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Bachelor of Science

Child Development (B.S.)

The Child Development program facilitates students’ growth in the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that will lead them to nurture children, celebrate and protect childhood, and fulfill their divine purpose. The program includes courses about child development, methods for teaching in early childhood settings, parent education, exploring the natural environment, and observation and assessment.
A home and family student plays with a young girl.

Child Development Introduction

Developmental Practitioners who implement appropriate, research-based practices that foster children's development in multiple domains.
Relationship Builders who use a strengths-based approach, valuing the positive qualities of children, families, and communities.
Intentional Teachers who incorporate multiple instructional methods, focusing on practical, first-hand learning.
Citizen Professionals who adopt and follow guidelines of ethical behavior as they serve children, families, colleagues, and society.
Nature Enthusiasts who help children connect to the natural world physically, cognitively, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
Joyful Learners who follow their passions and seek joy in their studies, displaying creativity and integrity.

Highlighted Courses

If you are interested in Child Development, start with one of the following courses:
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CHILD 210
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CHILD 300
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CHILD 310
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CHILD 320
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CHILD 350
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CHILD 400
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FAML 430
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CHILD 440
See Example Class Plan

Graduate Career-Ready

Graduates with a degree in Child Development have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries

Graduates in this field can expect average early career salaries ranging from $49,000 to $63,000 as developmental specialists and early intervention coordinators. Your expertise in child advocacy and family support provides a stable foundation for growth in nonprofit management and specialized therapeutic sectors.

Common Career Paths

You will be prepared for impactful leadership roles such as a child development center director, family life educator, or behavioral interventionist. This degree combines deep theoretical study with extensive observation and hands on experience to ensure you are ready to support families in educational and clinical settings.

Preparation for Grad School

This major provides a rigorous academic and research foundation for students pursuing advanced degrees in marriage and family therapy, school psychology, or social work. You will graduate with the critical thinking skills and applied experience required to excel in specialized programs for occupational therapy or speech language pathology.

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

AI in Child Development
You will learn to leverage artificial intelligence as a supportive tool for monitoring developmental milestones and personalizing learning activities for diverse student needs. Our curriculum prepares you to use data informed insights to improve intervention strategies while maintaining the empathy and gospel centered ethics essential to nurturing children.
Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness
AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.

Related Majors

Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

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