Child and Family Studies
600 Academic and Student
Recreation Center
1800 SW Sixth Avenue
503-725-8241
www.pdx.edu/ssw/cfs
The Child and Family Studies Program is for students who have varied professional goals related to working with children, youth, and their families. Students who are interested in becoming elementary school teachers, social workers, counselors, early childhood educators, or special educators are advised to consider a degree in Child and Family Studies (CFS). The degree is also appropriate for students seeking career pathways such as parent educators, family advocates, youth workers, social service caseworkers, program directors/administrators, and classroom assistants. Students gain an interdisciplinary perspective on children, youth, and families, a broad understanding of family systems, and a working knowledge of the diverse socio-cultural contexts in which children and families develop.
The Child and Family Studies major program content integrates theory with practice. A liberal arts foundation, coursework in professional development and the application of content knowledge, practicum experiences in two diverse settings, and the completion of a professional portfolio prepare students for professional roles as well as graduate school. Eleven different specialization options within the degree program allow students maximum choice as they prepare for the diverse professions that are of interest to most students. These specializations include: human development, families in society, youth worker, administration of programs for children, youth and families, early childhood education, early intervention/early childhood special education, elementary education, child welfare/human services, international worker, and family life educator.
The Child and Family Studies program also offers a minor, which can be completed in close alignment with the Families and Society Junior Cluster.
Both the Child and Family Studies major and minor place strong emphasis is placed on preparing students to become change agents, creating a more just world for children, youth, and families.
Child and Family Studies B.A./B.S.
Requirements
In addition to meeting the general University requirements, majors must complete the following program components:
Interdisciplinary Conceptual Foundations (23 credits)
| Ec 417 | Women in the Economy | 4 |
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| WS 340U | Women and Gender in America to 1848 | 4 |
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| WS 341U | Women and Gender in America 1848-1920 | 4 |
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| WS 342U | Women and Gender in the U.S. 1920 to the Present | 4 |
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| WS 380U | Women and Politics | 4 |
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| Ed 420 | Introduction to Education and Society | 4 |
| Hst 343U | American Family History | 4 |
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| Soc 342 | Social Psychology: Self, Attitudes and Social Influence | 4 |
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| Soc 339U | Marriage and Intimacy | 4 |
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| Soc 461 | Sociology of the Family | 4 |
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| SW 301U | Introduction to Social Work | 4 |
| | or | |
| Coun 441 | Introduction to Counseling | 3 |
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| PHE 365 | Health Promotion Programs for Children and Youth | 4 |
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| SpEd 418 | Survey of Exceptional Learners | 3 |
Child and Family Studies major requirement (40 credits)
| CFS 312U | Human Development in the Family Setting | 4 |
| CFS 480 | Societal Influences on Professional Practice | 4 |
| CFS 481U | Family Health Issues | 4 |
| CFS 488 | Social Justice in Child and Family Studies | 4 |
| CFS 491 | Conceptual Foundations in Child and Family Studies | 4 |
| CFS 492 | Families and the State: Effects of Legislation and Policies on Children and Family | 4 |
| CFS 494 | Professional Development in Child and Family Studies I | 3 |
| CFS 495 | Professional Development in Child and Family Studies II | 1 |
| CFS 496 | Professional Development in Child and Family Studies III | 2 |
| CFS 497 | Practicum I | 5 |
| CFS 498 | Practicum II | 5 |
Child and Family Studies Specializations (15-21 credits)
Majors meet with a program adviser for guidance in the selection of an area of specialization from among the eleven areas listed below. Majors are required to complete a minimum of 15 credits within the area. More than one specialization area may be selected and will require an additional 15 credits. Lists of courses recommended for each specialization are listed on the Web (www.pdx.edu/ssw/cfs) and are subject to change based an on-going assessment and course availability. The specialization adviser will assist the student in tailoring a program of courses to meet career goals and to accommodate previous professional experience. See Specializations here.
Total Credit Hours: 78-80
All courses submitted to satisfy the requirements for a major in Child and Family Studies must be passed with a grade of C or above. In addition, courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling program major requirements, with the exception of CFS 494.