Human Ecology - Child Development, B.S.

The program in Child Development provides a broad interdisciplinary background in the area of children and families. As the only four-year program in Maryland, it prepares students to work and/or teach others to work with children and their families. Emphasis is given to development within various family structures and to strategies for facilitating normal development. Students learn basic and applied concepts of human development and acquire skills in working with young children and their families with different abilities, and backgrounds in a variety of settings. In addition to classroom instruction, child development students spend part of several semesters working in the campus Child and Family Development Center and in off-campus social and human service agencies. Students choosing this option can broaden their career possibilities by completing courses in cognitive areas such as business, recreation, sociology, social work, or nutrition that complement the training in Child Development. Successful completion of the Child Development program also provides excellent preparation for graduate studies.

Departmental Requirements

Human Ecology students are required to maintain a “C” in each course in the Human Ecology Major Core requirements, Program Foundation Knowledge, Program Electives, and a “C” average in General Education and Supportive Course Requirements. Individual concentration areas may choose specific courses to fulfill General Education requirements. Students transferring into the department from another department or institution must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

All Human Ecology students are required to complete an out of class practical experience which can be in a form of an Internship, practicum, or research project.  Each concentration has specific requirements for this out-of-classroom practical experience so students should consult with their advisors for details about this aspect of their academic preparation. The Child Development Program requires that all students, including those transferring to the Department from 2-year institutions, maintain a “C” in each course in their Program Core and Program Electives and a “C” average in General Education and Supportive Course Requirements. Individual programs may choose specific courses to fulfill General Education requirements. Students transferring into the department from another department or institution must have a 2.5 Cum GPA.

Career Opportunities

Potential employment opportunities include private child care facilities, hospital and clinic settings, recreation programs, health and social service agencies, and businesses. Students choosing this option can broaden their career possibilities by completing courses in cognitive areas such as business, exercise science, social work, or nutrition that complement the training in Child Development.