CHILD AND ADOLESCENT

What is child and adolescent development?

The field of child and adolescent development is different than clinical

or psychological counseling, said Gilman. Its a unique specialization,
more focused on research linked to development, and whats involved
with making ethical decisions and policies that are related to children
and adolescents.

Development research can influence practitioners who work with

children, whether directly (teacher or counselor), or indirectly
(nonprofits or government advocates focused on childrens issues). Its
an exhaustive field of study. We study everything from prenatal to
puberty to the completion of adolescence, which we define as around
age 25, said Longo. We look at every aspect of a persons life, at
every stage: physical, mental, cognitive, psycho-social. Were studying
development in the context of society, family, and culture. Everyone
has specific influences bearing on them, and we need to understand
the effects of those influences, whether its bullying or access to health
care. Every phase has an impact on lifesomeones experience as an
infant can have an effect on them when theyre an adult.

Why is this type of research important?

Anyone working with children and adolescents needs to use best

practices. Their work cant just be based on experiencethey need

empirical evidence, said Longo. Without research, theres no solid

foundation in working with children.

Thats why the broad approach, looking at internal and external

factors, is so important. Its not just nature and its not just nurture,
said Emick. In order to really understand whats happening now, and
whats going to happen in the future, we need understand how to
make outcomes better for children, families, and society. Research is
fundamental to that.

Emick pointed out that understanding adolescent psychology has led

to some important strides, including the realization that brains arent
fully formed until about age 25 (it was previously believed that people
were fully mature at age 18). She also pointed to a recent program
that, using research, realized the best way to reach out to pregnant
teenagers to warn them about the dangers of drinking while pregnant
was not to send them a brochure, but a text message.

The field continues to evolve, and thats likely a constant for the
foreseeable future. For instance, were still learning about resiliency,
Gilman said. Why are some kids resilient and some not, even if
theyre in the same circumstance? When we can understand through
research what conditions create resiliency, maybe we can help a child
develop that attribute.

What career opportunities are available with an advanced degree in

this field?

There are some obvious career synergies with this type of education.
People who work directly with children and adolescents, like teachers
and psychologists, would gain insight and value from this program.

But there are so many areas, so many directions someone can go,
said Longo. From prenatal counseling to government advocacy work
to nonprofits that focus on children and adolescents. A masters degree
also opens up the possibilities of teaching, whether at the K-12 level or
at a community college. All three faculty members pointed to
advocacy as an area thats poised for growth.

That could explain why Capellas faculty sees such a diverse

background in students who enroll in this program. Ive had students
who are social workers and want more background on what theyre
doing, said Emick. There have been paraprofessionals, like daycare
workers and school aides. There are students who have been
volunteering at youth-based nonprofits, or those who want to work in
advocacy or at a government level, or who want to develop
educational materials. Weve had students who are licensed counselors
who want more insight into developmental issues.

What all of these students have in common is a passion for children

and adolescents and the desire to work with or on behalf of them.
They need that excitement, said Emick, and this program really
gives them a solid foundation from which to explore whats possible for
a career, and the many capacities in which they can help kids.

On its own, a masters in child or adolescent development does not

qualify someone to become a licensed counselor. But this specialization
can be a stepping stone to a clinical psychology PsyD or PhD that
would open up a career in counseling.