Children, Youth, & Family Studies - Bachelor of Arts (30 Credits)

(30 credits plus 10 credits of experiential learning; licensure requires additional credits)

This major is designed to engage students in the study of children, youth, and family within the framework of multiple, interconnected contexts: community, culture and society. The major integrates multicultural perspectives throughout the course of study as students learn about the influence of class, race and ethnicity, gender, and culture on human development and family patterns. Students may choose to focus on children, adolescents, emerging adults, and/or the family development across the lifespan.

The major provides a deep foundation in theoretical and practical knowledge and integrates supervised experiential learning with knowledge acquired in classes.

Students may specialize in: Early Intervention (working with children birth to 3 years old with special needs and their families); and Teaching Infants and Toddlers for students interested in obtaining state certification as lead teacher in early child care settings.

The program provides students with a strong foundation in family and developmental studies that will prepare them for graduate studies and work in a broad range of professions.

Students will be able to:

• critically analyze and assess key interdisciplinary theories of child, youth, and family studies.
• examine the impact of social institutions, structures and processes on childhood and youth.
• critically analyze the influence of class, race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality and culture on childhood and family patterns.
• demonstrate the ability to present knowledge acquired, arguments, and analyses effectively in both oral and written forms.
• critically evaluate and conduct social science research on childhood, youth, and family issues.

Please note: a minimum grade of "C" is required in the internship seminars and the capstone course to progress in the major.