Child and Family Studies

Create safe spaces for all to grow and learn.

Students in the Child and Family Studies major engage in the study of family and human development within the framework of multiple, interconnected contexts: family, community, culture, and 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.

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)
• Teaching Infants and Toddlers - for students interested in obtaining state certification as lead teacher in early child care settings

Requirements of the Child and Family Studies Major