Child Development and Family Science

Child development and family science (CDFS) provides a program of study for students interested in a variety of careers that involve work with children and/or families. Students majoring in CDFS may obtain a bachelor's degree. A masters Degree also is available.

Career Interest Areas

Career interest areas available at the undergraduate level include:

• Adolescent Development
• Adult Development and Gerontology
• Child Development
• Children and Families with Special Needs
• Cooperative Extension Service
• Family and Human Services
• Family Economics
• Health Services
• Hospital Child Life
• Parenting and Family Life

The Program

The major emphasis in CDFS programs is family and human development over the life span. Students gain an understanding of the development of children and adults and their interaction in the family and society. Students majoring in CDFS have two options: child development or family science

Courses include:

• Adolescent Development
• Adult Development and Aging
• Child Development
• Children and Families Across Cultures
• Children, Families and Public Policy
• Introduction to Family Studies
• Issues in Human Sexuality
• Life Span Human Development
• Parent-Child Relations
• Risk, Resilience and Competence in Couples and Families

Students majoring in CDFS enroll for credit in field experience as a critical part of their program of study. The department offers opportunities to work with children, youth, adolescents, older adults and families in various settings.

Career Opportunities

Career directions through CDFS can be divided into two general areas:

• Direct Service to Children and Families -- community service worker, outreach worker, parent educator, gerontology outreach, extension agent, financial counselor, child life specialist.
• Support Service to Children and Families -- program director for nursing or retirement facility, child care director, community and human service worker, consultant in human development, hospital-related services, researcher, child advocate, family life education.

Some of the careers listed above require a planned minor or a double major. Other careers require preparations beyond the bachelor's level. A CDFS degree is excellent preparation for students considering graduate work in counseling, family therapy or child and human development. Study in CDFS provides supportive course work for students interested in careers involving human relations.

Graduates from CDFS are currently employed in a variety of careers. These include: extension agent, Head Start program director, day care director, home visitor for Head Start, crisis family counselor, hospital child life specialist, family life educator, developmental disabilities worker, volunteer coordinator, parent support specialist, parent educator, financial counselor and financial planner.

The Facilities

Facilities for the Department of Child Development and Family Science are housed in the Evelyn Morrow Lebedeff Hall and the Family Life Center. Included in these buildings are classrooms, conference rooms and a child development laboratory serving young children and their families. The laboratory provides day care services for infants, toddlers and preschool children and is used as a training facility for CDFS students. Children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years are enrolled in the center. The equipment in the center is appropriate for young children and for children with special needs. The department also has a Family Therapy Center which provides services to couples and families.

Community Setting

The Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area offers a conducive setting for study. Students have the opportunity to work in a number of community institutions serving children and families. Professionals working with the elderly, child care programs, mental health centers, chemical dependency treatment centers, medical facilities and welfare agencies visit classes and conduct tours to explain their programs for children and families.

Co-Curricular Opportunities

Students may enhance their involvement in the CDFS area by participating in groups such as the CDFS Club, the North Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children, and the North Dakota Family and Consumer Sciences Association.

Contact Information

Director of Student Services and Development
College of Human Development and Education

North Dakota State University
Evelyn Morrow Lebedeff Hall 269
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7071
Fax: (701) 231-7174
Email:Nancy.Gress@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/hde

or

Department of Child Development and Family Science
College of Human Development and Education
North Dakota State University
Evelyn Morrow Lebedeff Hall 283
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8268
Fax: (701) 231-9645
Web: www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/jdeal/cdfs/

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

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