Program Policies and Progression Requirements
The department’s major is designed for students whose educational and career goals are focused on studying and working with children and families within educational programs, community services, and other professional settings. The major is designed to accommodate the special interests or strengths of students and allows for flexibility and individualization. Students design a program of study in consultation with their advisor that includes a core of required courses, a complement of specialty courses supportive of individual interests, and a 12-hour practicum that will complete their program of study. All students graduating with a child and family studies major will have in-depth knowledge about children and families, a broad integrative perspective, and means for application.
Students must complete a total of three specialty areas of nine credit hours each. Students wishing to emphasize one specialty area may satisfy two of their three specialty areas by taking 18 credit hours in that area. A course may be counted in one specialty area only and may not be used to fulfill any other elective requirement.
Students interested in applying for certification as a Family Life Educator through the National Council on Family Relations must complete five courses from the Family Life Education specialty area – CFS 240 , CFS 345 , CFS 360 , CFS 440 , and COUN 480 . These courses are in addition to the Child and Family Studies core courses. Contact your advisor for specific information about becoming a Certified Family Life Educator through the department’s approved program of study.
uTrack Requirements (for students entering Fall 2013 or later)
Universal Tracking (uTrack) is an academic monitoring system designed to help students stay on track for timely graduation. In order to remain on track, students must complete the minimum requirements for each tracking semester, known as milestones. Milestones include successful completion of specified courses and/or attainment of a minimum GPA. uTrack requirements only affect full-time, degree-seeking students who first entered Fall 2013 or later. uTrack does not apply to transfer students who enter prior to Fall 2015.
Progression Requirements
Students are expected to know the criteria they must meet in order to progress into a practicum (CFS 470 , CFS 472 , CFS 480 , or CFS 490 ) and to regularly monitor their progress in meeting these criteria. Students will not be allowed to progress into the practicum until these criteria are met. If students do not appear able to meet these criteria, they are encouraged to work closely with their advisor to plan an alternative educational program. Specific information on how to apply for the practicum is available from the student’s advisor. Students must work closely with their advisor to ensure that they understand the requirements for progression and that they strictly follow the application process for the practicum experience of their choice.
Service Learning Honors Program
Child and Family Studies majors have the opportunity to participate in the college’s Service Learning Honors Program. For eligibility and requirements, see Service Learning Honors Program .
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