EKU’s 100% online child and family studies program prepares you to work with children in educational, institutional and human service settings. Early childhood education and development is a rewarding career that allows you to leave a lasting impression on the lives of children from various backgrounds as you work to ensure they reach their developmental milestones and achieve their full potential.
Rooted in the latest research and child development best practices, EKU’s online child and family studies degree prepares students for a variety of rewarding career options as well as graduate and professional school programs.
Program benefits include:
**Review your state’s requirements and speak to your advisor about how your coursework may transfer.
Complement your child and family studies degree with a specialized certificate based on your interests and career goals. Earn a certificate in your chosen area as you complete your degree – at no additional cost.
Infant/Toddler Care and Education Certificate
The infant/toddler certificate focuses on strategies and practices for the development of young children from birth to age three. The program prepares early childhood professionals to provide a strong foundation to young children and meets preparation standards for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Early Childhood Director Certificate
The early childhood director certificate focuses on the knowledge and strategies needed to manage a childcare center. The program prepares early childhood professionals to provide strong leadership in group care settings and meets preparation standards for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Family Studies Certificate
The family services certificate focuses on the knowledge and skillsets needed to provide educational and support services to families, parents and children. The program prepares human service professionals to take on leadership roles and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families within the community.
Early childhood development and early childhood education are challenging and rewarding fields. The Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies with a concentration in child development prepares graduates to teach or administer in private early childhood programs. With an increase in both dual income families and single parent households, there will be a greater need for care of children under the age of six. The demand for professionals with these backgrounds has grown steadily in recent years, and is expected to continue to increase through 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As the profession grows, qualifications for employees are also increasing. Currently employed professionals with early childhood credential or associate degrees are required to complete a bachelor’s degree – especially those in Head Start programs. A bachelor’s degree is also required by state licensing and regulation entities for those looking to move into administrative roles within early childhood education. Salary increases may also be possible for those with additional education.
One option for those interested in child development careers is to begin by earning the Child Development Associate certification (CDA) and continue with a bachelor’s degree. Individuals interested in CDA classes should consider taking them with an accredited university where they will count as CDA certification hours, as well as college credit hours.
Find your careerEKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as interaction and guidance, early childhood observations and assessment, family involvement with young children, foundations of the early childhood professional, ethics and advocacy.
These instructions are for students enrolling in the online child and family studies program. For information related to the on-campus program, visit the departmental website.
Child and family studies courses require interaction with children and/or the elderly. Therefore, a criminal background check and negative TB skin test results are required prior to registering for some classes. Speak with an advisor for details. If you have a record of criminal behavior or positive TB results, you may be required to drop the course(s) and select another major. In addition, some courses will require Professional Liability Insurance (PLI).
Call or email Enrollment Advisor Bailey Bird for information about the EKU Online Child and Family Studies Child Development Bachelor Degree program.
Contact Info:
859-622-8764
Bailey.Bird@eku.edu
EKU Online offers veterans and active duty military students an unparalleled online learning experience that provides accessibility, convenience and flexibility.
Special Tuition for Active Duty* Military
Eastern Kentucky University offers reduced tuition expenses to $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and $325 per credit hour for graduate courses to all service members currently serving on active duty.
*Active duty is defined as on federal orders for 180 days or more.
“I’d like to thank the EKU College of Justice & Safety for the opportunity to complete my degree online. It’s very user-friendly, and everyone has bent over backwards to make this happen.”
– 1LT Heath Bergmann, EKU Online Graduate