Family Science and Human Development: Child Development and Services

Anchored in knowledge of human ecological systems; human development throughout the lifespan; and features of individual, relational, and familial wellness and resilience; studies in Family Science and Human Development (FSHD) prepare students for effective practice in a range of human service roles and settings. FSHD is organized around three areas of concentration/professional preparation. All concentrations include 27 credit hours of coursework in core FSHD program courses with additional 27 credit hours of concentration credits. Each FSHD student chooses from one of the three concentrations. Twenty-seven credit hours are the same across all concentrations, which provides ease in changing from one concentration to another if needed. A grade of "C" or better is required for all required FCS classes in the concentrations. Three 15-credit hour minors are also available.

Child Development and Services
The Family Science and Human Development: Child Development and Services concentration prepares individuals to work with children, and their families, in a range of care and service settings. This concentration centers on the development of children, birth through school age, and the cultivation of skills, environments, and programs that promote healthy child development and outcomes. Interpersonal relationships and communications; diverse family systems; parent education; family law and policy; and professional ethics and competencies are emphasized.

The Child Development and Services concentration includes selection of courses within one of two tracks: Child Programming and Administration (fulfills State of Michigan requirements for childcare center directors) or Child Life Foundations (provides fundamental knowledge for service as child life specialist).

Graduates are prepared for work in a wide variety of child-centered services including parent education, adoption, foster care, behavior intervention, childcare, program administration, child welfare, alternative education, and for graduate studies in Child Life, Family Science and Services, Youth and Community Development, or other related programs. The Child Development and Services degree does not provide Michigan Department of Education teaching certification. Additional courses and clinical experiences beyond those offered in FSHD: Child Development and Services with the Child Life Foundations track are necessary in order to become eligible for certification as a child life specialist.

All required FSHD core courses are available online. Students can also take the majority of FSHD classes for any concentration in-person (FCS 1030, FCS 2190, and FCS 4295 are only offered online). The Child Programming and Administration track can be completed fully online, provided that the student chooses classes with an online option.

There is no minor required with the FSHD: Child Development and Services concentration. Students must successfully complete the WMU Essential Studies requirements.

1. Copy of passport identification page
2. Proof of English language proficiency*
3. Transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary schools attended or are attending, including diplomas, examination results, mark sheets and certificates.* Unofficial transcripts and other academic documents are acceptable for admission decision-making. Uploaded documents will show as received only AFTER an admissions counselor has completed the evaluation. 

   The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) may accept credential evaluation reports from certain credential evaluation services to make admission decision at Western Michigan University for undergraduate and graduate international admissions. Although it is not required, we strongly encourage submission of evaluation reports to expedite application processing and decision-making. Admitted and enrolled students are required to send your official high school or university transcripts and proof of degree before the beginning of the second semester of your studies. Following are the evaluation agencies that you may use to get your transcripts evaluated: World Education Services: www.wes.org Educational Credential Evaluators: www.ece.org Academic Evaluation Services: www.academicevaluations.org Global Credential Evaluators: www.gceus.com Spantran: The Evaluation Company: www.spantran.com

4. $100 non-refundable application fee
5. Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance. Proof of sufficient funds is a bank statement in your own name for cost of attendance. If the bank statement is not in your own name, then additionally provide a letter signed by your financial sponsor indicating that they will pay your cost of attendance.

*Official documents are those sent directly to International & Student Scholar Services (I3S) from the issuing institution or testing agency. Hand-carried transcripts will be accepted if in a sealed envelope from the institution. Documents sent by the student cannot be accepted as official.

If any documents are not issued in English, also provide an official English translation of each document. 

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