Degrees and Requirements
Child and Family Studies
Bachelor of Arts
The Child and Family Studies major focuses on human development within the context of families, communities, and the wider society, and an understanding of challenges and treatment options for families in distress. The major is interdisciplinary in nature, with a core foundation in psychology as well as perspectives from education and the social sciences. To successfully complete the Child and Family Studies major, the following coursework is required:
- 45 credits of Major Requirements
- 37 credits of Core Requirements
- 38 credits of General Electives
This major cannot be doubled with a major or minor in Psychology.
Summary of Requirements
Major Requirements: 45 Credits
CFST2010
SURVEY OF HELPING PROFESSIONS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: PSYC1021 This course will provide an overview of policies and legislation that directly impact the functioning of parents and their children in the U.S. Some of the topics to be covered include changes in the welfare system, aid to dependent children, immigration policies, and availability of health care.
CFST4051
INTERNSHIP I - CHILD AND FAMILY
Credits (Min/Max): 1/6
CFST4052
INTERNSHIP II - CHILD AND FAMILY
Credits (Min/Max): 1/6
EDSP2015
INTRO TO HIGH INCIDENCE
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course provides students an opportunity to explore foundations of special education in the United States including: characteristics of each disability category, legislation, over-representation of diverse students, academic and functional needs of students with disabilities, individual learning differences, least restrictive environment, implications for a Standards Aligned System, collaboration and transition. Students will develop an understanding of Accommodations and Adaptations for inclusive environments.
ENGL2030
TECHNICAL WRITING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: ENGL1012 OR ENGL1012H Designed to apply the basic principles of communication to technical information so that the student can learn to present complex technical messages in the clearest possible way.
PREREQUISITES:
ENGL1012(H)
PSYC1021
INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This survey course introduces students to several critical areas of psychology. Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on the scientific method, its application to psychology, and the insights gained from scientific research. The interactions among biological processes, cognitive and emotional responses, sociocultural forces, and behavior are examined. Included are such diverse topics as: health, stress, and coping; consciousness, sleep and dreams; effects of psychoactive drugs on behavior and health; psychological disorders; social psychology; types of learning and behavior management, information processing approaches including memory, encoding and retrieval; and the relationship of the nervous system to thought, feelings, and behaviors.
PSYC2010
CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
The purpose of this course is to facilitate success within the psychology major and to prepare students for upper level courses as well as transition from college to a career and/or graduate school. Prereq: PSYC1021
PSYC2022
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: PSYC1021 OR PSYC1021H This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the field of developmental science with emphasis on the period from conception through middle childhood. The course approaches development by making use of both historical and contemporary scientific theory and investigates the major domains of development--biological, cognitive, social and emotional-from a chronological perspective.
PREREQUISITES:
PSYC1021 or PSYC1021H
PSYC2040
ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: PSYC1021 OR PSYC1021H This course is designed to provide an overview of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional developmental changes occurring during adolescence. Attention will be given to the contexts in which development occurs: the family, school, and peer group-as well as psychological changes in identity, autonomy, and intimacy. Psychological disorders that manifest during adolescence will be examined.
PREREQUISITES:
PSYC1021 or PSYC1021H
PSYC3011
RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: ENGL2030 and MATH1040 --or--CRIM2012 This course examines the major experimental designs and methods of scientific psychology. The nature of psychology as a science, types of and evaluation of research design and conclusions, conducting of research, preparation of research papers and ethics in research in psychology are covered.
PREREQUISITES:
PSYC1021 & PSYC3070 or CRIM2011 & MATH1040 or CRIM2012
PSYC3023
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: PSYC1021 OR PSYC1021H This course begins with definitions of abnormal behavior. Most of the course focuses upon various classifications of abnormality based on the most recent DSM, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, somatoform disorders, stress and physical health, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, sexual and gender-identity disorders, and schizophrenia. Etiology, symptomatology, and treatment are explored throughout the semester.
PREREQUISITES:
PSYC1021 or PSYC1021H
PSYC3032
PSYCH OF ADULTHOOD AND AGING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: PSYC1021 OR PSYC1021H This course examines the years from emerging adulthood through the end of life from a development are explored, with attention given to qualitative and quantitative approaches. Theories of change throughout the life course are investigated, as well as normative changes in physical health, cognition, work life, personality, and intimacy.
PREREQUISITES:
PSYC1021 or PSYC1021H
PSYC3040
COUNSELING THEORIES AND
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: PSYC1021 OR PSYC1021H This is the first course in a two-course counseling sequence. Taken together, these two courses are designed to: a) familiarize students with the basic concepts in the field of counseling; b) introduce students to the major theoretical approaches to counseling and psychotherapy; and c) enable students to develop a level of counseling skill that will enable them to function effectively in a supervised setting. This first semester is more than 50% abstract (lecture/discussion) learning.
PREREQUISITES:
PSYC1021 or PSYC1021H
PSYC3041
COUNSELING THEORIES AND
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This is the second course in a two-course counseling sequence. Taken together, these two courses are designed to: a) familiarize students with the basic concepts in the field of counseling; b) introduce students to the major theoretical approaches to counseling and psychotherapy; and c) enable students to develop a level of counseling skill that will enable them to function effectively in a supervised setting. This second semester is more than 50% experiential (role-playing; classroom exercise in the use of specific counseling techniques) learning.
SOCL3027
FAMILY RELATIONS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A sociological analysis of the family with emphasis on historical trends and contemporary family life in the United States. The study includes family relationships and functions, family disorganization and change, with an overview of the family as a major social institution.