Human services education programs prepare students for careers in advocacy, case management, community service, and trauma and crisis intervention. If this potential career appeals to you, Walden University offers an undergraduate Human Services program with several concentration options, including the Child and Adolescent Development concentration. Read further for more details.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Kind of Program Is It?

    While examining the behavior and biology of children and adolescents, the B.S. in Human Services program with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development focuses on key topics, such as child and adolescent depression, eating disorders, bullying, suicide, and substance abuse, and their effects on young people. This education serves to train students to become advocates for communities, families, and individuals. The program explores ways in which professionals can help prevent such negative issues from occurring. As a student, you will be able to participate in classroom activities where you can gain the necessary tools to assess and defuse crisis situations, and you'll have opportunities to apply what you've learned.

    What Are the Prerequisites?

    If you would like to help people who are struggling with life's challenges while examining current issues specifically related to children and adolescents, the B.S. in Human Services program with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development at Walden University might be a good choice for you. Applicants to Walden University's programs must be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent; or be an active member of the military or a veteran; or have already earned at least 90 quarter hours of credit. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

    What Are the Program Requirements?

    The program requires 181 credit hours. You will need to complete 45 general education credits and 45 elective credits in addition to amassing core, foundation, and concentration course credits. Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change. Contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program.

    Foundation Course

    • Dynamics of Walden Success: Learning Lab (1 credit)

    Core Courses Requirements

    • Introduction to Human Services
    • Child, Family, and Community Relationships
    • Sustaining Quality of Life in the City
    • Crisis and Intervention
    • Intergroup Conflict and Peace Building
    • Planning and Budgeting
    • Case Management for Persons in Need
    • Engaged Interviewing for the Human Services
    • Effective Human Services Interviewing
    • Measuring Effectiveness of Human Services Delivery

    Concentration Course Requirements

    Students may choose six of any of the courses below:

    • Human Development: Childhood and Adolescence
    • Social Influences on Behavior
    • Learning
    • Infant/Toddler Mental Health
    • Family Cultures of Infants and Toddlers
    • School-Age and Adolescent Development
    • Motivating and Guiding School-Age Children and Adolescents
    • Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Infant Settings
    • Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Toddler Settings
    • School-Age Children and Adolescence in a Multicultural Society
    • Trends and Issues in School-Age Children
    • Trends and Issues in Adolescence
    • Capstone

    What Could I Do After I Graduate?

    Career Opportunities

    Training such as that offered through Walden University's B.S. in Human Services program with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development is designed to prepare you to pursue careers in rehabilitation centers, group homes, and community agencies. You might consider applying for positions such as:

    • Child advocate
    • Mental health aide
    • Community support worker
    • Parole officer
    • Community activist

    Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

    Advanced Degrees

    To go further in the field, you may want to consider pursuing a master's degree. Earning a master's degree may prepare you for opportunities in your field or in your current career. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:

    • M.S. in Human Services
    • M.S. in Early Childhood Studies
    • M.S. in Counseling

    Find information on costs, occupation types, completion rates, and median loan debt for this program at http://waldendisclosures.com.

    Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.