COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Child Studies program requires a total of 120 credits, beginning with 60 credits in general education that include 12 credits in the common core—such as college writing, literature, communication, and digital skills—and 24 credits in liberal arts, with courses in history (HIS 201 or HIS 202 recommended for those interested in education), ethics, psychology, sociology, and fine arts. Students must also complete 6 credits in mathematics, including quantitative methods or higher and statistics, along with 3 credits in science. Additionally, 15 open elective credits allow for further academic exploration. The major core and concentration area, totaling 60 credits, includes a designated writing course focused on observations, assessments, and individualizations (CHS 450). The major core comprises foundational courses in early childhood studies, education principles, children’s literature, teaching exceptional learners, home-school-community relations, STEM education, health and nutrition, emergent literacy, curriculum approaches, and two practicum experiences to apply theory in real settings. Students must also complete a CHS elective, with suggested options including courses on family engagement, special topics, or language development. The behavioral science core requires 15 credits covering child welfare or sociology of marriage and family, educational psychology, learning theory, language development in young children, and race and ethnicity, which enrich students’ understanding of social and developmental contexts. To support career readiness, the program includes 6 credits in college-to-career core courses focusing on college success and professional development seminars. This comprehensive curriculum equips students with multidisciplinary knowledge and practical skills necessary to support young learners from birth through age eight. While the program prepares graduates for early childhood education roles and developmental support, it is not designed for state licensure as a public school teacher. Overall, this degree combines theory, applied learning, and professional development to prepare students to make a positive impact on children’s early educational experiences.