May 15, 2023
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.
"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."
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 |
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
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.
Students in the Birth through 5/Pre-Kindergarten option of Child Development and Family Studies will acquire:
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.
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).
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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