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.
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. A 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 Minor
Requirements
Lower Division (4 credits)
Unst 228
| Families in Society Sophomore Inquiry | 4 |
Community-based learning (6 credits)
| | Arranged in consultation with adviser; may be Capstone or Practicum | 6 |
Choose four of the following CFS courses (16 credits)
| CFS 312 | Human Development in the Family Setting | 4 |
| CFS 320 | ABCs of Early Childhood Education | 4 |
| CFS 330 | American Families in Film and Television | 4 |
| CFS 340 | Queer Families | 4 |
| CFS 350 | Interpersonal Violence: Impact on Children & Families | 4 |
| CFS 382 | Mental Disorders: Issues for Families and Communities | 4 |
| CFS 385 | Working with Diverse Families | 4 |
| CFS 393 | Community Resources and Family Support | 4 |
| CFS 450 | Youth and Youth Work | 4 |
| CFS 481 | Family Health Issues | 4 |
| CFS 486 | Parent and Family Education | 4 |
| CFS 492 | Families and the State: Effects of Legislation and Policies on Children and Family | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: 26