Degree Options
With a primary focus on studying the developing child within the context of their families, communities, and the larger society, we ensure students develop a strong foundational understanding of child development as well as family dynamics across the lifespan. Our secondary focus of study is on health prevention models and evidence-based practices which take into account cultural diversity, health and economic disparities and require our students to understand the latest research and field applications which help families to achieve and maintain healthy and resilient family dynamics.
BA in Child Development and Family Studies
Students may obtain a B.A. Degree in Child Development and Family Studies with an Option in Child Development and Family Studies or Family Life Education. The field of CDFS strives to improve the lives of children and families. As an integrative and interdisciplinary specialization, CDFS incorporates information from a variety of disciplines and focuses on utilizing the prevention approach to assist individuals and families.
Choose an advising sheet according to the year you declared Child Development & Family Studies as your major:
2019-2020 (PDF)
2018-2019 (PDF)
2017-2018 (PDF)
2016-2017 (PDF)
Family Life Education Option
Family Life Education in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences provides an academic and professional background for work with children, adults, couples, and families. It offers an interdisciplinary foundation in several areas that influence and enhance the quality of life of children, adults, couples, and families based on education, enrichment, and prevention. Fieldwork opportunities where students have direct experiences with individuals and families in the community are provided for qualified students.
About Family Life Education
This option was introduced in response to a certification process developed by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). NCFR is the leading national organization for professionals concerned with promoting and enhancing the quality of family life. NCFR sponsors the only national program to certify family life educators.
After completing the recommended preparatory course work in this department, it is possible to get two types of certification from NCFR:
Provisional Certification
Provisional certification is available to applicants who can demonstrate content knowledge in each of the , but who have not yet earned enough work experience hours in Family Life Education to qualify for full-certification status.
Full Certification
Full certification is available to CFLE applicants who can demonstrate both content knowledge and sufficient work experience in Family Life Education. Learn more about
Advising Sheet:
Minor in Child Development and Family Studies
The Child Development and Family Studies (CDFS) minor offers the opportunity to take a concentration of courses focusing on children and families. By providing students with an aggreate of CDFS courses students will be better prepared to assume the duties within a variety of careers relating to children and families in an array of settings.
This minor is not available to Child Development and Family Studies Majors.
Students seeking a minor in CDFS must meet all prerequisite course requirements. In addition, students must maintain a "C" or better in all courses required for the minor.
The minor requires 21 total units.
You must take these 3 courses (9 units)
- CDFS 111 Preschool Child
- CDFS 312I Family and Personal Development
- CDFS 319I Family Stress and Coping
Choose 4 classes (12 units)
- CDFS 211 Guiding Young Children
- CDFS 214 Environments for Preschool Children
- CDFS 311 Prenatal Development and Infancy
- CDFS 314 The Older Child
- CDFS 409 Language, Learning and the Developing Child
- CDFS 410 International Families
- CDFS 411 Individual Child Study and Guidance
- CDFS 412 Family Interaction
- CDFS 413 Child and Family in the Community
- CDFS 414 Field Work with Preschool Children
- CDFS 415 Feildwork with Infants/Toddlers
- CDFS 418 Parent Education
Choose an advising sheet according to the year you declared Child Development and Family Studies as your minor:
2019-2020 (PDF)
2018-2019 (PDF)
2017-2018 (PDF)
2016-2017 (PDF)
