The Child Studies major is designed for undergraduates interested in careers working with children and families in school or community settings.

The Pre-Teaching emphasis provides a broad liberal arts background related to the elementary school curriculum, as well as a set of courses designed to introduce future teachers to the research foundations of best practices in education, child development, and issues and policies related to the schools. Students with a B.S. in Liberal Studies in the Pre-Teaching emphasis are prepared to go on to post-graduate studies related to their career goals such as teacher credential programs.

The curriculum encompasses a social-justice, anti-racist, and cultural competence perspective, all constructs that are critical for 21st-century child advocates. As a complement to the curriculum, CHST majors work extensively with children and families in local schools and community-based programs. Our faculty is committed to addressing the myriad issues affecting marginalized populations: education policy, the pre-school to prison pipeline, socio-emotional processes, political dynamics, community organizing, institutional change, and so much more.

Child Studies majors earn a Bachelor of Science degree and are prepared to matriculate to graduate studies in fields, such as teacher education, social work, counseling, psychology, law and more. CHST advisors can provide information about teaching credential programs and many other vocations requiring further graduate or professional school education. Our CHST alumni pursue careers in social work, teaching, counseling, family law, speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, or nonprofit agencies that provide community services to children and families.