Child and Family Science

About the Department

Kathleen Dyer, Department Chair
Family and Food Sciences Building, Room 214
559.278.2283
socialsciences.fresnostate.edu/cfs/

The Child and Family Science Department is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families through education, research, and service. The department offers two degree options toward this end: (1) Child Development and (2) Family Science.

Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Science

Child Development Option. The Child Development program provides breadth and depth in the scientific study of child development, along with practical applications in disciplines that require direct interaction with children. It provides an excellent foundation for careers in child care, program administration, or work in health settings and other human services with children. It prepares students for post-graduate work toward a teaching credential, school psychology, or social work.

Interesting Classes you Might take

• Introduction to Child Development
• Culture and Diversity
• Introduction to Family Science
• Infant / Toddler Development
• Adolescent Development

Family Science Option. The Family Science program focuses on the scientific study of the family relationship context of child and adult development. Courses correspond with suggested content areas outlined by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), including internal dynamics of families, interpersonal relationships, human growth and development, families in society, parent education, family resource management, family law and public policy, and family life education. Graduates pursue opportunities in family life education (e.g., parenting education and relationship enrichment), military family support, and child and family service agencies. It provides an excellent foundation for graduate training in family therapy.

Interesting Classes you Might take

• Risk and resilience
• Family Theory
• Culture and Diversity
• Parent Education
• Intimacy

What You Can Learn

• Physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development from conception through adolescence
• Families, their place within society, and their influence on human behavior

Programs

• Child and Family Science - Child Development Option, B.S.
• Child and Family Science - Family Science Option, B.S.

• Pre-Child and Family Science, B.S.

• Child and Family Science, Minor