Child Development/Family Science
Welcome to the Child Development and Family Science Program
Child Development and Family Science is the interdisciplinary study of children and families, drawing from social sciences such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology.
We study well-being and mental health through a systems lens, with attention to the ways that context, relationships, and social location shape our lives. Programs in Child Development and Family Science provide you with an engaging, applied, and transformative learning experience, preparing you for professions helping children and families in community, government, and medical fields.
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Child Development and Family Science
Michaelsen 100
About our Program
Connect with our department to learn more about how to declare your major, get the latest news and event information, meet our faculty, and more.
About Us
Program Highlights and Social Media Information
Mission Statement
Mission Statement of the Child Development and Family Science.
Program and Application Information
Learn more about Child Development and Family Science programs and application processes
Practicum Opportunities
Information about the Child Development and Family Science Practicum Requirement and Sites
Family Resource Center
Learn about the Family Resource Center at CWU.
Faculty and Staff Directory
Meet the People Behind CWU Child Development and Family Science
Dual Degree Program
Start earning graduate credits as an undergraduate student
Explore our Degrees
Discover a range of programs designed to inspire creativity, build expertise, and prepare you for a successful career in Child Development and Family Science.
The CWU Difference
Child Life, BS: This is currently the only endorsed program in the state and one of only two child life programs in the northwest.
Family Science, BS: This program is approved by the National Council on Family Relations to prepare students to pursue the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential after graduation. We are the only CFLE-approved program in the state and one of two programs in the northwest.
Child Life, MS: Our program includes all Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP)-required courses to pursue certification as a child life specialist after graduation.
Inside the Classroom and Out
Our courses are small (maximum 30 students) to foster engagement and relationship building with each other and faculty. In addition to classroom learning, students also take part in the following:
Research: All students complete a two-quarter research methods course during Senior year where they work with faculty and other students to develop an original research study, collect data from human subjects, analyze their findings, and present their research in the program.
Practicum Experience: All students also engage in a multi-quarter practicum experience where they gain experience working in a community organization that serves children or families. The practicum is designed to help students actively apply what they are learning in the classroom to real-life client interactions.
Poverty Simulation: Students participate in a poverty simulation where they are assigned a role in a low-income family and participate in a month-long simulation of navigating social services and family relationships.