The Child and Youth Development option focuses on creating an understanding of how children and youth change and grow so you can best meet their needs and promote healthy development. Students will gain proficiency in youth development and related influences as well as program development, delivery, and evaluation. Graduates with this major pursue careers in youth-serving organizations.
Career Possibilities (some require further education):
- Afterschool programming
- Juvenile justice
- Parks and Recreation programming
- Behavioral health or mental health promotion
- Child advocacy
- Health and human services
Examples of Required/Preferred Classes for First-Year Students
For a full list of required courses and course descriptions, visit the WSU Course Catalog.
- H_D 101 [SSCI]: Human Development Across the Lifespan
- H_D 200: Introduction to the Field of Human Development
- H_D 205 [COMM]: Developing Effective Communication and Life Skills
- UCORE or Honors College courses
Math Requirement
Any math course that satisfies the UCORE quantitative reasoning [QUAN] or Honors College math requirement will suffice for this major.
Transfer Pathways
Some of our top students attend local community colleges prior to transferring to WSU. Below is a list of suggested WSU courses to take locally and transfer into WSU. You can find your institution’s equivalent courses with our Transfer Course Search Tool or submit a course for evaluation with our Course Evaluation Request Form.
- H_D 101: Human Development Across the Lifespan
- ENGLISH 101 [WRTG]: Introductory Writing
- WSU UCORE [ARTS] course
- WSU UCORE [HUM] course
- WSU UCORE [BSCI] course
- WSU UCORE [PSCI] course
- WSU UCORE [QUAN] course
Child & Youth Development Advising Sheet (PDF)
Child & Youth Development 4-Year Plan (PDF)
Information for New Students
This is a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development with a Child and Youth Development option. An approved internship in a child/youth development related field is required for this major. Students will receive approval for their internship during the H_D 497: Professional Preparation Seminar.