Child Development and Family Studies

Bachelor's Degree Program

Advance your professional knowledge and open new career opportunities in the early childhood field. The child development and family studies degree at UAF is a flexible bachelor’s program designed to meet the educational needs of both rural and urban Alaskans. As part of the child development major, you’ll pursue specialized study in administration within the early childhood field, curriculum and teaching or family support. The child development and family studies program meets professional preparation standards developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Who Is the Child Development and Family Studies Program Designed For?

This program is designed for early childhood professionals who are looking to take the next step in their careers, and gain the skills to become more effective educators within the field of early childhood. With its flexible delivery, it’s a great fit for students living in rural communities in Alaska. Many of our students are actively working with Head Start programs, and are seeking to meet the Federal regulations for Head Start employment as well as licensing requirements for other early education and care environments. The child development and family studies program also works in partnership with Learn & Grow is Alaska's Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS).

How is the child development and family studies program delivered?

The child development and family studies major is available through a variety of distance methods for students throughout Alaska. Some classes are also available face-to-face as opportunities become available.

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Why Study Child Development and Family Studies at UAF?

  • Earn your bachelor’s degree in child development and family studies from anywhere in Alaska through our flexible distance education program.

  • Transfer 21 credits from your associate degree in early childhood education (from a regionally accredited college or university) toward your child development major at UAF.

  • Take part in field experiences designed to help you develop professional skills working with different age groups and in diverse early childhood education settings.

  • Specialize your child development and family studies degree in administration, curriculum or family support.

Experiential learning in the child development and family studies program

The child development major includes interesting hands-on projects that will help you develop practical career skills. One example is developing curriculum plans that align with the interests and cultural values of children, families and communities in your region. As part of our action research course, you’ll also have the opportunity to develop an action plan to address a real-world need where you live and work.

 

The child development and family studies program has changed the way I work with children and families and is leading me on a path to making a lasting impact on their lives forever. Amanda Lee, Wasilla, Alaska
The child development and family studies major is not just a continuous study from the associate degree in early childhood education, it’s a cultural blend of perspectives that create a new thought, a new learning and new connections to the children, families and our society to whom we as teachers advocate for. Kristina Walker, Fairbanks, Alaska

Child Development Jobs

Our bachelor’s degree graduates work in early care and education programs, preschools, Head Start programs, social work agencies, family day care programs, and other early childhood settings. Many also go on to pursue graduate degrees in fields such as education, special needs, social work and school administration.

 

 

Explore Classes in the Child Development and Family Studies Program

Required classes for the child development and family studies bachelor’s degree program cover topics such as positive social and emotional development, child guidance, nutrition and physical wellness and family relationships. You will have the option to specialize your child development degree in administration, curriculum or family support.

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Earn your bachelor’s degree in child development and family studies at UAF. Submit your application online today.