The Department of Child and Family Studies offers a bachelor (B.S), a master (M.A. or M.S.) and a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in child and family studies, providing students with academic preparation and practical experience in working with children and families in a variety of settings. The programs emphasize diverse and multicultural family forms and practices.

 

The undergraduate program (B.S.- Child and Family Studies) is designed to develop a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural perspective on the study of children and families across the life course. Students will learn about the physical, emotional and social development of children as well as study relationships within families and between other social contexts (schools, workplace, faith communities, etc.) Within the undergraduate major in Child and Family Studies students may choose from a child development or family studies specialization.

 

The graduate programs in Child and Family Studies (M.A., M.S., Ph.D) are designed to provide specialization in the areas child development and family studies and prepare students to pursue careers in higher education, health and human service administration, or careers in which they will work directly with children and families. Courses and training emphasize multicultural perspectives in child and family relationships and diverse research methodologies and scholarship.

 

 

The Child and Family Studies major is designed to prepare students to become skilled professionals capable of working in a variety of settings. A degree in Child and Family Studies prepares students for career options such as:

 

Agency Director/Manager                                Youth Counselor

Case Manager                                                 Early Intervention Specialist

Child Welfare Worker                                       Family Services Worker

Preschool Teacher                                           Program Manager/Coordinator

 

Graduates have also gone on to work in the following employment settings:

 

Adult Treatment Centers                                   Nursing Homes

Camp Programs                                               Hospitals

Colleges & Universities                                     Preschools/Secondary Schools

Social Service Agencies                                   Day Care Centers

Community Organizations                                Substance Abuse Programs

 

CFS graduates have also pursued graduate training in social work, law, marriage and family therapy, education and child and family studies.

 

*See CFS Career Opportunities page for more information.