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Nov 08, 2024
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2024-2025 University Catalog
Child Development and Family Science Major BS, Child Development Specialization
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The child development specialization applies child development theory to the practice of working with children and families across a variety of contexts and professions. Graduates are well prepared with knowledge and skills for professional careers that involve work with children including in early childhood learning, child welfare, adoption, and family social service settings. Students will also be prepared to pursue graduate training in social work, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, family and child life, or other related fields.
Admission Requirements
Students wishing to declare a major in child development and family science with a specialization in child development must be incoming first-year or transfer student or have a cumulative CWU GPA of 2.8. Students who meet the gpa requirement will be admitted upon recommendation of the child development and family science program coordinator.
Graduation Requirements
Child development and family science majors with a child development specialization must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher to remain in the major and must earn a C or higher in all courses used to satisfy the child development and family science major.
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Child Development and Family Science Core
The Bachelor of Science child development and family science major is an interdisciplinary study of interpersonal and family relationships and their impact on child development. The child development and family science major provides students an engaging, applied, and transformative learning experience, preparing them for professions helping children and families in community, government, and medical fields. Students apply their classroom learning through hands-on experiences in the community and gain new knowledge by participating in closely mentored research projects. As a result, students learn highly marketable skills to be competitive and successful in their chosen fields, and through strong professional preparation, can transform their passions for working with people into a career.
Child development and family science majors choose to specialize in child development, child life, or family science. Students in all specializations must complete a practicum experience that includes 360 total hours (12 academic credits) of field related service within the community. Students are encouraged to apply for the major early in their academic careers to allow for proper planning and placement in the child development and family science practicum.
Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- demonstrate strong critical thinking skills to evaluate child development and family science research and engage in evidence-based practice;
- demonstrate excellent relationship and interpersonal skills and effectively collaborate in work with peers and faculty;
- demonstrate strong written communication skills for the purpose of synthesizing research-based information specific to child development and family science;
- articulate concepts in child development and family science using effective oral communication and presentation skills;
- articulate their own biases and privilege and will demonstrate respect for diverse ways of being and thinking;
- conduct research in child development and family science; and
- explain and apply family systems and developmental theories in practice with children and families.
Total Core Requirement Credits: 50
Child Development Specialization
Required Courses Credits: 31
Department-Approved Electives Credits: 11-12
Total Specialization Credits: 42-43
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