Online Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development: Social Change

Sample Courses

Social and Political Contexts of Human Development

The diverse social, economic and political contexts of our society affect the socialization of the individual and their understanding of human development. A primary focus of this course will be the examination of attitudes and behaviors toward gender, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and privilege and entitlement, along with the historical and contemporary contexts within which specific theories of human development were created and perpetuated. Students will be challenged to examine these influences on their growth and perceptions of behaviors, define ethics within a context of societal power differentials and search for meaningful responses to address them.

Community as Context of Human Development

The social dynamics that we experience in the community in our life influences our growth, identity, and our worldview. We all develop as unique individuals in the context of complex communities. We experience communities in different ways, through different institutions; i.e., home, family, classroom, neighborhood, third spaces, etc. This class focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of building, reflecting and including “community” in our learning spaces throughout our lives. Students will be expected to create strategies that use community to enhance learning and build a sense of belonging. This class will explore community building as an avenue to examine and promote cultural competence and social equity. We will create a learning community as we explore other communities.

Admission Requirements

• Admission to the B.A. program is open to any person who meets entrance requirements as outlined below. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to complete an undergraduate degree program. Generally, a high school cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission. However, applicants with a cumulative high school GPA below 2.0 will be considered for admission with the submission of additional required documents (see below). Applicants with college level studies will be expected to demonstrate an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. It is required that transcripts are submitted from all undergraduate schools where credit was received to support the application and request for transfer credit. (See Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy).Factors and materials to be considered for admission will include:
  • Completed application and $55 application fee
  • Interview with a member of the Admissions Committee
  • Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College
  • Personal statement
  • A resume showing three or more years of significant professional or life experience or an official transcript confirming 24 transferrable units from a regionally accredited institution

  Applicants must provide proof of the qualifying conferral of high school graduation (or the equivalent) or proof of successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester units at a regionally accredited post-secondary institution. Proof of qualifying academic history must be provided in one of the following ways:

  • Official high school transcript recognized by the S. Department of Education showing an earned high school diploma, 2.0 GPA or higher, and date of graduation. A copy of a high school diploma, if transcripts are not immediately available, can be submitted with a contingency that original transcripts will be on file before day 5 of the term/semester of entry. Financial aid will not be disbursed until the compliant documentation is received.
  • Official college transcript with 24 credits of transferable units with a grade of C or
  • Official Associate degree transcript from a regionally­ accredited institution showing degree earned and date conferred
  • Official college transcript from a regionally-accredited institution that contains the high school name and date of graduation
  • Official NACES, ACREVS, or AICE evaluation of an international diploma that contains the high school name and date of graduation
  • High school equivalency completed through home schooling as defined by state law
  • Official General Educational Development (GED) A copy of the student’s GED Certificate, or unofficial GED score issued by the state, can be submitted with a contingency that the Official GED document will be on file before day 5 of the term/semester of entry. Financial aid will not be disbursed until the compliant documentation is received.
  • Official Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) document
  • Official High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) document
  • Official documentation showing a passing score on a state-authorized exam that the state recognizes as equivalent to high school graduation

  Applicants with a cumulative high school or undergraduate GPA below 2.0, applicants without three years of significant professional or life experience, or with less than 24 transferrable college units are required to submit additional documentation:

  • One letter of support from someone (a non-relative) familiar with your ability to be successful in this program
  • An additional essay three pages, double spaced typed (approximately 500-750 words); in your essay, please answer the following question:
    • What life and professional experience do you possess that would enable you to be successful in the Pacific Oaks classroom focused on the application of experience to the course?
    • Why it is important to you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes social justice, cultural humility, and respect for every individual (refer to the Mission and Vision statement of Pacific Oaks College)?

  Additional requirements for students interested in pursuing Elementary Education and/or Special Education concentrations:

  For students entering with 40 or more transfer units at the time of admission:

  • Complete CBEST (California Basic Education Skills Test) or meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR)
  • Proof of Registration for the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers): Multiple Subjects exams

  For students entering with fewer than 40 transfer units at the time of admission:

  Progression to a Credential Program Requirement:

  Students who wish to pursue the BA Early Childhood Education degree with the Elementary Education and/or Special Education concentration must pass the CBEST or meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) by the conclusion of 40 GE units in order to progress into a credential track program.  Students who pass the CBEST or meet the Basic Skills Requirement, must also show verification of registration for the CSET exams. For more information on Teacher Credentialing, see the Credentials Office.

  If a student does not pass the CBEST or meet the BSR by the conclusion of the 40 GE units, they may progress in the BA ECE degree program and attempt the CBEST or BSR until they have successfully passed. When a student has successfully passed the CBEST or BSR, they may request a program transfer by completing the Program Transfer form found on the Registrar’s Office webpage.

  Passing CBEST or meeting the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) is the first step into a credential track program.  In order to progress through a credential program and earn a California teaching credential, students will need to meet additional exam and CCTC requirements beyond successful completion of coursework.

   

  Please note: Prior coursework will be evaluated as part of the admissions process.