Child and Family Studies (CFS)

CFS 101 Intro to Child &Family Studies (3 credits)

This interdisciplinary course focuses on historical perspectives and current trends in the field of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS), with a focus on the subfield of Child and Family Studies (CFS). Students will examine how the influences of anthropology, education, health/hospice care, law, politics, psychology, and sociology have shaped and continue to shape the fields of HDFS and CFS. Course content, class discussions, assignments, and exams are infused with current research, theory, ethics, and standards of professionalism from the field, and it addresses key areas of child development, family systems theory, play, trauma, law, community partnerships and advocacy, and influences of digital media.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Child Family Studies.

Attributes: Undergraduate

CFS 290 CFS Professional Prep Seminar (1 credit)

Are you interested in learning more about what options you have with a Child and Family Studies major following graduation? What are the common career paths pursued by most graduates with a Child and Family Studies major? Do you know if graduate school is in your future and what programs would be appropriate to pursue? This one-credit Career Prep Seminar will enhance your knowledge about careers within your major and help you build practical skills through class instruction, assignments, and alumni exposure throughout the semester. Additionally, it will also provide instruction and skills in areas that include exploring career options, searching for and applying to graduate school, preparing a resume and cover letter, and building communication skills for interviews and networking.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Child Family Studies.

Attributes: Undergraduate

CFS 350 Crgvr Prof Prtnrshps &Advocacy (3 credits)

This course will focus on the importance of establishing nurturing and collaborative relationships between early childhood professionals and families of young children. Emphasis will be placed on research-supported practices of partnering with diverse families through the establishment of trusting/reciprocal relationships that build on families’; strengths and priorities in order to support the needs of their children. Students will learn about multiple family theories, and they will become familiar with research-supported practices on ways to develop caregiver-professional relationships, access community resources, and utilize advocacy systems that are fundamental in supporting children and families.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Child Family Studies.

Attributes: Undergraduate

CFS 400 Internship: Child & Family St (3 credits)

This internship and seminar course provides students with the ability to gain experience in the field working directly with young children, families, and professionals in community-based settings. The community-based setting where the student will be placed and the focus of this semester-long experience will align with both the student’s concentration area in the CFS major and their future related goals in working with young children and families following graduation from Saint Joseph’s University. In addition to weekly engagement in a related community-based setting, students concurrently attend a seminar once each week where they can share their experiences in the field and relate them to the course content they have studied in the CFS program.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Child Family Studies.

Attributes: Undergraduate