Child Development and Family Science
The Child Development and Family Science program prepares you to support children, adults and families in a wide variety of settings. With options to earn a bachelor’s degree, minor or certificate, you’ll build practical skills grounded in evidence‑based learning and real‑world experience to support children, families and communities across diverse settings.
Careers in Child Development and Family Science
- Preschool and Childcare Center Director
- Child Life Specialist
- Family Life Educator
- Youth and Community Service Staff
- Case Manager
- Support Specialist
- Occupational Therapy*
- Counseling*
- Social Work*
Potential Salary
Median Salary
$56,270 per year
Child Development and Family Science Degrees at MSU
Child Development and Family Science, Bachelor of Science
This program blends theory with real-world experience to prepare you for high-demand careers in human services, healthcare, education, and community organizations. Students will learn the skills and theories to support individuals and families in navigating the challenges of daily life and promote positive development in diverse settings. Our program is recognized by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) in the preparation for Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credentials.
Students can complete required courses for this degree online with options to take courses on campus.
Child Development and Family Science, Minor
This 18-credit minor is designed for students who wish to complement their current major with a deeper understanding of human development, family systems and social context. The coursework emphasizes ethical decision‑making, cultural awareness, professional communication and applying theory in real‑world settings.
The CDFS minor complements a wide range of majors, including:
- Psychology
- Communication Studies
- Social Work
- Nursing and Health Sciences
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Pre-Occupational Therapy and other pre-health pathways
Child, Youth and Family Services, Certificate
This online 18-credit certificate is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in community support services. This certificate provides students with the foundational skills to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families, promoting well-being, resilience, and healthy development. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to pursue entry-level roles in a wide range of settings, including schools, community organizations, mental health agencies, and family services.
Child Development and Family Science, Bachelor of Science
This program blends theory with real-world experience to prepare you for high-demand careers in human services, healthcare, education, and community organizations. Students will learn the skills and theories to support individuals and families in navigating the challenges of daily life and promote positive development in diverse settings. Our program is recognized by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) in the preparation for Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credentials.
Students can complete required courses for this degree online with options to take courses on campus.
Child Development and Family Science, Minor
This 18-credit minor is designed for students who wish to complement their current major with a deeper understanding of human development, family systems and social context. The coursework emphasizes ethical decision‑making, cultural awareness, professional communication and applying theory in real‑world settings.
The CDFS minor complements a wide range of majors, including:
- Psychology
- Communication Studies
- Social Work
- Nursing and Health Sciences
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Pre-Occupational Therapy and other pre-health pathways
Child, Youth and Family Services, Certificate
This online 18-credit certificate is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in community support services. This certificate provides students with the foundational skills to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families, promoting well-being, resilience, and healthy development. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to pursue entry-level roles in a wide range of settings, including schools, community organizations, mental health agencies, and family services.
Bachelor Degree Strengths
- Coursework for Child Life Specialist preparation is built into the major and aligns with the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) requirements.
- The program supports students as they pursue certification and careers in pediatric and healthcare settings.
-
Online course options are available for required courses
-
Opportunities for elective coursework on‑campus
-
A great fit for new, returning, and career‑changing students entering community‑focused fields.
Career and Graduate Pathways
Graduates pursue roles such as child life specialist, family life educator, youth and community services staff, case manager and support specialist. Many continue their education in graduate programs such as occupational therapy, counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, public health and related fields.
Learn More
Nationally Recognized Credential Pathway
The program is approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Graduates are eligible to apply for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential, a respected national certification that demonstrates your preparation in evidence-based family life education.
Strong Foundation for Pre–Occupational Therapy
The curriculum provides excellent academic preparation for students planning to pursue graduate study in occupational therapy. With coursework focused on human development, family systems, lifespan development and professional communication, this major builds a solid foundation for graduate study in occupational therapy and other health-related fields.
Related Programs
Family Consumer Science
The Family Consumer Science program trains future professionals to promote family health through degrees in Dietetics, Child Development and Family Studies and Family Consumer Science Education.
Nutrition, Food and Dietetics
In the Dietetics, Food and Nutrition programs, students will gain knowledge needed for careers in health, fitness, dietetics and food-related industries, with opportunities for supervised practice and graduate studies.
Social Work
The Department of Social Work at Minnesota State University, Mankato, offers a nurturing and challenging environment for students committed to social justice and improving lives through a professional social work career. Our accredited BSSW and MSW programs provide students with comprehensive training that includes hands-on experiences in real-world settings, preparing graduates to improve lives and foster change in their communities.
Health and Physical Education
The Health and Physical Education program at Minnesota State Mankato is dedicated to preparing future teachers to educate young learners on the critical importance of physical activity.
Child Development and Family Science Department
College of
Allied Health and Nursing
The College of Allied Health and Nursing is a thriving community dedicated to preparing future leaders in nursing, communication sciences and health-related fields. With state-of-the-art learning centers, real-world experiences, clinical practicums and fieldwork and strong community connections, students gain the hands-on training needed for success. Committed to equity and inclusion, we create an environment where all learners can excel and make a meaningful impact in health and wellness.