The Bachelor of Arts in Child Development degree program combines a basic education in child development and family studies with a broad general education and preparation related to employment in early childhood education settings. Students will choose either a concentration in Elementary Education Teacher Certification, which requires admission to the teacher preparation program, or a concentration in Preschool Teaching in an Early Childhood Setting.

Elementary Education Teacher Certification course work prepares graduates to work in the early grades of primary schools, kindergarten through third grade and to meet the requirements to earn an Elementary Education Teaching Certificate (kindergarten through fifth grade) with an Early Childhood General and Special Education Endorsement.

The Preschool Teaching in an Early Childhood Setting concentration prepares graduates to work in early childhood settings such as Head Start and preschools and in other child-related fields such as policy, health care, or administration. Students in the Preschool Teaching in an Early Childhood Setting concentration will be required to complete an independent study experience such as study abroad, study away, experiential learning, internship, or undergraduate research. The child development major is appropriate for students interested in working with young children, birth through age eight.