The Child Study interdisciplinary major combines a variety of academic and field experiences that are designed to enhance students’ understanding of their own developmental history and their sensitivity to the diversity of developmental contexts and pathways. It focuses on understanding children (birth through adolescence) and their families from a variety of perspectives. This program prepares students to work with children and families in a range of social service or educational settings. Child Study is an approved major for students interested in teaching at the early childhood or elementary levels. To be eligible for an Elementary level Connecticut teaching license, students must also complete Teacher licensure .
Child Study majors interested in teaching at the early childhood level may complete a concentration in Inclusive Early Childhood Education. Please note that this program does not lead to teacher licensure.
Program outcomes
The student will:
- Understand children in the context of their family, society, and culture
- Appreciate multiple and interacting influences on development
- Be aware of diverse pathways to developmental competence
- Apply research, theory, and objective observation to work with children
These objectives are integrated throughout the Child Study interdisciplinary major:
Individuals, families, societies and cultures: To know and understand the dynamic interrelationship of children, families, society, and culture, including:
- Families within societies and cultures
- Socialization of children to the family, society, and culture
- Culture - values, beliefs, goals, and practices; gender, ethnicity, and race; exceptionalities
Theory: To understand the development and implications of theoretical perspectives, including:
- Theories as socio-cultural and historic constructs
- Knowledge and applications of major theories of child development
Research: To be intelligent consumers and generators of research, including:
- Knowledge and understanding of research methods
- Criteria for evaluating research
- Participation in action research related to children and families
Skills: To develop and demonstrate communicative and experiential skills, including:
- Interpersonal and collaborative skills
- Oral and written communication
- Observation and data collection
- Library research
- Critical thinking and analysis
Laboratory schools
The Child Study major benefits from two laboratory schools that offer opportunities for on-site observations, field work, and independent study. They are the School for Young Children, near the campus, and the Gengras Center, an on-campus school for children with special needs.
Admission and continuation requirements
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 to be accepted into the Child Study major. Child Study majors are required to maintain a GPA of 2.7 or better throughout their academic program.
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