Child and Family Studies Major

What is Child and Family Studies?

Saint Joseph's Child and Family Studies program is offered as an undergraduate major program. The program 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

Ways to Study Childhood Studies

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:

• Education: Art Education,  Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School, Secondary
• Health Studies
• Biology
• Linguistics
• Psychology 

How will Saint Joseph's University Prepare you for your Career

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.

Continue Your Education

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