Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies
Individuals choosing a major in child development and family studies may select a
professional focus from a wide variety of areas including child care specialist,
early childhood teacher, developmental specialist, child life educator, parent
educator, parent educator, extension specialist, and family life specialist. Field
placements offer students an opportunity to apply classroom theory to actual situations.
Online Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies with Pre-K Certification Option
West Virginia University’s Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies
with Pre-K Certification option, is ideal for off-campus individuals who must obtain
a degree with certification in Pre-K to maintain their employment, as well as for
other off campus individuals who want to enter the field of early childhood education
earning a four-year degree. Students must have graduated from high school at least four years prior to enrolling in the program.
Child Development and Family Studies Undergraduate Minors
The purpose of our CDFS minors is to better prepare individuals to work with children
in a variety of settings. Students will concentrate on courses that address topics
such as the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children
as facilitated by families, educators, child care professionals, and others in
each of these developmental domains. The following minors are offered:
Graduate Programs
Master of Arts in Educational Psychology:
Emphasis in Child Development and Family Studies
Students can pursue graduate study in Child Development and Family Studies
by enrolling in the Master of Arts in Educational Psychology program and choosing
the emphasis in Child Development and Family Studies. This program provides students
with opportunities for conducting research and working with families and children
in both educational and applied settings. Courses in child development, family
studies, parenting strategies, and interpersonal communication skills are supplemented
with field experiences in a variety of settings. Students are also prepared for
doctoral study in child development and family studies, sociology, special education,
psychology, and counseling.
Interdisciplinary PhD in Education:
Emphasis in Human Development and Family Studies
The Interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education Program provides
a rigorous course of study along with mentored research and teaching experiences
to enable students to achieve core educational objectives as scholars in human
development and family studies.
Certification and Credential Programs
The Child Development and Family Studies program offers the following certification
and credential programs:
Academic Common Market Tuition Savings Program
The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a tuition savings program for college students
in the 16 SREB member states who want to pursue degrees that are
not offered by their in-state institutions. Students may enroll in out-of-state
institutions that offer their degree program and pay the institution’s instate
tuition rates. The Child Development and Family Studies (CDFS) Program at WVU participates
in the ACM.