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Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Development

 Return to APUS Catalog | Bachelor's

The Bachelor's Degree in Family and Child Development emphasizes basic processes in child development, exploring the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from birth to adolescence, and prepares the graduate for working with children in a variety of educational settings. In addition, the program focuses on the family as a unit, how family members communicate and interact, the external influences upon the family, and conditions that influence human growth and the development of the individual within the context of the family. 

Degree Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and general education level learning objectives, the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Development also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates. With reference to each of the respective areas of family and child development, graduates in this degree program will be able to:

  • Explore classic and contemporary theories of family and child development.
  • Examine trends in family formation and dissolution within the context of social change.
  • Explore the biological, social, cultural, cognitive, and emotional development of the child.
  • Evaluate scientific research methods applied to the study the family.
  • Examine cultural, racial, ethnic, class, legal, policy, and gender influences on family life.

* A note for students who wish to be child care providers. Students who wish to pursue a career working with children are advised that each state has different licensing requirements for child care providers. It is strongly suggested that students check with the state or jurisdiction in which they will be working to be sure that University System courses will fulfill the requirements for their specific locale and desired license.While learning objectives that are specific to the academic discipline have been identified for each degree program, the University System also outlines general education outcomes (Level 1 and 2) that are sought throughout the institution and at each degree level. For a comprehensive discussion of these objectives please refer to the academic catalog.

Degree Program Requirements
Required Course - 3 semester hours

General Education Requirements (34 semester hours)

English Composition - 6 semester hours

Social Sciences - 6 semester hours

Science - 4 semester hours including the required 1 hour labs

Mathematics - 3 semester hours

History - 6 semester hours

Humanities - 3 semester hours

Literature - 3 semester hours

All literature courses require successful completion of EN101 - Proficiency in Writing or EN102 - Effectiveness in Writing


Political Science - 3 semester hours

Core Courses (27 semester hours)
Major Courses (24 semester hours)

A student enrolled in Family and child development must take eight (8) courses from the following two lists:

Child Development - Students must take four (4) courses from the following:

Family Development – Students must take four (4) courses from the following:

Capstone Course (3 semester hours)
Electives (30 semester hours)

Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill core or major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Total = 121 semester hours

 Return to APUS Catalog | Bachelor's

AMU is a member institution of the American Public University System (APUS), which is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association and nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission, Distance Education and Training Council.
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