Child & Adolescent Development (BA)

If you’re intrigued by the complexities of growth and learning in the early years, the Child & Adolescent Development (BA) program at Southern New Hampshire University offers a rich exploration into these formative stages. This program arms you with a comprehensive understanding of developmental milestones, psychological theories, and educational strategies. You’ll delve into the intricacies of how children and adolescents think, feel, and behave, providing a foundation to support their development effectively.

As a student in this program, you will gain practical insights you can apply across various settings such as schools, community organizations, and child welfare services. With courses covering cognitive and social development, plus electives allowing special interest pursuits, this program prepares you for diverse career paths. By engaging with real-world scenarios and challenges, this program encourages and empowers you to make a positive impact in the lives of young people and families, setting you up for professional success in child-focused careers.

Pursuing the Child & Adolescent Development (BA) program at Southern New Hampshire University opens doors to diverse career opportunities. You can work as a child life specialist, youth counselor, or family support worker, providing vital support and guidance to young individuals. This program also sets you up perfectly for advanced studies in child psychology, education, or social work, equipping you to make a meaningful impact in children's lives. With your skills and knowledge, you'll be well-positioned to contribute positively to educational institutions or community organizations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for childcare workers, a common entry-level role for those with a bachelor's in child and adolescent development, was $32,060 in May 2024.

For related social work roles that graduates might pursue, the median annual wage was $58,380 as of May 2024.

Additionally, behavioral analyst assistants, which may be relevant for graduates working with children and adolescents, earned an average of approximately $56,690 per year as of May 2024.

Source - https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm

Source - https://www.bls.gov/ooh/social-service/social-workers.htm

The Bachelor of Arts in Child & Adolescent Development at Southern New Hampshire University typically takes four years for full-time students to complete. This timeframe can vary for part-time students or those with transfer credits, which may shorten the duration.

To pursue the Southern New Hampshire University, Child & Adolescent Development (BA) degree program, you must meet the following requirements:

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Official transcripts from prior educational institutions
• Basic skills in critical thinking and writing
• SAT/ACT scores (optional at some institutions)