Child Development (B.A.)

Go help children grow

Southern New Hampshire University's child development program prepares students for a variety of careers working with children and for graduate study.

Students may choose between concentrations in early childhood leadership, child development and family studies. The leadership concentration prepares students to run their own early childhood businesses or become licensed directors for existing programs. Graduates of the family studies concentration are prepared to enter the diverse field of family services as child and family caseworkers or work in the area of child and family intervention. A concentration in child development provides students with in-depth knowledge of the dynamic transformations children experience and is excellent preparation for graduate study.

The program, which leads to teaching certification for grades K-3, culminates in a 16-week student teaching practicum. This valuable experience requires that potential educators work full-time with an established teacher. During this placement, the student teacher gradually takes on the role of the classroom teacher. Students apply to the student teaching program one year before their placement begins. All other fieldwork and course requirements must be complete prior to beginning the student teaching placement. Candidates for New Hampshire state teacher certification in elementary education must pass the Praxis II before applying to student teaching.

Child Development Major Courses
DEV 150 History and Philosophy of the Child Study Movement
DEV 200 Developmental Research Methods
DEV 210 Psychosocial Development During Early Childhood
DEV 241 Cognitive Development of Infants and Young Children
DEV 260 Family and Culture
DEV 303 Administration of Child Development Programs
DEV 340 Theories of Play
DEV 424 Assessment and Intervention During Early Childhood
DEV 460 Developmental Research Seminar
DEV 499 Internship

You may choose one of the following concentrations:

Early Childhood Leadership Concentration
OL 125 Human Relations in Administration
OL 215 Principles of Management
OL 322 Managing Organizational Change
OL 328 Leadership
OL 342 Organizational Behavior
Electives – 3 credit hours selected with advisor/chair

Family Studies Concentration
ATH 111 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
SOC 112 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 213 Sociology of Social Problems
SOC 317 Sociology of the Family
Electives – 9 credit hours selected with advisor/chair

Graduation Requirements
SNHU 100 Pro Seminar
or
SNHU 101 First Year Seminar: Foundations of Critical Thinking
Seven Free Electives