CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY STUDIES B.S.

Jan. 9, 2023

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$439

Cost Per Credit Hour

120

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Formats

Milestones and Beyond, the Inspiration to Spread Joy in Learning

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.

Young female child drawing in a book.

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.

Enrollment coach, Gary Phillips.

Gary is here to help.

Gary Phillips, Your Personal Online Admissions Coach

"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

Contact

Email: GPhillip@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-0915
Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

Child Development and Family Studies Admission Requirements

Apply with the online Undergraduate Application
Pay undergraduate application fee
Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU), or high school transcripts if fewer than 20 college credits and send to:
WVU Office of Admissions
PO Box 6009
Morgantown, WV 26506-6009
or
Email: GraduateAdmissions@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 email Gary.

Apply Now

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

For information on tuition, fees, and financial aid, please visit the WVU Hub.

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

Courses and Curriculum

Child Development and Family Studies B.S. Requirements

General Education Foundations (GEF) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (31-37 Credits)
Outstanding GEF Requirements 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8
A minimum grade of C- is required in all Child Development and Family Studies Major Coursework.

Course	Title	Credit Hours
CDFS 191	First-Year Seminar	1

General Electives: 23-49

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

Child Development Requirements

Course	Title	Credit Hours
CDFS 211	Infant Development	4
CDFS 316	Child Development Practicum	3
CDFS 431	Infant Toddler Language and Literacy	3
CDFS 432	Early Socio-Emotional Development	3
CDFS 491	Professional Field Experience	6
CDFS 491A	Professional Field Experience	3

Additional Requirements

Course	Title	Credit Hours
C&I 410	Early Childhood Education 1	3
C&I 411	Early Childhood Education 2	3
HLSC 172	First Aid and Emergency Care	2
RDNG 423	Literacy and the Young Child	3
ECSE 311 or ECSE 312 or ECSE 317	Developmental Assessment for Young Children with Special Needs or Differentiated Instruction for Young Children with Special Needs or Technology for Young Children with/without Special Needs	6

Kinderskills

Course	Title	Credit Hours
CDFS 430	Best Practices in Pre-K Movement	3

Classroom Creativeness

Choose one of the following courses:

Course	Title	Credit Hours
Art 103	Materials and Procedures	2
C&I 414	Creative Experiences in Early Childhood	2
MUSC 182	Music in the Elementary School	2

The Business of Child Care and Education

Choose two of the following courses:

Course	Title	Credit Hours
BCOR 350	Principles of Marketing	3
BCOR 370	Principles of Management	3
CDFS 420	Leadership in Early Childhood	3
CDFS 421	Child Care Center Administration	3
CDFS 422	The Business of Child Care Management and Financial Strategies	3
CDFS 423	External Funding: Early Childhood Programs	3

Total credit hours: 120

Suggested Plan of Study

First Year

Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
ENGL 101 (GEF 1)	3	ENGL 102 (GEF 1)	3
MATH 121 (GEF 3)	3	CDFS 110 (GEF 4)	3
CDFS 191	1	CDFS 112	3
GEF 5	3	GEF 6	3
GEF 8	3	GEF 7	3
Elective	3
	16		15

Second Year

Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CDFS 210	3	CDFS 250	3
CDFS 212	3	GEF 8	3
GEF 2	4	AOE Courses	9
GEF 8	3
Elective	3
	16		15

Third Year

Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
AOE Courses	9	AOE Courses	9
Electives	6	Electives	7
	15		16

Fourth Year

Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CDFS 413	3	SPED 304	3
AOE Courses	9	AOE Courses	6
Elective	3	CDFS 491 or 491A	3-6
	15		12

Total credit hours: 120

Your future in Child Development and Family Studies

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, hospitals, afterschool programs, and childcare centers. The CDFS degree 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 Benefits to Choosing Our Program

Students in the Birth through 5/Pre-Kindergarten option of Child Development and Family Studies will acquire:

Knowledge of the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of young children in the family and preschool contexts.
Skills in implementing appropriate curricula as well as developmental and performance assessments.
Ability to construct positive and enriched early childhood environments where the young have the opportunity to develop skills for lifelong learning.
Knowledge of current best practices that prepare young children to be competent, independent learners.
Ability to reflect on one’s knowledge and skills of teaching and interacting with young children.
Knowledge of how young children learn in order to prepare educational activities in inclusive environments.
Extensive field experiences with various ages of young children--infants, toddlers and preschoolers and young school age.

Why choose a career in Child Development and Family Studies?

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. Also see more examples of why social science careers are impactful here: whysocialscience.com.

Career Outlook for Child Development and Family Studies

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

Child Care Director
Projected Growth: (11%) Faster than average

Curriculum Coordinator
Projected Growth (10%) As fast as average

Social and Community Service Managers
Projected Growth (15%) Faster than average

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).

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from an online Child Development and Family Studies Bachelor program?

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.

Can you study early childhood education online?

Yes, and our program is 100% online.

Is a Bachelor’s in Child Development worth it?

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.

Are Child Development majors in demand?

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.

What can you do with an early childhood education besides teaching?

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.

What is the highest paying job in early childhood education?

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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WVU Online
West Virginia University
PO Box 6800
Morgantown, WV 26506-6800

Phone: (800) 253-2762
Email: WVUOnlineInquiry@mail.wvu.edu

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