Bachelor of Science - Family and Child Life - Child Development

The child development specialization applies child development theory to the practice of working with children and families across a variety of contexts and professions. Graduates are well prepared with knowledge and skills for professional careers that involve work with children including in early childhood learning, child welfare, adoption, and family social service settings. Students will also be prepared to pursue graduate training in social work, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, family and child life, or other related fields.

The bachelor of science child development and family science major is an interdisciplinary study of interpersonal and family relationships and their impact on child development. The child development and family science major provides students an engaging, applied, and transformative learning experience, preparing them for professions helping children and families in community, government, and medical fields. Students apply their classroom learning through hands-on experiences in the community, and gain new knowledge by participating in closely mentored research projects. As a result, students learn highly marketable skills to be competitive and successful in their chosen fields, and through strong professional preparation, can transform their passions for working with people into a career. 

Child development and family science majors choose to specialize in child development, child life, or family science. Students in all specializations must complete a practicum experience that includes 360 total hours (12 academic credits) of field related service within the community. Students are encouraged to apply for the major early in their academic careers to allow for proper planning and placement in the child development and family science practicum.

Program Learner Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate strong critical thinking skills for the purpose of consuming research in child development and family science.
• Demonstrate excellent relationship and interpersonal skills and effectively collaborate in work with peers and faculty.
• Demonstrate strong written communication skills for the purpose of synthesizing research-based information specific to child development and family science.
• Articulate concepts in child development and family science using effective oral communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrate insight into their own biases and privilege and will demonstrate respect for diverse ways of being and thinking.
• Apply knowledge of the scientific process to critique existing research and conduct research projects in child development and family science.
• Summarize family systems and developmental theories and apply theories in practice with children and families.