Disclaimer: Due to substantial changes in credential legislation and degree programs in the State of California, please check with an official Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies (CAFS) advisor for current information.
Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies (CAFS) at California State University, Bakersfield provides breadth and depth in the scientific study of child, adolescent, and adult developmental domains. The program focuses on the biological, cognitive, psychological, and sociological foundations of learning from early childhood development, through adolescent growth, and adult behavior. The program design is based on contemporary learning theories, application of ethics and values, research methods and diverse family systems/approaches, with practical applications in disciplines that require direct interaction with children and families.
Mission Statement
The Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies (CAFS) program offers learners specialized knowledge that enhances their skills and abilities to work and advocate in partnerships that foster healthy children, supportive family networks, and interactive community relationships. A social constructivist approach to learning is reinforced in the academic activities that result in superior educational preparation for teachers, parents, and community professionals. The mission of the program is to develop well prepared, highly skilled individuals who can envision, interact, and respond to the needs of diverse populations within the local, regional, national, and global community.
The Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies (CAFS) requires a minimum of 120 units which consists of courses for the CAFS major as well as other university-wide general education graduation requirements. Students pursuing a CAFS major must complete the pre-requisite classes
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Units |
| CAFS 1100 | Introduction to Child, Adolescent & Family Studies | 3 |
| CAFS 2000 | Fundamentals in Developmental Theory | 3 |
| MATH 1209 | Statistics in the Modern World | 3 |
| or PSYC 2018 | Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychological Research |
| or SOC 2208 | Introduction to Statistics in the Social Sciences |
which is part of the General Education Requirements. The CAFS major course requirements consist of 51 units. Students will need to complete 16-19 additional units (courses may be Minor courses or graduate school prerequisites) to earn the required credit units needed for graduation. All CAFS majors must hold a current certificate in First Aid and Adult, Child, and Infant CPR upon graduation. Students are expected to maintain a grade of “C-” or higher in all CAFS courses to count towards graduation.
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Units |
| 2 |
| 9 |
| 9 |
| 6 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 6 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 6 |
| 0 |
| CAFS 1100 | Introduction to Child, Adolescent & Family Studies | 3 |
| CAFS 2000 | Fundamentals in Developmental Theory | 3 |
| MATH 1209 | Statistics in the Modern World | 3 |
| or PSYC 2018 | Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychological Research |
| or SOC 2208 | Introduction to Statistics in the Social Sciences |
| CAFS 2080 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| CAFS 2500 | Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| CAFS 3110 | Infant and Toddler Development | 3 |
| CAFS 3140 | School Aged and Adolescent | 3 |
| CAFS 3500 | Child Guidance, Supervision and Support | 3 |
| CAFS 4000 | Introduction to Research Methods | 3 |
| CAFS 4100 | Research, Assessment and Evaluation of Children and Families | 3 |
| CAFS 4908 | Senior Seminar and Capstone | 3 |
| CAFS 3800 | Multiple Perspectives on the Importance of Play | 3 |
| or CAFS 3550 | Adulthood and Aging |
| CAFS 3650 | Risk and Resilience in Children | 3 |
| or CAFS 3560 | Aging and the Family |
| 1 | 6 |
| Practicum in Early Childhood Education | |
| Teaching in a Diverse Society | |
| Observation of Children | |
| Curriculum, Procedures, and Laboratory Experience for the Child | |
| Curriculum, Procedures, and Laboratory Experience in the Elementary School | |
| Introduction to Administration of Child and Family Programs | |
| Philosophy for Children | |
| Multicultural Children's Literature | |
| 2 | 6 |
| Individual and Family Development in Diverse Cultures | |
| Parenting and Family Relations | |
| P4C: Practicum | |
| Advanced Practicum | |
| Advanced Techniques for Working in Child and Family Programs | |
| School, Community, and Family Collaborations | |
| Advanced Practicum for Adult Education and Supervision | |
| Total Units | 120 |
Note: The following 3 courses are needed to meet the core requirements for CCTC Child Development Associate Teacher Permit.
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Units |
| CAFS 2000 | Fundamentals in Developmental Theory | 3 |
| CAFS 2080 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| CAFS 2200 | Curriculum, Procedures, and Laboratory Experience for the Child | 3 |
| Total Units | 9 |
Note: The following 3 courses are needed to meet the core requirements for CCTC Child Development Master Teacher Permit.
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Units |
| CAFS 2500 | Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| CAFS 3110 | Infant and Toddler Development | 3 |
| CAFS 3500 | Child Guidance, Supervision and Support | 3 |
| Total Units | 9 |
