Child Development - Family and Child Studies

The Child Development (BS) - Family and Child Studies (non-licensure) degree at Appalachian State University is designed to give you a broad base of knowledge about children and families. In this major, you will take courses in all areas of child and family studies – from conception through adulthood.

Graduates of this degree can work in non-public school settings and agencies with children and adolescents. They create supportive environments for children and families that will assist professionals who work directly with families and family service agencies. They also work closely with families of children and adolescents to help families understand how they can support positive developmental and educational outcomes.

Students choose an area of focus including: Early Childhood, Early Intervention, Child and Family Support and Services, or Programs and Services for Middle Childhood and Adolescence. Two required field experiences will develop your professional skills so you are ready for the workplace.

• Child Care Resource and Referral
• Child Life
• Directing summer camps
• Director of early care and education centers
• Early Intervention Agencies
• Cooperative Extension
• Non Profit (e.g., March of Dimes, Make A Wish Foundation)
• Smart Start Partnership
• Starting your own home early care and education center
• Teaching in early care and education
• Teaching in Smart Start
• Working with teen mothers
• Directing after school programs in the public schools

• Complete an application (apply using the Common Application)
• Provide your official high school transcript(s)
• Provide your official or unofficial college transcript(s) for any completed college coursework*
• Submit $65 application fee (or approved fee waiver)
• Submit official or self-reported SAT (school code: 5010) or ACT (school code: 3062) scores (or apply with a test waiver)
• Complete your FAFSA (application opens Oct. 1; school code: 002906)