Major in Child Development

Child Development is the study of how children grow physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively from conception to adulthood. Students in the specialization apply child development theory to the practice of helping children across diverse settings, including child welfare and social service organizations. Child Development students take several applied skills courses taught by clinicians. In these courses, students develop therapeutic skills and are well-prepared to work with children and families in many settings following graduation.

Child Development Program Requirements

Child Development Minor

Child Development Certificate

Interested in the Major or Minor?  Contact Information

Majors with a Child Development Specialization will:

1. Understand child development and family relationships from a Family Systems perspective.
2. Develop interpersonal skills to apply child development principles in therapeutic contexts.
3. Apply child development theory to practice with children of various ages.
4. Experience teamwork and learn collaborative skills.
5. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication and strong critical thinking skills.
6. Learn to analyze and present scientific information related to children and families.

What is Unique about the Child Development specialization?

All Child Development students complete a multi-term practicum experience in an agency suited to their particular professional goals. Practicum sites may include daycare facilities, early child learning centers, early intervention programs, social service agencies, developmental preschools, elementary or middle schools, or other agencies or programs that serve the needs of children and families.

Child Development students take several applied skills courses taught by clinicians. In these courses, students develop therapeutic skills and are well-prepared to work with children and families in many settings following graduation.

Child Development Major Required Courses

*For Child Development and Family Science Majors Only

Child Development Elective Courses:

Child Development Two Year Graduation Plan

CWU Catalog Program of Study

Admission and Graduation Requirements

Students wishing to declare a major in Child Development must be incoming first-year or transfer students or have a cumulative CWU GPA of 2.8. Child Development majors must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher to remain in the major and must earn a “C” or higher in all courses used to satisfy the major.

Application Process

To apply for the major, complete the major application form and contact Dr. Amy Claridge to enroll in the major and be assigned an advisor. 

The Child Development and Family Science major has three specializations: Child Life, Child Development, and Family Science.

For information about the Child Development Major, Minor, or Certificate, please contact Dr. Amy Claridge