Child and family Studies

This major is designed to engage students in the study of family and human development within the framework of multiple, interconnected contexts: family, community, culture, society. The major integrates multicultural perspectives throughout the course of study as students learn about the influence of class, race and ethnicity, gender, and culture on human development and family patterns. Students may choose to focus on children, adolescents, adults, or to study development and family across the age groups.

The major provides a deep foundation in theoretical and practical knowledge and integrates supervised experiential learning with knowledge acquired in classes.

Drawing on the disciplines of sociology and psychology for core courses, the program offers students a choice of five areas of concentration: Child Studies; Gender Studies; Policy and Advocacy; Early Intervention for students wishing certification in Early Intervention (working with children birth to 3 years old with special needs and their families); and Teaching Infants and Toddlers for students interested in obtaining state certification as lead teacher in early child care settings.

The program provides students with a strong foundation in family and developmental studies that will prepare them for graduate studies and work in a broad range of professional settings. Students majoring in Education or other professional majors are waived from the professional/experiential component of the major.

Requirements of the Child and Family Studies Major