The Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies Program (CAFS) at California State University, Bakersfield offers a major leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The CAFS major focuses on the biological, cognitive, psychological, and sociological foundations of child behavior and development. Individuals majoring in the CAFS program are interested in working first hand with children and their families.

To complete the major in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies, students must complete the Pre-Requisite and Core Courses, as well as a minimum of 6 units from Division (Upper and Lower).  All CAFS majors must earn a C- or better in each of their major courses to receive credit.

Degree Requirements for a B.A. in CAFS

PRE-REQUISITE COURSES (6 UNITS)

  • CAFS 1100 Intro to Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies (3)
  • CAFS 2000 Fundamentals in Developmental Theory (3)
  • KINE 2018, MATH 1209 OR PSYC 2018 OR SOC 2208 General Education Requirement

REQUIRED COURSES

  • CAFS 2080 Child, Family, and Community (3)
  • CAFS 2500 Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition (3) 
  • CAFS 3110 School Aged and Adolescent (3)
  • CAFS 3140 School Aged and Adolescent (3) 
  • CAFS 3500 Child Guidance, Supervision and Support (3)
  • CAFS 3560 Aging and the Family (3) OR CAFS 3650 Risk and Resilience in Children (3) 
  • CAFS 3550 Adulthood and Aging OR CAFS 3800 Multiple Perspectives on the Importance of Play
Core Classes (Required to be taken Sequentially) 
  • CAFS 4000 Introduction to Research Methods (3)
  • CAFS 4100 Research, Assessment, and Evaluation of Children and Families (3)
  • CAFS 4908 Senior Seminar (3)

LOWER DIVISION (6 UNITS REQUIRED)

  • CAFS 1050 Practicum in Early Childhood Education (3)
  • CAFS 1250 Teaching in Diverse Society (3)
  • CAFS 2100 Observation of Children (2) or EDEL 2400 (2) 
  • CAFS 2200 Curriculum, Procedures, Materials and Laboratory Experiences for the Young Child (3)
  • CAFS 2300 Curriculum, Procedures, Materials, and Laboratory Experiences in the Elementary School Setting (3)
  • CAFS 2400 Introduction to Administration of Child and Family Programs (3)
  • CAFS 2800 Multicultural Children's Literature (3) 
  • CAFS/PHIL 2620 Philosophy for Children (3)

UPPER DIVISION (6 UNITS REQUIRED)

  • CAFS 3200 Individuals and Families Developing in Diverse Cultures (3) 
  • CAFS 3300 Supporting Multilingual Learners: Context and Approaches
  • CAFS 3600 Parenting and Family Relations (3)
  • CAFS/PHIL 3620 P4C: Practicum (3)
  • CAFS 4140 Advanced Practicum (3)
  • CAFS 4200 Advanced Techniques for Working in Child and Family (3) 
  • CAFS 4300 School, Community, and Family Collaborations (3)
  • CAFS 4400 Advanced Practicum for Adult Education and Supervision (3)

Degree Requirements for Minor in CAFS

  • CAFS 2000 Introduction to Child, Adolescent, and Family Development (3) 
  • Any 3 Upper Division CAFS Courses (3000 Level or higher)