B.S. Child Development
Nova Southeastern University Undergraduate Programs
Key Information
Campus location
Fort Lauderdale, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 33,510
Application deadline
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Scholarships
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Introduction
Investigate Parenting, Literacy, and the Psychosocial Development of Children and Adolescents
Are you passionate about the well-being of children? Would you like to pursue a career in human services, child protection, advocacy, education, or psychology? Are you ready to get the NSU Edge and become an advocate for children in your community?
Gaining a working knowledge of typical and atypical development from birth through adolescence will enable you to shape the future of the children and families who need it the most. A child development degree will help you understand the influence of familial, cultural, and socioeconomic factors on the developmental progression of children and adolescents.
Nova Southeastern University’s Bachelor of Science in Child Development program emphasizes evidence-based practices to support child health and safety. Our goal is to promote positive developmental, educational, and psychological outcomes.
Why Should You Major in Child Development at NSU?
- Opportunity to earn the national Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
- Take advantage of one of the nation's best resources devoted to early childhood: NSU’s Baudhuin Preschool, The Kapila Family Starting Right Program, The Academy, and University School.
- Connect with NSU and community resources that support childhood health.
- Present at local and national conferences and get published in academic journals.
- Professional Recognition, Florida Directors Credential, and/or prepare you to sit for the certification exam to become a Certified Child Life Specialist.
- Gain inspiration from an advanced senior year seminar to research, examine analyze current and relevant issues that affect young children and their families.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
General Education Requirements
Students are required to complete 30 credit hours as part of the General Education Program.
Child Development Major (39 credits)
- Infant and Toddler Development
- Preschool, Primary, and Middle Childhood Development
- Adolescent Development
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Cultural and Social Issues in Child Development
- Promoting Child Health and Safety
- Child Abuse and Neglect
- Supporting Children & Adolescents with Special Needs
- Child Observation & Assessment for Decision Making
- Cultural Perspectives in Working with Children and Families
- Parenting Theory and Practice
- Family Systems
- Advanced Senior Seminar
Concentrations (15 credits)
Students may choose to select one of the following concentrations or any combination of courses across the concentrations to meet the 15-credit concentration requirement:
Leadership and Administration (15 credits)
- Administration of Child Care and Education Programs
- Child Care Administration: Organizational Leadership and Management
- Child Care Administration: Financial and Legal Issues
- Curricular Programming in Early Childhood Centers
- Families of Children with Special Needs: Challenges and Opportunities
*Students completing courses in the Leadership and Administration concentration are prepared to lead in a child care setting and will have satisfied the requirements for the Florida Director Credential.
Early Child Development (15 credits)
- Foundations of Early Care and Education
- Introduction to Early Childhood: Professionalism, Safety, Health, and Learning Environment
- Introduction to Early Childhood: Physical, Cognitive, Communication, and Creative Development
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education: Families, Schools, and Communities
- Literacy Development in Multilingual Communities
*Students completing courses in the Early Child Development concentration will have met the required coursework to satisfy the training component necessary to apply for the Child Development Associate Credential.
Child Life (15 credits)
- Foundations in Child Life and Family-Centered Care
- Play and Children Curricular Applications
- Research Methods and Program Evaluation
- Ethical and Professional Issues in Human Services
- Death and Dying
*Students completing the Child Life concentration may satisfy the course requirements set forth by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP). The Child Life concentration does not directly lead to the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) certification upon graduation.
Curriculum and Instruction (15 credits)
- Foundations of Education
- Survey of TESOL for Teachers
- Educational Psychology
- Practices of Instruction
- Educational Assessment
*Students completing courses in the Curriculum and Instruction concentration can pursue an alternative pathway to teacher certification. All Fischler Academy students are required to complete the Curriculum and Instruction concentration. *Although completion of this concentration provides a pathway to alternative certification, this degree is not designed to lead to certification or licensure. Candidates seeking teacher certification must pass all required Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE).
Electives (33 credits)
Select an additional 33 credits of open electives from any courses, including those listed under the concentrations.
Experiential Learning/Field Experiences
Experiential learning is an integral part of the Child Development program. It helps develop insight and understanding by providing you with observational or clinical experiences to learn from professionals within the field. Some students will complete field observations in childcare or educational settings, and students in the Child Life concentration will have the opportunity to complete an internship as one of the final steps towards becoming a child life specialist.
Career Opportunities
Be Prepared to Work Directly with Children and Families
With a degree in child development, you will be ready to work directly with children and adolescents in a variety of different fields. From developmental disabilities to child protection, child advocacy to education, there are a variety of career opportunities at your fingertips. You may also choose to continue your education with graduate studies in your particular area of interest
Average Starting Salary
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers with a child development degree can earn a median salary of $54,550 annually, with a six percent job growth by 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Certified Child Life Specialists can earn a median salary of $60,380 annually, with seven percent job growth by 2026.
Shark Destinations
NSU’s Child Development program is designed to meet the needs of students interested in working directly with children and their families in a human services or child care and education program setting once they graduate and/or would like to pursue graduate studies in fields including but not limited to, developmental disabilities, child protection, child advocacy, health care, education, and counseling/psychology.