Child Development and Family Studies, B.S.
College of Applied Human Sciences
Make a meaningful difference in the lives of preschool children with the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences' online B.S. in Child Development and Family Studies. This online undergraduate program equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to support the academic, social, and cognitive development of children, empowering you to become a catalyst for positive change in early childhood education.
Cost:
$503 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
40 Courses / 120 Credits
Duration:
About four years
Dates:
Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring Summer
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
Program Overview
Make a Lasting Impact on Young Children and Families
The Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies (CDFS) from WVU prepares you to become a leader and advocate in early childhood education. With a focus on development from birth through age eight, this flexible program blends theory, hands-on experience, and the latest best practices to help you make a lasting impact on children and families.
- Developmental Expertise: Study both typical and atypical development in children from birth to age eight.
- Leadership & Advocacy: Gain the skills to lead in early childhood settings and advocate for children and families.
- Real-World Experience: Complete field experiences and internships in early learning environments.
- Supportive Learning: Learn how to create enriching, inclusive environments that foster growth and learning.
- Career-Ready Training: Prepare for roles such as Head Start teacher, family support worker, parent educator, and more.
I’ve always wanted to help and teach young children and this degree and all the knowledge I’m learning has only fueled that desire.
Ashton Frame
Child Development and Family Studies B.S.
Curriculum
The curriculum of the B.S. in Child Development and Family Studies is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of early childhood development. Students will learn best practices for supporting the academic, social, and cognitive growth of young children. The program emphasizes advocacy and leadership in early education, incorporating the West Virginia Core Knowledge and Core Competencies and the West Virginia Early Standards Framework. Additionally, the curriculum follows the standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Through online coursework and supervised field experiences, you will gain the skills needed to create positive and enriching environments for young learners.
Learning Outcomes
As a student in the Birth through 5/Pre-Kindergarten option of Child Development
and Family Studies you will be able to:
- Describe and apply knowledge in human growth and development, family issues and interaction, youth concerns and issues, cultural and societal contexts, and related topics.
- Explain, interpret, and appraise the various social contextual influences on development and family functioning and the interactive relationships between families and other societal institutions.
- Identify, describe, design, and appraise strategies for working with children, adolescents, and families in various social service and community-based context.
- General Education Foundations (GEF) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (31-37 Credits)
- Outstanding GEF Requirements 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7, 24 credits
- CAHS 191: First-Year Seminar, 2 credit hours
- General Electives, 43 credit hours
- CDFS 110: Families Across the Life Span (GEF 4), 3 credit hours
- CDFS 112: Introduction to Family Processes and Dynamics, 3 credit hours
- CDFS 210: Introduction to Parenting, 3 credit hours
- CDFS 211: Infant Development, 3 credit hours
-
or
CDFS 212: Development in Early and Middle Childhood, 3 credit
hours
- CDFS 250: Research Methods, 3 credit hours
- CAHS 300: Career Exploration in Applied Human Sciences, 3 credit hours
- ECSE 311: Developmental Assessment for Young Children with Special Needs, 3 credit hours
- or ESCE 315: Home-Based Programs for Early Intervention, 3 credit hours
- CDFS 413: Stress in Families, 3 credit hours
- or CDFS 415: Family Interaction and Communication, 3 credit hours
- CDFS 416: Trauma, Resiliency, and Children, 3 credit hours
- CAHS 489: Capstone Experience in AHS, 3 credit hours
- CDFS 417: Families and Health, 3 credit hours
- Upper Level Developmental Specialization - Select one of the following:
- CDFS 410: The Science of Positive Youth Development, 3 credit hours
- CDFS 412: Adolescent Development, 3 credit hours
- CDFS 432: Early Socio-Emotional Development, 3 credit hours
- Required Minor, 15 credit hours
Admissions Process and How to Apply
- Pay undergraduate application fee
- Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU), or
high school transcripts if fewer than 24 college credits be sent to:
WVU Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 6009Morgantown, WV 26506-6009
or Email: WVUadmissions@mail.wvu.edu - Minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
For additional requirements specific to first time freshman, online students, and internal/external transfer students, please connect with the admissions coach.
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
- Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Connect with Our Team
Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-0915 Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Careers and Employment
A career in the area of child development and family studies provides opportunities to support children, families, and communities to meet their greatest potential. This type of career allows for individuals to work with people to build better communities.
Career Paths
- Child, Family and School Social Worker
- Child Care Director
- Curriculum Coordinator
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Developmental Specialist
- Parent Educator
- Early Childhood Resiliency Specialist