Child Development and Family Studies, BS

A Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Child Development and Family Studies prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills to effectively work with young children and their families in multicultural and multilingual urban settings. This program is distinctive in that it emphasizes healthy development of young children (0 to 5 years old) and their families, particularly those who are bilingual. Courses and approximately 100 hours of hands-on experiential learning allow students to develop skills and knowledge to serve typically developing young children in the home, community, and child care settings.

Program Advisor: Nedra Washington
Nedra.Washington@untdallas.edu

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Child Development and Family Studies includes the following:

1. Hours Required and General/College Requirements: A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.
2. Major Requirements: Completion of a minimum of 39 hours from Child Development of which 30 must be advanced. Students should complete 3000D-level courses before enrolling in 4000-level courses.
3. Minor Requirements: A minor requires at least 18 hours in a given subject, including 6 hours of advanced work. Specific course sequences for a minor are determined by the department offering the minor. A minor is not required but is an option. Students also have the option of pursuing one of two focused tracks described in the electives below.
4. Electives: One of two focused tracks for electives are recommended:
   1. Business Management focus is for individuals who intend to seek child care management positions. (See below).
   2. Practitioner focus is for individuals who prefer working directly with children and families. This results in a Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
5. Requirements: All students entering the Child Development program must have a cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 2.0 and be in good academic standing. Must clear criminal background check.