Child Development and Family Studies, (B.P.S.)

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The Bachelor of Professional Studies in Child Development and Family Studies focuses on recognizing and enhancing important developmental milestones for children from birth through adolescence. Students will learn how to create effective learning environments to promote children’s healthy development as well as assist parents in creating positive relationships and environments for the development of their children. In addition, students study the stages of development from infancy through adolescence and the ways that family, culture, peers, and schools influence the growth of children. Students will also explore the importance of advocacy for children and their families whether it be in the classroom, hospital, or justice system.

The B.P.S. in Child Development and Family Studies courses are designed to reflect professional standards set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). These standards are critical indicators of program quality.

In addition to core courses based on early childhood development, these guidelines contain course work designed to develop skills and knowledge of the historical, social, cultural, and educational contexts of the field.

This program DOES NOT lead to teacher licensure. Students interested in gaining a teaching license should contact the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences at 678-2728.

General Education (35-41 hours)

See University General Education Program for the University General Education Program requirements. Students who have completed one year of American History in high school are exempted from the six credit-hour History General Education Program requirement; otherwise, students will have to meet the History requirement.

Coordinated Study (48 hours)

Many upper-division (3000/4000-level) courses have prerequisites that must be met prior to being permitted to register for those courses. You are responsible for knowing and satisfying all course prerequisites. Some (not all) prerequisites are listed below. For specific information about courses and the prerequisites they may have, please view course descriptions at: http://www.memphis.edu/ugcatalog/coursedescrip/index.php.

Many courses also require permits from the department that teaches the course. For example, SWRK and CJUS courses will always need permits from those respective departments. University College staff cannot issue permits for courses taught in other departments. ALL 3000/4000 level classes taught by the College of Business (ACCT, ECON, FIR, MGMT, MKTG) require a permit; students must request a permit online at: https://fcbeacad.memphis.edu/permits/

Child Development & Family Studies Core (18 hours)

Family and Society (6 hours; take 2)

Counseling (3 hours; take 1)

Historical Context (3 hrs Take 1)

Social Services and Public Policy (6 hours; take 2)

PADM 3601 - Public Admin**
PADM 4226 - Intro Nonprofit Organizations
POLS 3213 - Intro to Public Policy **
SWRK 2911 - Soc Response to Human Need
SWRK 3902 - Human Behavior/Soc Envrnmnt
SWRK 4934 - Child Welfare Policy/Services
All SWRK courses require permit from the department.

Educational Context (9 hours; take 3)

*University College students MUST be Junior standing in order to enroll in ECED courses*

Internship (3 hours)

UNIV 4110 - Internship**

College Requirements (9 hours)

Thematic Studies (6 hours)

University College thematic studies course(s) are designed to broaden a student’s knowledge of significant themes in social, political, and religious history. Review a complete list of courses: http://www.memphis.edu/univcoll/resources/thematic_studies.php

Senior Project (3 hours)

The senior project is a student’s culminating experience or capstone designed to synthesize and integrate the content of a student’s program of study. The senior project is intended to fuse the two or more academic areas that comprise the student’s coordinated study (major) into an academically-relevant example of scholarship. Students will complete a thesis, task-based, or artistic project on a topic of their choice with approval of their senior project instructor. The senior project is completed during a student’s final semester. ALL sections of UNIV 4995 are taught online. Students will be assigned to a specific section based on his or her concentration.

UNIV 4995 - Senior Project** (completed during the final semester)

General Electives (22-28 hours)

Electives will be chosen to bring the total number of hours to 120 with a minimum of 42 upper-division hours.