Program Objectives
- Understand the stages of human growth and development in childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood.
- Apply theological and psychosocial methods for an appropriate treatment of children and adolescents.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to, and an appreciation of, the spiritual needs of individuals.
- Recognize the social, economic, political, and cultural factors that affect the situation of children and adolescents.
- Engage in research and investigation concerning children and adolescents.
- Understand the state and national laws and policies of the rights of children.
- Examine international legislation concerning the protection of children and adolescents.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the issues and concerns surrounding the integration of Christian faith and the ministry and service to children and adolescents.
Program of Study
The Holistic Child Development Program is designed to prepare a student for working in child development and advocacy organizations both domestically and internationally. Coursework emphasizes legal and ethical issues in working for non-profits and NGOs, utilizing community resources, and research-supported interventions. The program is composed of a minimum of three semesters of approved graduate study. A minimum of 36 semester hours is required. This degree program is offered at both our Cleveland, Tennessee campus as well as on the campus of SEMISUD in Quito, Ecuador.
Practical Experiences
As this degree program is primarily for students interested in working for international developmental and advocacy organizations, the practical experiences for the typical student are conceptualized as post-degree, although it is possible to earn elective credit for local internship experiences. With the help of their faculty mentors, students are encouraged to plan post-degree experiences with established international organizations that can provide appropriate guidance and supervision when first working with new populations and settings.
Thesis
If all coursework for the M.S. in Holistic Child Development is completed with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, but the thesis is not yet completed, students will enroll in GRAD-591 and will be charged a graduate supervision fee equivalent to 1-hour of graduate student tuition for each fall and/or spring semester in which a continuation is required (Enrollment in this course will not be required over a summer semester unless collaborative work between the supervising professor and student is planned).
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