CDFS Bachelor of Science Program
The CDFS Bachelor of Science Program has the following two options: preschool and family and youth.
Birth through Pre-Kindergarten Early Childhood Education Option
The birth through pre-K early childhood education option is a dual certification program. With this option students who meet the requirements of the West Virginia State Department of Education in Birth Through Pre-K/ Pre-K Special Needs may apply for certification.
This option focuses on the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of children. Students are trained to plan programs, perform developmental assessments, and interact with young children in developmentally appropriate ways.
Settings for internship experiences include the West Virginia University Child Development Laboratory (WVU Nursery School) for preschool children and placements in community childcare centers to work with infants and toddlers. Upon graduation, students may apply for the WV State Department of Education Certification in Birth through Pre-Kindergarten Education.
Family and Youth Studies Option
This program provides skills and knowledge to enrich individual and family life. It includes knowledge about how families work; the interrelationship of families and society; human growth and development throughout the life span; the physiological and psychological aspects of human sexuality; the impact of money and time management on daily family life; the importance and value of parent education; the effects of policy and legislation on families; ethical considerations in professional conduct; and a solid understanding and knowledge of how to teach and/or develop curriculum for what are often sensitive and personal issues.
Information for Transfer Students
Many students transfer to WVU from other institutions or transfer from within the University into CDFS. A student must have an overall average of 2.5 GPA to be accepted as a transfer.
Students must expect to spend the time necessary to complete the program. Certain courses are offered only in the fall or spring of the sophomore, junior and senior years. In addition, certain courses must be taken in a specified sequence.
Students transferring from other institutions must apply in advance with the WVU Office of Admissions and Records (304-293-2124) to determine which courses taken at other institutions will be given full credit at WVU. Students transferring from within the institution, must take their records to Anita Garten in CEHS Student Advising, 710F Allen Hall (304-293-2137) for assessment.
Undergraduate Advising Booklet
For a copy of the undergraduate advising booklet describing both program options, click here .Contact: Dr. Carol A. Markstrom
E-mail: Carol.Markstrom@mail.wvu.edu