Aug. 17, 2022
Next Start Date
40
Courses Required
$439
Cost Per Credit Hour
120
Total Credit Hours
Online Asynchronous
Learning Formats
Working with preschool children as they develop their academic, social, and cognitive skills is a rewarding career with increasing job opportunities.
Students will learn best practices for early childhood development and focus on advocacy and leadership in the field of early education. The program incorporates the West Virginia Core Knowledge and Core Competencies and the West Virginia Early Standards Framework in order to include the most recent requirements set forth by West Virginia agencies. The curriculum follows the standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
All the courses are offered online except for field experience which can be completed in the student's home location under the supervision of experienced educators.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 10 percent through 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. The College of Applied Human Sciences is offering an online bachelor’s degree which prepares students for a career with young children.
Attend a Virtual Information Session
Thank you for your interest in the Child Development and Family Studies B.S. program at West Virginia University! Attend a Virtual Information Session and learn more about the Child Development and Family Studies B.S.
"Being a WVU graduate and a first-generation college student, I’m happy to be back to help you navigate the WVU System. Something WVU Online wants to do is assist you in creating your sense of community and continuity, making sure you have the answers to any and all questions."
Learn More About Gary Request Information
Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827. Please contact the WVU Financial Aid Office at (304) 293-5242 or financialaid.wvu.edu for additional information.
The Child Development and Family Studies B.S. requires 120 credit hours to complete. Cost per credit
hour is $439.
$52,680 – Residents and Non-Residents
Credits | Cost |
---|---|
1 | $439 |
3 | $1,317 |
6 | $2,634 |
9 | $3,951 |
The 120 credits needed for graduation will be comprised of the 47 Child Development and Family Studies Major Requirements listed below, plus the additional University credits needed to total 120.
A minimum grade of C- is required in all Child Development and Family Studies Major Coursework.
Course | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
CDFS 110 | Families Across the Life Span (GEF 4) | 3 |
CDFS 112 | Introduction to Marriage and Family (GEF 8) | 3 |
CDFS 210 | Introduction to Parenting | 3 |
CDFS 212 | Development in Early and Middle Childhood | 3 |
CDFS 250 | Research Methods (fulfills Writing and Communication Skills requirement) | 3 |
CDFS 413 | Stress in Families | 3 |
SPED 304 | Special Education in Contemporary Society (GEF 8) | 3 |
Area of Emphasis: 24-49
Total Hours: 45-70
The online Birth through 5/Pre-K non-certification option focuses on development from birth through age eight, with an emphasis on preparing students to work with young children and families.
Students will also complete field experiences and internships in early childhood settings, including Pre-K classrooms, the West Virginia University Nursery School, and childcare centers. The Early Childhood option is best suited for students interested working with young children and their families, including careers as a developmental specialist, parent educator, and early childhood resiliency specialist.
The other major options in CDFS (Family and Youth Studies; Birth through 5/Pre-K certification; Birth through 5/Pre-K certification, with an endorsement in Pre-K Special needs) are not currently accepting students. Students interested in these major options should contact cls@mail.wvu.edu for information on the new majors in the Department of Counseling and Learning Sciences that prepare students for careers in these fields.
The BS degree in Child Development and Family Studies offers two curriculum options: Birth through 5/Pre-Kindergarten and Family and Youth Studies.
Students in the Birth through 5/Pre-Kindergarten option of Child Development and Family Studies will acquire:
Students in the family and youth option of Child Development and Family Studies will acquire:
Content TBD
Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Child Development and Family Studies B.S. degree may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.
Child, Family and School Social Worker
Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook
Special Education Teacher – Preschool
Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook
Kindergarten Teacher
Projected Growth: 4-6%
Secondary School Teacher
Projected Growth: 4-6%
Elementary School Teacher
Projected Growth: 2-3% *Bright Outlook
Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
The BS degree in Child Development and Family Studies prepares students for working with children, adolescents and families in various settings, while encouraging children to become competent, independent learners.
Yes, and our program is 100% online.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 10 percent through 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
Yes. There is a growing demand for Child Development majors. Healthy children have a better chance of developing into healthy adults. Child Development professionals work to assist children in staying on track as they progress through their formative years.
There are several things you can do with your degree besides teach. Some additional occupations/areas to consider would be: School Administration, Educational Consultant, Curriculum Designer, After School Program Director or a position in Education Policy and Research.
Some of the highest paying jobs in early childhood education are: early childhood special education teacher, pre-school childcare directors, early childhood instructional specialists and early childhood education professors.
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