What constitutes a “functional” family? How do couples manage to remain in long-term marriages when the divorce rate is so high? Should I spank my child? What parenting style is the best? Is it important for me to volunteer in my child’s classroom? The Child & Family Studies concentration addresses these questions and many more.

If you choose this concentration, you will graduate with a solid background in child and family development. In classes you will explore stressful life events that impact families and efforts that you may use to transition through these events. You will be equipped with theories of family and child development and the skills necessary to work with families in a variety of settings.

Upon graduation, you can choose from careers that focus on working with young children in child care settings; working in social service agencies; advocating for the healthy lives of children and families; teaching parent education programs; organizing community service projects; running child development centers or human resource centers; and working with the juvenile court system and family first agencies. In addition, you may later pursue certification as a child life specialist.

If Child & Family Studies is for you, visit our undergraduate programs.