community while gaining experiences to build their resumes for graduate school and future careers.

Child Development graduates become teachers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, social workers, child care providers, or enter other careers working with children.