Programs of Study
Child Development
The Child Development Program is designed for those who have a desire to work with children infancy through adolescence. The program will give students the knowledge they need to understand and teach young children at a day care center or equip them with the foundation needed to continue their education at a four-year university. Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree that requires 66 hours of courses while a short-term certificate is available and requires 27 hours. Program courses are offered on the Ayers and Wallace Drive campuses.
The Number of Program Completers
| Academic Year | Number of program completers | Number of students in the program |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 17 | 121 |
| 2020-2021 | 17 | 123 |
| 2019-2020 | 16 | 121 |
The Program Completion Rate
Program Name: A.A.S. in Child Development
| Academic year in which a Fall cohort of full-time students enrolled at the institution (select three sequential years) | Percentage of those students who completed the program within 150% of the published timeframe | Percentage of those students who completed the program within 100%, 200% (twice) or 300% (three times) of the published timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2015 | 6.7% | 0% |
| Fall 2014 | 9.5% | 9.5% |
| Fall 2013 | 9.4% | 3.1% |
Institutional Selected Data
| Academic Year | % of Part-Time Candidates Enrolled (% of Total Enrollment) | Retention Rate among Part-Time Candidates | % of Full-Time Candidates Enrolled (% of Total Enrollment) | Retention Rate among Full-Time Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | 66 | 54% | 34 | 41% |
| 2018-19 | 50 | 56% | 36 | 50% |
| 2017-18 | 92 | 46.7% | 42 | 33.3% |
| 2016-17 | 126 | 37.3% | 46 | 52.2% |
Gadsden State's NAEYC Child Development Program Self Study Report is available for download.
“The A.A.S. for Child development at Gadsden State Community College is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, www.naeyc.org. The accreditation term runs from September 30, 2019, through September 30, 2021."
Geography
Geography is one of several natural science courses that can be taken as a requirement for an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degrees. Courses offered include World Regional Geography, Principles of Physical Geography and Principles of Geography II.
History
Gadsden State students can earn a degree in General Studies with the option of focusing in History. History, Social or Behavioral Science courses are required for associate degrees. Available History courses include Western Civilization, World History, U.S. History, History of World Religions, African-American History and Alabama History.
Home Economics
Home Economics courses can be taken as pre-professional or pre-major elective for those who are working toward an associate degree or plan to transfer to a four-year university. Courses in Home Economics includes Principles of Nutrition and Management in Family Living.
Human Services
An Associate in Applied Science in Human Services is available for those seeking employment or to further their education to become a social worker, substance abuse counselor, case manager, community outreach worker, probation officer and more. The AAS requires 71 hours of coursework.
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality and existence. Two courses are offered – Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics and Society – and can be applied to requirements for an Associate in Science in Philosophy.
Political Science
Political Science courses are available to students interested in the systems of government as well as the analysis of political activity and behavior. There are four Political Science courses available for students pursuing an associate degree or transferring to a four-year university. Courses include American National Government, State and Local Government, Comparative Government and Survey of International Relations.
Psychology
Students can focus on Psychology while earning an Associate in Science in General Studies. Psychology courses are also available as electives to students pursuing other associate degrees. Available courses include General Psychology, Human Growth and Development and Abnormal Psychology.
Religion
Students can earn an associate degree in General Studies with a focus on Religion. Courses offered are History of World Religions, Survey of the Old Testament and Survey of the New Testament.
Sociology
Sociology is the study of society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction and culture of everyday life. Students can earn an Associate in Science degree with a focus in Sociology. There are several courses to choose from, including Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Criminology, Juvenile Delinquency, Social Problems, Criminal and Deviant Behavior and Marriage and the Family.
