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 Youth and Family Studies B.A.B.S.

Child Youth and Family Studies Minor

Child and Family Studies Courses

Child, Youth, and Family Studies Minor

Requirements

Lower Division (4 credits)

Unst 228Families in Society Sophomore Inquiry

4

Community-based learning (6 credits)

Arranged in consultation with adviser; may be Capstone or Practicum

6

Choose four of the following CYFS courses (16 credits)

CFS 101Introduction to Child and Family Studies

2

CFS 310Critical Histories in CYFS: Gender/Race/Class

4

CFS 312UFamilies in Lifecourse Perspective

4

CFS 320UABCs of Early Childhood Education

4

CFS 330UAmerican Families in Film and Television

4

CFS 340UQueer Families

4

CFS 350UInterpersonal Violence: Impact on Children & Families

4

CFS 381UFamilies, Stress, and Change

4

CFS 382UMental Disorders: Issues for Families and Communities

4

CFS 385UWorking with Diverse Families

4

CFS 390USex and the Family

4

CFS 391Family Theories

4

CFS 393UCommunity Resources and Family Support

4

CFS 399Special Studies

1-4

CFS 410Selected Topics

1-8

CFS 450Youth and Youth Work

4

CFS 481UFamily Health Issues

4

CFS 486Parent and Family Education

4

CFS 487Examining Bias and Belief

4

CFS 488Structural Oppression

4

CFS 489Activism for Social Change

2

CFS 492Family Law and Policy

4

Note: CFS 310, CFS 391, CFS 487, CFS 488, CFS 489, CFS 492 require instructor approval and registration will be allowed based on enrollment.

Total Credit Hours: 26