Adult learners who major in early childhood education at Saint Joseph’s University focus their studies on child development, building educational foundations, the role of schools in society, and the assessment and evaluation of learning and progress.
Child and Family Studies Major
The role of parents, educators, doctors and others in the development of children is crucial to their success. Saint Joseph's University's Child and Family Studies major is designed for students looking to specialize in the care and development of young children and youth. Through your coursework and field experience as a childhood studies major, you will learn how to better serve your community, starting with our youngest generation.
What Sets Our Program Apart
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Saint Joseph's Child and Family Studies provides an interdisciplinary curriculum with opportunities to customize your education to fit your passion for community service and your future career aiding the growth of our youngest generations. The curriculum includes a focus on childhood psychology, education, special education and community health. Besides the core program, students can select two of the three area studies:
- Learning and Instruction
- Special Education
- Health
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This program is offered as an undergraduate major. As an SJU student, you have the opportunity to double major or add a related minor to customize your education. Related areas of study include:
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At Saint Joseph's University, opportunities abound to help prepare you for a career serving your community, whether your goal is to obtain a graduate degree or land your first job. The Child and Family Studies program includes several courses with fieldwork in the Philadelphia area and a capstone internship that aligns with your career goals. You will have opportunities to gain hands-on experience in your capstone internship at community schools, child care and healthcare settings throughout Philadelphia. Philadelphia is a rich network for education and healthcare, presenting numerous opportunities to childhood studies students.
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Each student has a unique path, whether it's taking them to graduate school or a medical program or their first job in their chosen field. Saint Joseph's offers a variety of graduate options to help undergraduates further develop their skills and advance their careers. Students have many options:
- 4 + 1 Education M.S. program leading to Instructional 1 certification for teaching in PK-4, 4-8, or 7-12 classrooms; art education PK-12; and foreign language PK-12
- 4 + 1 Education M.S. program to obtain Instructional 1 certification as Reading Specialist PK-12
- M.S. in Professional Education program, with no certification
What Can You Do With a Child and Family Studies Degree?
A Child and Family Studies degree from Saint Joseph's University enables you to pursue a career in any of the following related fields:
- Preschool or day-care professional
- Educator
- Counselor
- Special education
- Nonprofits serving children and communities
- Social work
Program Details
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View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.
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Affordable tuition rates for the 2024-2025 academic year start at $XXX per credit.*
*Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our tuition & fees page for a detailed breakdown.
Admission Information
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To apply for this program, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.
Learn more about admissions requirements and how to apply as a first-year student, transfer student or international student.
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There is no application deadline for this program. Here are recommended application submission dates:
February 1 – recommended application submission for Fall semester
August 1 – recommended application submission for Spring semester
Saint Joseph’s accepts students on a year-round basis, so any applications received after these dates will be considered for the next applicable semester. Contact the Office of Admission for information regarding space availability at admit@sju.edu or 610-660-1300.
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1. To be considered for admission, you must have graduated from an approved secondary school (or be on track to graduate), received a diploma from an accredited home school association or earned a GED.
2. A high school transcript with an official school stamp or an official GED transcript is required. High school transcripts must include courses completed through your junior year as well as courses in progress during your senior year. If you’ve attended any post-secondary institutions, official transcripts for those institutions are required as well.
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If you are not a United States citizen, you must show proof of permanent resident visa status. Students educated in another country may be admitted if they:
- Satisfy general admission requirements
- Earn a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey
Students from English-speaking countries may choose to take the SAT or ACT as an option to the TOEFL exam. An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service or other approved agency is required.
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Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:
- Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
- Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
- Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
- Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
- Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
- Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
- Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
- Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
Explore Other Degree Programs
Offered 100% online, the interdisciplinary studies major grants adult learners the flexibility, industry focus and knowledge needed to be competitive in today's dynamic job market.
At Saint Joseph's University, education is approached as a vocation rather than a career. Aspiring teachers learn how to manage a classroom and effectively teach, as well as how their role as educators make a difference in their communities.