The Child Development and Services program within the College of Education and Human Development prepares individuals to work with children and their families in a range of care and service settings. The major centers on the development of birth through school-age children and the cultivation of skills, environments, and programs that promote healthy child development and outcomes
Program Stats
97%
of College of Education and Human Development graduates working full time have a job related to their degree
98%
of College of Education and Human Development graduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning
95%
of College of Education and Human Development graduates working are satisfied with their job
Pursue a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Services
Do you have a genuine love for children? Do you want to understand human behavior and development? Then the Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Services is right for you.
Through the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, you'll delve into the intricacies of child development from birth through the school-age years, with a practical focus on cultivating the skills, environments, and programs essential for fostering healthy outcomes. A significant emphasis is placed on developing strong interpersonal relationships and communications, understanding diverse family systems, mastering parent education techniques, navigating family law and policy, and upholding high professional ethics and competencies.
The child development and services major includes selection of courses within one of two tracks. The Child Programming and Administration track is designed to fulfill the State of Michigan's requirements for childcare center directors. Alternatively, the Child Life Foundations track provides fundamental knowledge essential for those aspiring to serve as child life specialists.
What you’ll learn
You will gain a deep understanding of human growth and development from birth through school age, emphasizing strategies to promote healthy outcomes for children. The curriculum explores complex family dynamics, diverse family systems, interpersonal relationships, and the significant impact of cultural and societal contexts. You will also develop practical skills in areas like parent education, family policy, professional ethics, and designing effective programs for children and families.
Student quote
WMU has made a huge impact on my life. I fell in love with not only the campus, but also the faculty. WMU is home.
Where you’ll be after graduation
Upon completion of this Bachelor of Science degree, you'll be prepared for work in a wide variety of child-centered services including parent education, adoption, foster care, behavior intervention, childcare, program administration, child welfare, alternative education, and for graduate studies in child life, family science and services, youth and community development, or other related programs.
For 95% of College of Education and Human Development grads, they got that job or got into that graduate school program after graduation. That is because your journey of self-discovery begins the moment you step on campus. At WMU's Career and Student Employment Services, career specialists help you align your passions and abilities with future careers and advanced degrees. They will connect you to practical experiences like internships, job shadowing, research projects and professional mentors.
What others have achieved
Learn about the successful journeys of recent program graduates and the advice they have to share for prospective WMU students.
Meet Carly
Carly had the opportunity to teach at multiple child care centers as part of an internship with the Kalamazoo Youth Development Network.
Meet Jamiese
A Kalamazoo Promise scholar and two-time WMU alumna, she is currently working at the Kalamazoo Regional Education Services Agency as a career coach.
Making the most of your learning experience
In the College of Education and Human Development, you'll embark on an incredible journey of experiential learning that goes beyond textbooks. Collaborating closely with faculty members, you'll dive into cutting-edge research, fieldwork and professional pursuits. Pushing the boundaries of the traditional classroom, you'll gain practical skills and make a tangible impact.
Internship placements for students in this major occur in diverse environments like childcare centers, hospitals (for Child Life), social service agencies, and schools. Such experiences are crucial for promoting healthy child development and will align with your chosen specialization.
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Are scholarships available?
Yes! You've put in the hard work—now it's time to see your reward.
Scholarships are an excellent way to help the reduce the costs of higher education. Whether you are entering college for the first time, transferring to WMU from another institution or returning from a gap in your education, be sure to check out our scholarship options. Students earn scholarships for financial need, academic success and promoting multicultural awareness. Most are offered on a competitive basis.
