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Bachelor of Science in Child & Family Studies

Department of Applied Human Sciences

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Child & Family Studies

Department of Applied Human Sciences

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

On-Campus & Online

Options

120 - 125 Credit Hours

to Graduate

On-Campus: $5,010 Per Semester

Online: $443 Per Credit Hour

(On-campus rate is for in-state students)

Low-Cost Textbooks

For All Students

Become a Leader in the Human Development and Family Services Field

EKU’s child and family studies program explores human development across the lifespan with an emphasis on relationships—within families, among peers, and in broader communities. Students learn how children, youth, and adults grow and thrive in various settings, and how families function and adapt within changing social and economic contexts. With a strong foundation in both development and relationships, the program prepares graduates to support and strengthen the well-being of individuals and families at every stage of life. Graduates work in the areas of education, human services, nonprofits, and advocacy.

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Career Outlook

The demand for professionals with backgrounds in childhood development and early childhood education has grown steadily in recent years and is expected to continue to increase through 2031.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Early childhood development and early childhood education are challenging and rewarding fields.

Job Titles Include:

  • Early Intervention Specialist
  • Preschool or Childcare Center Administrator
  • Head Start Teacher
  • Parent Educator
  • Family Services Coordinator
  • Case Manager (child and family services, social services, nonprofits)
  • Family Resource Center Director
  • Extension Agent (Family & Consumer Sciences)
  • Community Outreach Specialist
  • Program Coordinator (youth, family, or community programs)
  • Family Policy Advocate
  • Nonprofit Program Director
  • Community Education Specialist

EKU child and family studies graduates are prepared to teach or administer in private early childhood programs.

Employers Include:

  • KinderCare Learning Center
  • Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
  • University of Kentucky Hospitals
  • Wild Health
  • Cumberland River Behavioral Health
  • Public School Systems including, Fayette County, Ky; Madison County, Ky; and Pulaski County, Ky
  • Rockcastle Regional Hospital

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Low-cost textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • EPSB accredited IECE program
  • CAEP accredited IECE program
  • Credit hours that count toward the Child Development Association (CDA) and can be applied toward your state’s credentials**
  • Prepare for initial teacher certification in Kentucky (IECE program ONLY)
  • Approved by the National Council on Family Relations to become a Certified Family Life Educator
  • Coursework including child development and family studies that incorporates National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) professional preparation standards
  • Two practicum experiences to help you discover your calling

** Review your state’s requirements and speak to your advisor about how your coursework may transfer.

Program Options

Choose between two concentrations that offer the opportunity to tailor the degree to specific career goals and give you a competitive edge in the job market. Options include:

Focuses on the growth and learning of children from birth through age eight. Students gain knowledge in developmental milestones, learning environments, and effective teaching and caregiving strategies. Careers include early childhood programs, child advocacy, youth services, and preparation for advanced study in child development or related fields.

Centers on the dynamics of families and relationships across the lifespan. Students explore topics such as parenting, human services, and family policy. Graduates are prepared for careers in community agencies, nonprofits, healthcare, and government programs that serve families, as well as for graduate study in family science or related areas.

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Social Work
  • Substance Use Prevention
  • Special Education

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

  • Family Studies
  • Public Child Welfare
  • Spanish
  • Financial Literacy

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Attend Online

Choosing an online program doesn’t mean completing your education alone. EKU Online strives to provide students with unparalleled staff and faculty access, rich engagement opportunities and every resource possible to succeed. We are committed to helping you find success in your coursework, as well as identifying and pursuing employment opportunities upon graduation. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Online students have access to:

  • Accelerated 7-week terms
  • Courses begin 6 times per year
  • No campus visits required
  • Personal enrollment counselors assist you through the application process
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance 

Curriculum & Admission

EKU’s child and family studies degree prepares students for a variety of rewarding career options as well as graduate and professional school programs.

EKU’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.

A minimum of 120-125 credits are required to graduate, including 42 upper-division credits.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

On-Campus Program Deadlines

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

Online Program Deadlines

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
Fall AJuly 31August
Fall BSeptember 30October
Spring ADecember 31January
Spring BFebruary 28March
Summer AApril 30May
Summer BMay 31June

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

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).

Please note, the instructions for these requirements are different depending on if you are enrolled in the fully online or on-campus program.

