NSU’s Child and Family Studies (CFS) program prepares students to work in a variety of fields that are focused on the lives of children, individuals, families, and communities. Formerly known as Family and Consumer Sciences, the CFS degree emphasizes child development, family systems theory, and parenting, and includes coursework in consumer behavior, education, nutrition, psychology, and social work. Students choose from two concentrations: consumer services or child development and family relations. All CFS students, regardless of concentration, must complete a Child and Family Studies internship during their last semester of the program. This course requires on-the-job training in an agency that serves children and their families, such as a childcare facility, a school, a non-profit entity, or a public agency. Although CFS majors are not seeking licensure for teacher certification, the program serves as a pathway for those students to move directly to the online alternative certification program, which does prepare individuals for a license to teach.
A degree in Child and Family Studies prepares students for work in wide variety of areas, such as community-based social services, education, family intervention services, faith-based organizations or other non-profits, or government and public policy. Graduates might work as care providers, teachers, policy analysts, therapists, or researchers.
Degree Length: 4 Years
University: Northwestern State University
Classroom Format: In-Person or Online
