Child Development

An associate of arts degree in Child Development can be earned at Franciscan University. The Child Development Program is a well-balanced blend of academic studies and practical experience including psychology, education, and theology courses. It will prepare you for working with developing children in a sensitive and professional manner.

Associate of Arts Degree

A two-year program in Child Development leads to an associate of arts degree as described below:

Courses Credits

Psy 105 General Psychology 3

Eng 103, 104 Freshman English I, II 6

Bio 106 Survey of Biological Science 3

Mth 115, 116 Math for Elementary Teachers 6

Hst 207, 208 History of US I, II 6

Psy 206 Psych. of Human Dev. I 3

Phy 105 Survey of Physical Science 3

Edu 109, 209, 210 Early Experience I, II, III 6

Edu 350 Early Childhood Education 3

Edu 316 Children's Literature 3

Psy 301 Educational Psychology 3

Art 303 Design and Crafts 2

Mus 308 Elem. Music Methods 2

Edu 351 Methods & Mgmt. in Primary Ed. 3

The 115 Christian Moral Principles* 3

Humanities Core 3

Elective 3

*Instead of Theology 115, students may select The 101- Foundations of Catholicism, The 102- Introduction to Scripture, or The 341- Christian Marriage.

The above program leads to an associate of arts degree in General Studies (Child Development). The program may be integrated into Franciscan University of Steubenville's four-year bachelor of science degree program in Elementary Education. With an Elementary Education degree, the student then qualifies for state certification in teaching at the kindergarten through eighth grade levels.

During the first year and each semester thereafter, the student travels from campus to school, day-care center, headstart location, kindergarten, or nursery school to observe and learn first-hand practical aspects of child development. Meanwhile, academic courses supply the supporting reasons "why" as the student learns "how" to work with young children.

For students not anticipating such a continuation into a four-year program, the above courses in mathematics, history, physics, and English may be replaced by other appropriate selections from the University's core courses.