Program: Child Development, B.S. - San Diego State University

May 24, 2025

2025-2026 University Catalog

(Major Code: 08231) (Academic Plan Code: 330909BSS) (Academic Plan Code: 330912BSE - SDSU Global Campus)

Child Development, B.S. (2025-2026) - Roadmap

All candidates for a Bachelor of Science degree must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on “Graduation Requirements .”

A minor is not required with this major.

Preparation for the Major

(27-28 units)

These prerequisites may not be taken Cr/NC. The minimum grade in each class is a C (2.0) or better.

CFD 135 - Principles of Family Development Units: 3
CFD 270 - Human Development Across the Lifespan Units: 3
CFD 270L - Principles of Observation: Child Development Laboratory Units: 1-3 (one unit)
CFD 272 - Child, Family, and Community Engagement Units: 3
CFD 275 - Learning Environments and Developmentally Appropriate Practices Units: 3
CFD 278 - Nutrition, Health, and Safety for Children Units: 2
BIOL 100 - General Biology Units: 3
PSY 101 - Introductory Psychology Units: 3
SOC 101 - Introductory Sociology: The Study of Society Units: 3
Choose One:
PSY 280 - Statistical Methods in Psychology Units: 4
or
SOC 201 - Elementary Social Statistics Units: 3
or
STAT 119 - Elementary Statistics for Business Units: 3
or
STAT 250 - Statistical Principles and Practices Units: 3
or
A three unit elementary statistics course

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

Completing one of the approved upper division writing courses (W) with a grade of C (2.0) or better. See “Graduation Requirements ” section for a complete listing of requirements.

Major

A minimum of 50 upper division units to include:

And Two Units from

CFD 378A - Laboratory Experiences: Infants/Toddlers Units: 1-3 (one unit)
CFD 378B - Laboratory Experiences: Preschool/Kindergarten Units: 1-3 (one unit)
CFD 378C - Laboratory Experiences: Elementary Through Secondary Schools Units: 1-3 (one unit)
CFD 378D - Laboratory Experiences with Children and Families Units: 1-3 (one unit)

Electives

12 units of additional CFD courses ranging from CFD 300 to 599. Students may take 300 to 599 level courses from other departments with advisor permission. Elective units include but are not limited to the following:

CFD 377 - Leadership in Child and Family Development Programs Units: 3
CFD 380 - Early Language and Literacy Development in a Linguistically Diverse Society Units: 3
CFD 390 - The Hospitalized Child Units: 3
CFD 404 - Kumeyaay Shamull Project: Child and Family Development Units: 3
CFD 437 - Violence in Relationships Units: 3
CFD 450 - Children and Nature Units: 3
CFD 477 - Administration of Child Development Programs Units: 3
CFD 497 - Field Experience in Child and Family Development Programs Units: 3
CFD 536 - Divorce and Remarriage Units: 3
CFD 565 - Best Practices of Care for Infants/Toddlers Units: 3
CFD 577 - Professionalism and Advanced Administration of Child Development Programs Units: 3
CFD 580 - Observation and Assessment of Young Children’s Environments and Relationships Units: 3
CFD 585 - Family Involvement and Engagement with Young Children: Work with Families at Risk Units: 3
CFD 595 - Early Childhood Mental Health: Theory and Practice Units: 3
CFD 596 - Advanced Studies in Child and Family Development Units: 1-6
ED 451 - Introduction to Multicultural Education Units: 3
CFD 499 - Special Study Units: 1-3
Selected Study research experiences are determined by the department. Contact the undergraduate adviser for directions to register for CFD 499 and go through an application process to be matched with a faculty member overseeing various research opportunity.
ED 450 - Study Abroad Units: 1-3
Study abroad course sections selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor

Capstone: Reflective Learning Portfolio

This is a required capstone course. Students are required to prepare a portfolio to reflect, integrate, and synthesize their cumulative learning experience acquired in child and family development courses, study abroad programs, involvement in research projects with faculty, and/or internships. The reflective portfolio will be a capstone culminating experience to provide the opportunity to integrate knowledge and understanding of the child and family development curriculum with their academic and personal growth.

CFD 598 - Reflective Learning Portfolio Units: 1