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Child Development and Family Studies, B.S.

Make a meaningful difference in the lives and development of children and their families with the online Child Development and Family Studies, B.S. program from WVU.

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Cost:

$517 / Cost per credit hour

Military Pricing Applies

Courses and Credits:

40 Courses / 120 Credits

Duration:

About 4 years

Admission Terms:

Fall, Spring, Summer

Next Start Date:

January 11, 2027

Learning Format:

Online asynchronous

Program Overview

The online B.S. in Child Development and Family Studies from the College of Applied Human Sciences prepares you to support the academic, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children from birth through adolescence. Through coursework grounded in child development theory, family studies, and early childhood education, you’ll learn to create inclusive, engaging environments that help children and families thrive.

Whether you aspire to work in early childhood development, family support services, community programs, or child/adolescent advocacy, you’ll graduate with the skills to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and the communities they call home.

Make a Lasting Impact on Children and Families

Build the expertise, field experience, and advocacy skills required to lead in early learning centers, family support agencies, and community programs.

  • Flexible Program Structure: This program offers full- and part-time study options without any classes that require you to attend sessions at a specific time, meaning you can meet class deadlines around your schedule.
  • Diverse Curriculum: Study both typical and atypical development in children from birth to adolescence.
  • Real-World Experience: Gain hands-on experience by working in the field in early learning environments through placements or internships to prepare for a variety of roles like Head Start teacher, family support worker/educator, and more.

What You’ll Learn

The Child Development and Family Studies program prepares you for a meaningful career supporting the well-being of children, youth, and families. You’ll study how people grow and develop across the lifespan, how families function, and how cultural and social factors shape relationships and communities.

  • Human Development: Gain an understanding of how family issues and interaction, youth issues, and cultural and societal contexts affect human growth and development.
  • Relationships and Contexts: Explain and interpret the various social contextual influences on development and family functioning and the interactive relationships between families and other societal institutions.
  • Support Your Community: Design strategies for working with children, adolescents, and families in various social service and community-based contexts.

Explore the courses that prepare you to support the healthy development of children and families:

Explores the physical, psychological, and cognitive developmental changes of individuals who are functioning in family systems that change across the life-span.

Examine the development from birth through age 9 across the physical, gross motor, fine motor, cognitive, language, social, and emotional domains. Students will explore key developmental theories and consider cultural variations in development. Emphasizing the applied nature of work with families and individuals during infancy, toddlerhood, early childhood, and middle childhood.

Examine the biological and environmental factors associated with developmental disabilities, delays, and at-risk conditions in young children; their impact across developmental domains; and assessment procedures to identify needs and plan and administer interventions in the early childhood years.

Overview of core issues of trauma and its impact on children and families, with an emphasis on growth, learning, and adult relationships. Students apply critical inquiry to explore the broader impact of trauma on society, including individual productivity and financial costs, and develop public awareness and learning material.
Explore Full Curriculum

Alumni Spotlight

Portrait of Jessica Costa
Portrait of Jessica Costa

Jessica Costa

B.S. in Child Development and Family Studies, 2026

“ “ I feel that the program helped to make me a better teacher by deepening my knowledge in special education, child development, and education.

See More

Application Steps

How to Apply

Applications for WVU’s online programs are processed through the University’s central portal. Follow these steps to set up your account and submit your application.

  1. Check the prerequisites: Review ‘What You Need to Apply’ to confirm your eligibility and get your application materials ready.
  2. Create your account: Visit the portal, create your account and start your application.
  3. Pay your application fee: Complete the required payment within the portal.
  4. Submit: Carefully review your details and submit your application.
Start Application Request Information

Tuition, Fees, and Aid

Cost per credit hour is listed on each program page. Rates are reviewed annually and subject to change.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Please visit WVU’s Estimate Costs and Aid website for how to plan for other potential expenses.

  • Complete the FAFSA
  • Check Employer Benefits: Inquire about potential tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.
  • Review Waivers: Understand the specific restrictions on University tuition waivers.

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Careers and Employment

The Child Development and Family Studies, B.S. online program is a comprehensive program that follows the standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), meaning the curriculum aligns with what the industry is actually looking for in someone joining this career path. This program will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of early childhood development and best practices for supporting the academic, social, and cognitive growth of children.

What can I do with a Child Development and Family Studies, B.S. degree? Explore potential careers, employment environments, and academic pathways:

  • Child, Family and School Social Worker
  • Child Care Director
  • Curriculum Coordinator
  • Social and Community Service Managers
  • Developmental Specialist
  • Parent Educator
  • Early Childhood Resiliency Specialist

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Frequently Asked Questions

Online asynchronous means the program is delivered entirely online with no required live meeting times (like Zoom). While you learn on your own schedule, you remain responsible for completing all coursework by the established deadlines.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the program’s curriculum and student experience, connect with:

Ken Cornwell

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