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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.
Child, Youth, and Family Studies B.A./B.S.
Requirements
In addition to meeting the general University requirements, majors must complete the following program components:
Required Courses
16 credits of CFS electives from the following:
| CFS 101 | Introduction to Child and Family Studies | 2 |
| CFS 320U | ABCs of Early Childhood Education | 4 |
| CFS 330U | American Families in Film and Television | 4 |
| CFS 340U | Queer Families | 4 |
| CFS 350U | Interpersonal Violence: Impact on Children & Families | 4 |
| CFS 382U | Mental Disorders: Issues for Families and Communities | 4 |
| CFS 385U | Working with Diverse Families | 4 |
| CFS 390U | Sex and the Family | 4 |
| CFS 393U | Community Resources and Family Support | 4 |
| CFS 399 | Special Studies | 1-4 |
| CFS 410 | Selected Topics | 1-8 |
| CFS 410 | Child Life | 4 |
| CFS 450 | Youth and Youth Work | 4 |
| CFS 486 | Parent and Family Education | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: 76
All courses submitted to satisfy the requirements for a major in Child, Youth, 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 493.