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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Requirements | 69 | |
| Child Development and Family Studies Major Requirements | 51 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
University Requirements
| 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 7 | 24 | |
| CAHS 191 | First-Year Seminar | 2 |
| General Electives | 43 | |
| Total Hours | 69 | |
Child Development and Family Studies Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum grade of C- is required in all Child Development and Family Studies Major Coursework. | ||
| CDFS 110 | Families Across the Life Span (GEF 4) | 3 |
| CDFS 112 | Introduction to Family Processes and Dynamics | 3 |
| CDFS 210 | Introduction to Parenting | 3 |
| CDFS 211 | Infant Development | 3 |
| or CDFS 212 | Development in Early and Middle Childhood | |
| CDFS 250 | Research Methods | 3 |
| CAHS 300 | Career Exploration in Applied Human Sciences | 3 |
| ECSE 311 | Developmental Assessment for Young Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| or ECSE 315 | Home-Based Programs for Early Intervention | |
| CDFS 413 | Stress in Families | 3 |
| or CDFS 415 | Family Interaction and Communication | |
| CDFS 416 | Trauma, Resiliency, and Children | 3 |
| CAHS 489 | Capstone Experience in AHS | 3 |
| CDFS 417 | Families and Health | 3 |
| Upper Level Developmental Specialization | 3 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
| The Science of Positive Youth Development | ||
| Adolescent Development | ||
| Early Socio-Emotional Development | ||
| Required Minor | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 51 | |
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| ENGL 101 (GEF 1) | 3 | ENGL 102 (GEF 1) | 3 |
| CDFS 110 (GEF 4) | 3 | CDFS 210 | 3 |
| CDFS 112 | 3 | CDFS 211 | 3 |
| CAHS 191 | 2 | or CDFS 212 in offered in fall | |
| GEF 3 | 3 | GEF 2 | 3 |
| GEF 5 | 3 | ||
| General Elective | 1 | ||
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| ECSE 315 | 3 | CAHS 300 | 3 |
| or ECSE 311 offered in spring | CDFS 250 | 3 | |
| GEF 2 | 3 | GEF 7 | 3 |
| GEF 6 | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| CDFS 412 or 432 | 3 | CDFS 413 | 3 |
| or CDFS 410 offered in spring | or CDFS 415 offered in fall | ||
| General Electives | 12 | CDFS 416 | 3 |
| General Electives | 9 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| CDFS 417 | 3 | CAHS 489 | 3 |
| General Electives or Minor | 12 | General Electives or Minor | 12 |
| 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.