600 Academic and Student
Recreation Center
1800 SW Sixth Avenue
503-725-8241
www.pdx.edu/social-work/cyfs-child-youth-and-family-studies
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, Youth, and Family Studies (CYFS). 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 professional documentation prepare students for professional roles as well as graduate school. Students may choose focused elective courses in early childhood education, youth work, family life education, elementary education, human services, or child life.
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, Youth, 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.
Both the CYFS major and CYFS minor can be completed online, through careful planning with an advisor.