Child Development and Family Studies
Bachelor of Science in CDFS
Individuals choosing a major in child development and family studies may select a professional focus from a wide variety of areas including child care specialist, early childhood teacher, developmental specialist, child life educator, parent educator, parent educator, extension specialist, and family life specialist. Field placements offer students an opportunity to apply classroom theory to actual situations. Practica sites available to students include:
- Pediatrics Unit of Ruby Memorial Hospital
- West Virginia University Child Development Laboratory
- WVU Hospital Child Care Center and West Virginia Child Care Centers
- Extension
- Community agencies with youth and families
The undergraduate program in child development and family studies consists of a Bachelor of Science in which students can choose from the following two curriculum options:
- Birth through Pre-Kindergarten Early Childhood Education
- Family and Youth Studies
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Child Development and Family Studies Minors
- Child Development and Family Studies
- Family and Youth
- Infant and Toddler
The purpose of these minors is to better prepare individuals to work with children in a variety of settings. Students will concentrate on courses that address topics such as the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children as facilitated by families, educators, child care professionals, and others in each of these developmental domains.
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Child Development and Family Studies Masters Program
The Child Development and Family Studies Masters Program provides students with opportunities for conducting research and working with families and children in both educational and applied settings. Courses in child development, family studies, parenting strategies, and interpersonal communication skills are supplemented with field experiences in a variety of settings. Students also are prepared for continuing study in doctoral programs in child development and family studies, sociology, special education, psychology, and counseling.
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Interdisciplinary Ph.D in Education
Human Development and Family Studies
Students may now pursue doctoral studies in HDFS at WVU.