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. In order to be eligible for a Connecticut teaching license, students must also complete a teacher certification program as described in the Teacher Licensure Program section of the University of Saint Joseph catalog.
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, and
- Apply research, theory, and objective observation to work with children
The following 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
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.
Admission and continuation requirements: Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 at the time of application to the major and are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 throughout their academic program.
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