Child & Family Development, BA
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- Bachelor of Arts / major
- Format
- online,In-person
- Course Info
- Curriculum Guide
- College
- Health and Human Sciences, College of (Dean's Office)
- School/Department
- School of Social Work & Family Sciences
Program Contact
- Shannon R. Zentall, Ph.D.
-
Associate Professor
330-972-8158
Overview
Empower Children and Strengthen Families with a Degree in Child & Family Development
The Bachelor of Science in Child & Family Development prepares you to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families. Through a blend of coursework, hands-on experiences, and community engagement, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to support healthy development, advocate for families, and promote well-being across diverse communities. Whether you’re drawn to early childhood, family services, or human development, this degree offers a strong foundation for careers in education, social services, and beyond.
Admissions Requirements
A Grade of C or better in the following courses:
CHFD 265 Child Development
CHFD 201 Intimate Relationships
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Child & Family Development program are prepared for a variety of rewarding roles in child care, education, family services, and nonprofit organizations. Common career paths include family life educator, early childhood program coordinator, caseworker, parent educator, and roles within Head Start and community agencies. The degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in areas such as counseling, social work, or child life. With growing demand for professionals who support children and families, this program opens doors to meaningful work in your community and beyond.
The Child and Family Development major provides an excellent foundation for a career in advocacy. Students are encouraged to deeply understand child development, family dynamics, and the policies influencing children and families. This knowledge equips advocates with the skills to effectively communicate and work towards creating positive changes in policies and practices that affect children's lives. Our applied, interdisciplinary programs furnish students with the knowledge and experiences needed to prepare them to address real-world challenges in advocating for the rights and well-being of children.
