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Child and Family Studies

Program(s) Available: B.A.S., Minor

Do you enjoy working with children? Have a big heart for helping others? Northwest's child and family studies program might be for you, then! Read more about how you can learn how to help improve the quality of life for those in need.

Why Study Child and Family Studies at Northwest

Child and Family Studies focus on the unique perspective of the family. Students will learn the dynamics of the family within the context of a system and focus on the family as the nurturer of children, resource supplier for its members and part of society. Understanding the intricacies of family dynamics will put students in a unique position to help with struggles within and outside the family unit.

For transfer students completing a vocational or technical Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Science degree from a regionally accredited community college, a Bachelor of Applied Science with an emphasis in Child and Family Studies is available. The coursework builds on workplace skills and practical career training from an associate degree.

With a minor in child and family studies, students will become well-versed in family systems and the needs of a family and children within the family. After taking the required courses, students can customize their minor from a list of approved electives. For a list of required courses, visit the Academic Catalog. This minor requires the completion of 24 hours.

Please note this program is not a traditional four-year program. It is structured for transfer students or minors to accompany a related program.

Career Ready
Early childhood education with a certification in early childhood special education

I chose Northwest because it was the perfect distance from home, and it was just the right size to meet my educational wants and needs. — Nicole Reed

Career Opportunities

  • Child care provider
  • Preschool teacher
  • Counseling
  • Court appointed advocate
  • Case manager
  • Volunteer coordinator
  • Health care advocate

What Can I Do With a Major in Child and Family Studies?

Learn to teach at our on-campus school

Horace Mann Laboratory School, an elementary school, consisting of grades transitional kindergarten through six, is a clinical teaching environment on the Northwest campus where students gain profession-based skills. Horace Mann is one of a small number of laboratory schools in the United States and provides hands-on experience for students to ensure they are career-ready upon graduation. 

Learn to teach at our on-campus school

Gain skills in early childhood

The Phyllis and Richard Leet Center allow students and staff to engage in collaborative inquiry with children, families, teachers and faculty in ways that foster conversations about research, best practices and innovation. 

Gain skills in early childhood
The impact of value at Northwest
Right size. Right price.
We understand college is a big investment. Why not attend a school that is invested in you?