On-Line BA Human Development Degree

For the first time, the California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences (CLASS) is offering a fully online undergraduate degree.

The Bachelor of Arts in Human Development, with an option in Adult Development and Gerontology, or in Women’s Development, is taking 30 transfer students new to CSUEB for the 2007-08 academic year. Additional students will be accepted each fall.

The curriculum for the online degree examines human development theories and its social, cultural, physical and emotional dimensions. In addition, students will study lifespan concepts and developmental issues concerning children, adolescents, adults, gendered and aging populations.

The program would be of particular interest to transferring community college students who work fulltime but still want to earn a four-year degree.

“Our new online human development degree makes a college diploma possible for those who may have postponed their education because they cannot get to campus,” said Jim Okutsu, CLASS associate dean of interdisciplinary and professional studies.

CSUEB’s new president, Mohammad Qayoumi, is a strong advocate of online offerings to improve access, enrollment and learning, particularly to a diversity of working adults returning to school to complete their degrees – the typical CSUEB student.

Human Development first offered distance learning nearly 30 yeas ago through the use of audiotapes, video streaming, and hybrid courses that were both online and face-to-face. Through the years the online Human Development courses have gained popularity to such an extent that they quickly fill to capacity. Today, faculty use the latest electronic tools, including chatrooms, audio streaming and video clips.

“This is the most sophisticated way to deliver distance learning instruction. The Human Development faculty is experienced and trained in online learning and excited to share this expertise with Cal State East Bay students,” said Patricia Guthrie, Department of Human Development chair.

Human Development is one of CLASS’ largest departments, with nearly 300 majors. The interdisciplinary program links theory and methodology from such fields as anthropology, biology, linguistics, psychology and sociology. Graduates often work in such areas as education, counseling and business, or continue on for advanced degrees in social work, public administration, law or gerontology.

Students first must be admitted to CSUEB prior to applying to the online degree program. For information on the Human Development online degree or to apply, call 510-885-3076.

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