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WVU Morgantown

Child Development and Family Studies, B.S.

  • Overview
  • Admissions Requirements
  • Major
  • Learning Outcomes

Degree Offered

  • Bachelor of Science

Nature of the Program

The undergraduate program in Child Development and Family Studies (CDFS) offers an online Bachelor of Science degree option. 

Child Development and Family Studies (CDFS) program focuses on development from birth through age eight, focusing on typical and atypical development, with an emphasis on preparing students to work with young children and families. Students will also complete field experiences and internships in settings that serve children and families. The Bachelor of Science in CDFS is best suited for students interested in working with young children and their families, including careers as a family/parent educator, Head Start teacher, nursery school teacher, and family support worker.

Admissions for 2026-2027

Incoming Freshmen

  • All First-Time Freshmen who meet the University requirements are directly admitted into the Child Development and Family Studies program

Internal and External Transfer Students

  • At least a 2.0 cumulative university GPA is required for admission to the program

Major Code: 5506

 

Curriculum Requirements

Course List
Code Title Hours
University Requirements69
Child Development and Family Studies Major Requirements51
Total Hours120

University Requirements

Course List
Code Title Hours
General Education Foundations (GEF) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (31-37 Credits)
Outstanding GEF Requirements 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 724
CAHS 191First-Year Seminar2
General Electives43
Total Hours69

Child Development and Family Studies Major Requirements

Course List
Code Title Hours
A minimum grade of C- is required in all Child Development and Family Studies Major Coursework.
CDFS 110Families Across the Life Span (GEF 4)3
CDFS 112Introduction to Family Processes and Dynamics3
CDFS 210Introduction to Parenting3
CDFS 211Infant Development3
or CDFS 212 Development in Early and Middle Childhood
CDFS 250Research Methods 3
CAHS 300Career Exploration in Applied Human Sciences3
ECSE 311Developmental Assessment for Young Children with Special Needs3
or ECSE 315 Home-Based Programs for Early Intervention
CDFS 413Stress in Families3
or CDFS 415 Family Interaction and Communication
CDFS 416Trauma, Resiliency, and Children3
CAHS 489Capstone Experience in AHS3
CDFS 417Families and Health3
Upper Level Developmental Specialization3
Select one of the following:
CDFS 410
The Science of Positive Youth Development
CDFS 412
Adolescent Development
CDFS 432
Early Socio-Emotional Development
Required Minor 15
Total Hours51

Note:  Students must earn grades of C- or better in all courses with the CDFS course designator required in the major. If a student’s overall GPA drops below 2.0, they may be subject to academic probation and potentially dismissal from the program.

Suggested Plan of Study

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ENGL 101 (GEF 1)3ENGL 102 (GEF 1)3
CDFS 110 (GEF 4)3CDFS 2103
CDFS 1123CDFS 2113
CAHS 1912or CDFS 212 in offered in fall 
GEF 33GEF 2 3
 GEF 53
 General Elective1
 14 16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECSE 3153CAHS 3003
or ECSE 311 offered in spring CDFS 2503
GEF 23GEF 73
GEF 63General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3 
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CDFS 412 or 4323CDFS 4133
or CDFS 410 offered in spring or CDFS 415 offered in fall 
General Electives12CDFS 4163
 General Electives9
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CDFS 4173CAHS 4893
General Electives or Minor12General Electives or Minor12
 15 15
Total credit hours: 120

Major Learning Outcomes

Child Development and Family Studies

  • Describe and apply knowledge in human growth and development, family issues and interaction, youth concerns and issues, cultural and societal contexts, and related topics.
  • Explain, interpret, and appraise the various social contextual influences on development and family functioning and the interactive relationships between families and other societal institutions.
  • Identify, describe, design, and appraise strategies for working with children, adolescents, and families in various social service and community-based context.
  • School of Counseling and Well-​being
    • Child Development and Family Studies
    • Mental Health and Addiction Studies
  • School of Education
  • School of Sport Sciences
  • Multidisciplinary Studies

WVU Morgantown

Undergraduate Catalog Information

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Office of the University Registrar
P.O. Box 6878
Morgantown, WV 26506
Email: registrar@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: 304-293-5355

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