The field of Human/ Child Development The Master of Arts degree in Child Development prepares the student for a career in either an educational institution as a counselor or in a community or other government organization as a social worker. Students choose which area to specialize in, though courses that are commonly offered include psychology , social development , psychopathology, language and culture, and classes dealing with issues of multiculturalism. Students engage in both class work and fieldwork, and therefore achieve both a theoretical and a practical understanding and base of experience in their field.