Child and Family Studies

600 Academic and Student

Recreation Center

1800 SW Sixth Avenue

503-725-8241

www.pdx.edu/ssw/cfs

The Child and Family Studies Program is for students who have varied professional goals related to working with children, youth, and their families. Students who are interested in becoming elementary school teachers, social workers, counselors, early childhood educators, or special educators are advised to consider a degree in Child and Family Studies (CFS). The degree is also appropriate for students seeking career pathways such as parent educators, family advocates, youth workers, social service caseworkers, program directors/administrators, and classroom assistants. Students gain an interdisciplinary perspective on children, youth, and families, a broad understanding of family systems, and a working knowledge of the diverse socio-cultural contexts in which children and families develop.

The Child and Family Studies major program content integrates theory with practice. A liberal arts foundation, coursework in professional development and the application of content knowledge, practicum experiences in two diverse settings, and the completion of a professional portfolio prepare students for professional roles as well as graduate school. Eleven different specialization options within the degree program allow students maximum choice as they prepare for the diverse professions that are of interest to most students. These specializations include: human development, families in society, youth worker, administration of programs for children, youth and families, early childhood education, early intervention/early childhood special education, elementary education, child welfare/human services, international worker, and family life educator.

The Child and Family Studies program also offers a minor, which can be completed in close alignment with the Families and Society Junior Cluster.

Both the Child and Family Studies major and minor place strong emphasis is placed on preparing students to become change agents, creating a more just world for children, youth, and families.

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Admission requirements

Child and Family Studies B.A./B.S.

Child and Family Studies Specializations

Child and Family Studies Minor

Child and Family Studies Courses

Child and Family Studies B.A./B.S.

Requirements

In addition to meeting the general University requirements, majors must complete the following program components:

Interdisciplinary Conceptual Foundations (23 credits)

Ec 417Women in the Economy

4

or

WS 340UWomen and Gender in America to 1848

4

or

WS 341UWomen and Gender in America 1848-1920

4

or

WS 342UWomen and Gender in the U.S. 1920 to the Present

4

or

WS 380UWomen and Politics

4

 

Ed 420Introduction to Education and Society

4

Hst 343UAmerican Family History

4

  

Soc 342Social Psychology: Self, Attitudes and Social Influence

4

or

Soc 339UMarriage and Intimacy

4

or

Soc 461Sociology of the Family

4

 

SW 301UIntroduction to Social Work

4

or

Coun 441Introduction to Counseling

3

or

PHE 365Health Promotion Programs for Children and Youth

4

 

SpEd 418Survey of Exceptional Learners

3

Child and Family Studies major requirement (40 credits)

CFS 312UHuman Development in the Family Setting

4

CFS 480Societal Influences on Professional Practice

4

CFS 481UFamily Health Issues

4

CFS 488Social Justice in Child and Family Studies

4

CFS 491Conceptual Foundations in Child and Family Studies

4

CFS 492Families and the State: Effects of Legislation and Policies on Children and Family

4

CFS 494Professional Development in Child and Family Studies I

3

CFS 495Professional Development in Child and Family Studies II

1

CFS 496Professional Development in Child and Family Studies III

2

CFS 497Practicum I

5

CFS 498Practicum II

5

Child and Family Studies Specializations (15-21 credits)

Majors meet with a program adviser for guidance in the selection of an area of specialization from among the eleven areas listed below. Majors are required to complete a minimum of 15 credits within the area. More than one specialization area may be selected and will require an additional 15 credits. Lists of courses recommended for each specialization are listed on the Web (www.pdx.edu/ssw/cfs) and are subject to change based an on-going assessment and course availability. The specialization adviser will assist the student in tailoring a program of courses to meet career goals and to accommodate previous professional experience. See Specializations here.

Total Credit Hours: 78-80

All courses submitted to satisfy the requirements for a major in Child and Family Studies must be passed with a grade of C or above. In addition, courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling program major requirements, with the exception of CFS 494.