College of Education and Professional Studies
Child Development
Minor
Child Development Minor
If you're looking to boost your skills in working with children or parents in your field, a minor in child development is a great choice.
Whether you're majoring in psychology, early childhood education, special education, sociology, social services, public health, law and justice, physical and health education, or recreation and tourism, this minor can be a valuable addition to your studies. In this program, you'll dive into child development theories, explore cutting-edge research on how kids grow in different areas, and learn how family, community, and culture shape their development. Plus, you'll gain practical skills that you can apply in real-world settings. By completing this minor, you'll enhance your job prospects in roles that involve working with children across various fields.
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Child Development and Family Science
Michaelsen 100
You Belong Here
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Child Development and Family Science Website
Required Courses
- CDFS 232 - Child Development
- CDFS 236 - Parent Education and Guidance
- CDFS 438 - Attachment Theory and Practice
Department-approved Electives
- CDFS 332 - Trauma and Resilience in Children and Adolescents
- CDFS 335 - Relationship Dissolution and Repartnering
- CDFS 339 - Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
- CDFS 340 - Supporting Families with Children with Disabilities
- CDFS 344 - Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy
- CDFS 345 - Advanced Concepts in Child Development
- CDFS 403 - Family Communication
- CDFS 414 - Coping with Grief and Loss
- CDFS 415 - Therapeutic Play
- CDFS 416 - Child Life I: Child Life Scope of Practice
- CDFS 417 - Pediatric Diagnoses and Medical Terminology
- CDFS 418 - Child Life II: Impact of Child Hospitalization
- CDFS 432 - Theories in Child Development
Small Class Sizes
Find connection in our program with small class sizes that foster a supportive community and allow faculty to get to know you personally, ensuring a more tailored and engaging educational experience.
Career-Focused
This program is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing careers in education, counseling, public health, psychology, social services, healthcare, or other child-related fields.
Building Resilience
Choose from 13 electives that tackle difficult but important themes including grief and loss, trauma and resilience, and relationship dissolution.
Job Fulfillment
Learn and grow as an individual as you master methods that can make a real difference in a child’s life.
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Financial Aid
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Student Life
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The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Why Child Development at Central?
- Hands-on learning gives you valuable experiences in the classroom and the community.
- Pursue a meaningful career that creates positive changes for children and families.
- Develop foundational research skills, from analysis to findings and recommendations.
- Master relationship and interpersonal skills like clear communication, active listending, and empathy.
