HDFS Child Development option

Child Development

HDFS Undergraduate Option

Help children reach their full potential

  
Corvallis Campus

Study child development to help children thrive

With the child development option, within the human development and family sciences major at Oregon State, you’ll learn how to help children reach their full potential and to support their development in early childhood settings.

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Sample child development courses

  • Children and youth with disabilities
  • Families and poverty
  • Family, school and community collaboration
  • Family policy
  • Fostering learning in early childhood development

Explore required courses.

With the child development option, you’ll ...

  • Learn about different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood.
  • Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms.
  • Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings
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HDFS child development option

Child development internship

All child development students complete an internship at the Oregon State University Child Development Center while earning college credit.

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Careers in early child development

Once you graduate, you will be prepared to pursue careers in early childhood programs or classrooms.

Or, you may opt for graduate school in education, special education, human development and family sciences, psychology and other areas related to child development.

Study child development to become:

*These roles may require post-baccalaureate/graduate/professional education to qualify.

  • Preschool teacher
  • Child care coordinator
  • Home visitor
  • Family support worker
  • Head Start teacher
  • Elementary teacher—early grades*
  • Early interventionist*
  • Special educator*
  • Curriculum writer
  • Early childhood policy advocate
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Jennifer Macias Morris

Jennifer Macias Morris, ’11

Jennifer says that earning her degree in human development and family sciences enabled her to learn about the different stages of development with children and the ability to understand how relationships work within diverse communities.

Jennifer was recently recognized as one of America’s 20 most inspiring educators.

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How to become a teacher

With a double degree in HDFS and Education, you can earn dual licensure at the pre-kindergarten and elementary school levels. You can choose one of these paths:  

  • Prekindergarten options
  • Licensure options, including Pre-K/Elementary, in Oregon
  • Early Childhood Special Education/Elementary Special Education Options

Be sure to meet with your advisor to discuss these options. 

Explore other human development and family sciences major options

Select an option that matches your interests and career goals, whether it’s working with children or seniors, or providing services for families and communities.

Contact us

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peers group photo oct 2024

Peer advisors

If you have questions regarding classes, student clubs or campus, our peer advisors would love to chat. Call or email them for advice.

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 Mikaela Swaim

Mikaela Swaim

Student Outreach and Support Coordinator

For questions about the program, application process or requirements, contact our  COH recruitment team.