Child Development and Family Science Minor

Catalog Year 2026-2027

Child Development and Family Science is for students seeking to complement their current major with a variety of courses with systemic and developmental theory, real-world application, ethical decision-making, and professional writing. Our courses value creativity, service, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Program Requirements

Core

Choose 18 credits.

This course introduces students to the field of Construction Management through career preparation, industry engagement, and professional development. Students will explore construction sectors, project roles, and management principles while developing a resume, attending a career fair, and building a professional network. Emphasis is placed on ethical standards, communication skills, and strategic planning to support academic and career advancement.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-05
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

An overview of the scope of family consumer sciences and the career potentials of the profession.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-02

An analysis of the child life specialist occupation; emphasis on the unique role this profession plays within the medical community.

Prerequisites:
none

This course provides an overview of pediatric palliative and end-of-life care issues. This course will aid students who are seeking a Child Life Specialist internship.

Prerequisites:
none

This course examines child development from the prenatal period through early school age. Emphasis is placed on the major developmental stages of infancy, toddlerhood, the preschool years with a focus on physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains. Students will explore developmental theories, milestones, and individual differences, as well as the role of family, culture, and environment in shaping early development. This foundational course provides a framework for understanding and supporting young children¿s growth and learning in a variety of professional contexts.

Prerequisites:
none

Physical, psychological, social, and managerial aspects of housing. Reciprocal relationship between housing and people. Guidelines and basic principles in planning for individual and family needs.

Prerequisites:
none

Economic decision making related to achieving maximum satisfaction from resources spent in the marketplace on housing, food, clothing, transportation, and other dimensions of the family. Basic information about the functions and responsibilities of the consumer, laws and agencies affecting consumer well-being and sources of help.

Prerequisites:
none
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

This course examines family trauma and its impact on relationships, development, and functioning. Students investigate complex childhood trauma and diverse forms of loss. Students learn trauma-informed theory and methods to analyze family patterns, apply resilience-building strategies, and develop culturally responsive supports across the lifespan.

Prerequisites:
none

Study of the family from a historical perspective; in terms of the family system and the broader ecological system; in terms of stresses faced and coping responses. This course will address issues at each of four life stages: infancy and early childhood; the school years; transition from school to adult life; and the adult years.

Prerequisites:
none

This course examines the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development of children and youth from approximately 9 to 19 years of age, encompassing the stages of middle childhood, early adolescence, middle adolescence, and late adolescence. Emphasis is placed on developmental milestones, individual differences, and the influence of family, peers, culture, and broader contexts on development during these years. Students will explore developmental theories, current research, and applications to educational, community, and family settings.

Prerequisites:
none

This course explores the intersection of public policy, consumer advocacy, and civic engagement with the well-being of individuals and families. It examines laws, regulations, and institutions across multiple levels of government, with attention to their impact on families and communities. It discusses consumer protection efforts to address issues and conditions contributing to consumer vulnerability. The course emphasizes advocacy and engagement as key pathways to essential services, informed decision-making, and improved well-being. Students will develop knowledge and skills in navigating complex systems to advocate effectively for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Prerequisites:
none

Study of human movement using anatomical, biomechanical, and neuromuscular principles. Students apply terminology and structural concepts to analyze joint motion, torque, and muscle function, and use kinematic and kinetic principles to evaluate exercise technique. Content includes movement and posture screening, neuromuscular control, and muscle physiology concepts such as length-tension and force¿velocity. Students also practice basic measurement techniques to quantify movement and communicate findings. The course links structural knowledge with exercise assessment and program design to prepare students for professional practice in exercise science.

Prerequisites:
none

An analysis of culturally diverse family systems in America; emphasis on relationships within the family and with the larger community across the family life cycle.

Prerequisites:
none
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

The course is a study of development through the family life cycle. Emphasis on developmental interaction and systems theory.

Prerequisites:
none

An examination of the important role that play has in the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development of the child from birth to adolescence.

Prerequisites:
none

This course introduces a systems-based approach to identifying and managing resources at the individual, family, and community levels to address diverse human needs. Students will apply management principles to make decisions, address challenges, and improve quality of life in everyday contexts. Emphasis is placed on developing knowledge and skills that support effective decision-making, needs identification, and strategic application of resources across various life domains.

Prerequisites:
none

Students are provided information of past and present policies that impact underserved families nationally and internationally. Students will identify, review, and discuss family policy using relevant and applicable theory. This course will advance student knowledge for careers in family policy as well as becoming an ethically-minded advocate and/or professional. Students will be provided a variety of opportunities to develop their knowledge and professional writing skills in the subject matter.

Prerequisites:
none
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

Introduce students to the how's and why's of family financial management to reduce mistakes made in successfully managing financial aspects of life. For non-business majors.

Prerequisites:
none

Analyze issues and concerns related to family life education. Investigate and practice teaching strategies and methods of evaluation. Preparation of appropriate lesson plans.

Prerequisites:
none

This course introduces a systems-based approach to identifying and managing resources at the individual, family, and community levels to address diverse human needs. Students will apply management principles to make decisions, address challenges, and improve quality of life in everyday contexts. Emphasis is placed on developing knowledge and skills that support effective decision-making, needs identification, and strategic application of resources across various life domains.

Prerequisites:
none

A scheduled, supervised work assignment that includes preparation and delivery of family life education materials within a community/organizational/corporate setting.

Prerequisites:
none

Topics announced as offered. May be repeated.

Prerequisites:
none

A scheduled work assignment with supervision in private business, industry and government agency appropriate to each area of concentration.

Prerequisites:
Consent

Degree
Minor

Total Credits
18

Locations
Mankato; Online

Career Cluster
Human Services