Early Childhood & Family Studies

The Early Childhood and Family Studies (ECFS) major provides the opportunity to study early childhood development, early learning, and family studies from a variety of perspectives across a range of disciplines. The degree will prepare you for careers in early learning, childcare, policy, parent and family support and education, and social/mental health services. It is also a pathway to graduate studies in education, child and family studies, and other areas.
The ECFS major has developed two pathways for students to pursue in their degree program. The first pathway, ECFS Core, allows for the flexibility of integrating other areas of interest with the coursework in child development and family studies. The second pathway, the Teaching and Learning Option, is intended for students who wish to pursue a teaching position in preschools and other childhood settings or for those who plan to apply to a master’s in teaching or other teacher certification programs.