X. Degree Programs

Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.)

Adult Development (ADEV)

Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences

The Adult Development major focuses on health and well-being from young adulthood to old age within the context of changing family relationships and diverse social and cultural influences. Courses focus on current research and theory in adult development and aging, family relationships, human sexuality, social policy and community services. Field placements and community service learning opportunities enable students to gain knowledge, skills and values appropriate for work with individuals and groups in a variety of settings.

Graduates of this program are pursuing careers in a variety of settings including family and community service agencies; government policy-making, administration, and health promotion divisions; support services delivery for seniors and their families; health care agencies; employee and family assistance programs; and local social planning councils. This program provides a solid foundation for the pursuit of graduate studies in fields such as: family relations and human development, social work, human sexuality, gerontology, physical, occupational and recreation therapy programs, family law and mediation, couple and family therapy, education, health promotion, social policy and human resource management (business).

This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the influence of psychological, social, biological and economic factors on individual development, capabilities, health and relationships across the lifespan. It is one of several majors in the Department that share an over-arching goal of applying knowledge to promote individual and family well-being. This major offers a high degree of flexibility for students, who may choose to deepen their studies in one or more of the core content areas in the major (adulthood and aging, family and social relationships, human sexuality, or health and well-being) and/or to choose electives in a related or complementary field.

Program Requirements

All students in the Adult Development major must successfully complete a minimum of 20.00 credits, including the core of 10.50 required credits as outlined in the Schedule of Studies.

Some students may wish to select courses that provide a broad background appropriate for careers in teaching, social work, health promotion, couple and family relationships, physical, occupational and recreation therapy, nursing, business, public service management or other areas of work. Students interested in pursuing graduate education are encouraged to complete an undergraduate thesis in their senior year and to participate in faculty research projects.

In addition to the core requirements and options, there are courses in various departments throughout the University which may be taken as electives. Lists of suggested electives that relate to particular careers or areas of interest and requirements for admission to various graduate programs, including Faculties of Education, are available from the B.A.Sc. Program Counsellor.

Students must meet the continuation of study requirements at the time of graduation and have a minimum 60.00% cumulative average.

Students may take one minor in addition to the Adult Development major. See the University of Guelph Calendar, Section X, Degree Programs, Specialization and Their Degrees for list of minors : http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c10/index.shtml. The 60.00% requirement applies to each major and minor.

Double Counting of Courses

A maximum of 50 percent of the courses applied to a minor may be courses taken in fulfillment of the major where required courses are the same.

Counselling on Minors

The B.A.Sc. program counsellor assists students in the selection of minors, interpreting program and academic regulations.

Academic departments offer the minors and assign faculty advisors to assist students with academic planning (e.g., a faculty advisor in the Psychology department handles queries about a minor in Psychology). Students should consult the appropriate faculty advisor, along with the B.A.Sc. Program Counsellor, when declaring a minor or requiring advice on the completion of specialization requirements. The list of faculty advisors is available on the Undergraduate Academic Information Centre website: https://www.uoguelph.ca/uaic/facultyadvisors or contact the B.A.Sc. Program Counsellor for further information.