Our Child Development Graduates Are…
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 Career Paths
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.
Early Childhood Educators
Early childhood educators nurture the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of young children through age-appropriate curriculum and play-based learning activities.
Early Childhood Administrators
Early childhood administrators ensure that a center operates efficiently, complies with regulations, provides high-quality care and education, and maintains positive relationships with families.
Human Service Professionals
Human service professionals advocate for vulnerable populations, manage cases, provide essential support services, implement prevention programs, and promote social justice.
Getting Started in This Degree
If you are interested in Child Development, start with one of the following major-specific courses:
Related Majors
The Child Development program is a two-year course of study designed to help graduates become teachers in or directors of developmentally appropriate child care centers or preschools in home and commercial settings or to be qualified teacher's aides in nursery schools or kindergartens. The program includes courses about child development, methods for teaching in early childhood settings, parent education, exploring the natural environment, and observation and assessment.
The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies is designed for students who wish to obtain an educational experience that bridges two or more disciplines. The Interdisciplinary Studies degree allows students to design a program that will help to prepare them for their particular career goals.
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.
Help people improve their well-being through recreation! A degree in Therapeutic Recreation trains students to work at recreation centers, after-school programs, daycares, assisted living centers, retirement homes, and respite care centers.