Skip to main content
Majors
myBYUI
Directories
A-Z Index
Give
  • Home
myBYUI
Directories
A-Z Index
Give
Majors
  • Home
Bachelor of Science

Child Development (B.S.)

Department of Home and Family
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.
Learn More About the Child Development Program
Request more information about the Child Development program and discover how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.

Request More Information
Get Involved

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:
Child Development
April 08, 2026 09:51 AM
CHILD 210
See Course Details
Infant and Toddler Development
April 08, 2026 09:54 AM
CHILD 300
Get Involved
Early and Middle Child Development
April 08, 2026 09:55 AM
CHILD 310
Get Involved
Adolescent Development
April 08, 2026 09:52 AM
CHILD 320
See Course Details
Observation and Assessment
April 08, 2026 09:55 AM
CHILD 350
Get Involved
Research Methods
April 08, 2026 09:56 AM
CHILD 400
Get Involved
Family and Community Relationships
April 08, 2026 09:58 AM
FAML 430
Get Involved
Program Administration
April 08, 2026 09:57 AM
CHILD 440
Get Involved
4-Year Plan
See Example Class Plan
Get Involved
See all required courses

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.

Career Options

Data Source: Industry and occupation employment and wage estimates are modeled using data from Lightcast, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other public sources. Figures are estimates and actual outcomes may vary by employer, experience, and location.

AI in Academics

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

Learn more about AI in Academics
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

A child development student paints with a young girl.
Child Development (A.A.S.)
Teach preschool by gaining a basic understanding of how children grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.
Get Involved
Students in an Interdisciplinary Studies class participate in a discussion.
Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.)
Combine multiple subjects into a unique, customized field of study.
Get Involved
A marriage and family studies student discusses with the rest of class
Marriage and Family Studies (B.S.)
Marriage and Family Studies prepares students for careers in family life education, human services, advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations, and youth services. Through this program, students will learn principles and skills pertaining to healthy family functioning, including skills related to communication, advocacy, and conflict management. Students learn about the family and what creates strong and healthy family relationships. Students choose an emphasis related to the family that they want to focus on, choosing from Child & Family Advocacy, Human Services, or Parent & Family Education.
Get Involved
Activities - Wheelchair Basketball - Dec 2024
Therapeutic Recreation (B.S.)
Use recreation and leisure activity to improve the health and well-being of patients.
Get Involved

Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

Learn How to Apply
Explore how to begin your academic journey at BYU-Idaho by starting your application today.
Get Involved
Change Your Major
Learn how to update your academic path with simple instructions for requesting a major change.
Get Involved

Learn More About the Child Development Program

Request more information about the Child Development program and discover how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.

Request More Information