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, 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 specialized elective pathways 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.

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Admission requirements

Child Youth and Family Studies B.A.B.S.

Child Youth and Family Studies Minor

Child and Family Studies Courses

Child, Youth, and Family Studies B.A./B.S.

Requirements

In addition to meeting the general University requirements, majors must complete the following program components:

Required Courses

CFS 310	Critical Histories in CYFS: Gender/Race/Class	4
CFS 312U	Families in Lifecourse Perspective	4
CFS 381U	Families, Stress, and Change	4
CFS 391	Family Theories	4
CFS 487	Examining Bias and Belief	4
CFS 488	Structural Oppression	4
CFS 489	Activism for Social Change	2
CFS 492	Family Law and Policy	4
CFS 493	Professional Self: Ways of Knowing	2
CFS 494	Professional Self: Critical Thinking	2
CFS 495	Professional Self: Identity	2
CFS 496	Professional Self: Integration	2
CFS 497	Practicum I	5
CFS 498	Practicum II	5
Hst 343U	American Family History	4
Soc 339U	Marriage and Intimacy	4
	or
Soc 461	Sociology of the Family	4
SpEd 417	Introduction to Special Education	4
	or
SpEd 418	Survey of Exceptional Learners	3

16 credits of CFS electives from the following:

CFS 101	Introduction to Child and Family Studies	2
CFS 320U	ABCs of Early Childhood Education	4
CFS 330U	American Families in Film and Television	4
CFS 340U	Queer Families	4
CFS 350U	Interpersonal Violence: Impact on Children & Families	4
CFS 382U	Mental Disorders: Issues for Families and Communities	4
CFS 385U	Working with Diverse Families	4
CFS 390U	Sex and the Family	4
CFS 393U	Community Resources and Family Support	4
CFS 399	Special Studies	1-4
CFS 410	Selected Topics	1-8
CFS 410	Child Life	4
CFS 450	Youth and Youth Work	4
CFS 486	Parent and Family Education	4

Total Credit Hours: 76

All courses submitted to satisfy the requirements for a major in Child, Youth, 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 493.