Online Questions: emily.calvert@eku.edu
On-Campus Questions: ahs@eku.edu

Program Instructions for Special Requirements

Professional Liability Insurance (PLI)
Required for both On-Campus & Online

  • This insurance protects you if there is a claim of real or alleged damage that resulted from an error in practice during internships, practicums, or field work.
  • Insurance is provided through EKU and $21 will be charged to your EKU student account to cover the cost.
  • PLI is based upon the academic year, beginning each fall semester.
  • If you register for PLI in the fall semester, it is valid through the following spring and summer semesters.
  • If you register for PLI in the spring semester, it is valid through the following summer semester.
  • If you register for PLI in the summer semester, it is only valid for that semester.
  • Register for PLI like you would register for a class. Your advisor will provide you with the appropriate information when needed.

TB Skin Test
Required for both On-Campus & Online
Results are provided 48-72 hours after the test is administered. Do not wait until the deadline to have your test administered. You will not get your results in time. You do not need a new test if you have a TB skin test that is less than 2 years old and will not expire during the semester. TB Screenings cannot be accepted. The test is offered for a minimal charge through EKU’s Student Health Services or you may have the test done by the medical provider of your choice. If you are pregnant or have an allergy to the test and can’t take it, a doctors statement providing this information can be accepted.

Verified Credentials LLC – Criminal Background Check (VC)
Required for both On-Campus & Online
You do not need to complete a new Verified Credentials report if you completed one for EKU Teacher Education. Verified Credentials will charge you $49 for the background check and processing. You only need to complete the report once. An online copy of the report will be available for you to give other people. EKU cannot accept a report completed by an outside agency. Complete the online application and use code: GGTMY-48696

Child Abuse and Neglect Background Check (CAN)
Required for On-Campus Students Only
You will need one of the following forms of ID to complete the CAN check:

  • Driver’s License
  • Social Security Card
  • Birth Certificate

Complete the online application. Access the online application and learn more. CAN reports are only valid for 1 year. EKU cannot accept a report completed by an outside agency. You will be charged $10 by the reporting agency.

Youth Leader Background Check (YLR)
Required for On-Campus Students Only
Complete the online application. YLR reports are only valid for 1 year. EKU cannot accept a report completed by an outside agency. You will be charged $25 by the reporting agency.

Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education

The child and family studies degree with interdisciplinary early childhood education concentration is accredited by Kentucky’s Educational Professionals Standards Board (EPSB) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Family Services

The family studies concentration in the child and family studies bachelor’s degree program is approved by the National Council on Family Relations to become a Certified Family Life Educator.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Education and Applied Human Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to your enrollment advisor.

Photo of Jeff Durham

Jeff Durham

College Enrollment Counselor

Call: 859-622-2638
Text: 859-511-7891
ceahs.recruitment@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
photo of john hepner

John Hepner

Enrollment Counselor

859-622-8610
John.Hepner@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

  • Emma Moffett

    EKU Family and Consumer Sciences Education Student
    The faculty at EKU has played a large role in my experience at EKU. I have learned so much from the professors teaching my classes. The labs that EKU has on campus allowing students to sew, cook, teach preschoolers, and observe students in the classroom is a great plus to EKU. The professors are so knowledgeable about what they are teaching their students; and with the smaller class sizes building relationships within the classroom with my peers as well as professors is something I cherish.

  • Alex Bowman

    EKU Family and Consumer Sciences Education Graduate
    What I found surprising about the FCS education program at EKU was the variety of course work you get to take. As a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher you are required to be knowledgeable in many topics including child development, foods and nutrition, hospitality and tourism, and fashion and interior design. I was worried that I would not have a solid understanding of each area. However, through the program at EKU I became very well rounded. Earning a bachelors degree in family and consumer sciences has allowed me to work at my dream job. I love getting to do what…

  • Timothy Knight

    EKU Global Hospitality & Tourism Student
    The individualized caring attention and focus provided is something I never thought you could get at a University this size. My Advisor, Mrs. Seaman, answered all of my questions and went through all of my scenarios to figure out the best schedule for me. I never felt rushed or like she had more people to get to even though I imagine she did.

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Contact Information

Department of Applied Human Sciences

Burrier Building
Room 102

2388 Crabbe Street
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-3445
ahs@eku.edu

Department Directory