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Are you passionate about the well-being of children? Would you like to pursue a career in human services, child protection, advocacy, education, or psychology? Are you ready to get the NSU Edge and become an advocate for children in your community?
Gaining a working knowledge of typical and atypical development from birth through adolescence will enable you to shape the future of the children and families who need it the most. A child development degree will help you understand the influence of familial, cultural, and socioeconomic factors on the developmental progression of children and adolescents.
Nova Southeastern University’s Bachelor of Science in Child Development program emphasizes evidence-based practices to support child health and safety. Our goal is to promote positive developmental, educational, and psychological outcomes.
NSU has approved a transfer of up to 9 credits for students who have obtained the National Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Credits will be accepted toward the BS in Child Development major. The National CDA credential is issued by the Council for Professional Recognition. The CDA is the most widely, nationally recognized credential in the early childhood education profession.
Why Should You Major in Child Development at NSU?
Take advantage of one of the nation's best resources devoted to early childhood: NSU’s Baudhuin Preschool, The Kapila Family Starting Right Program, The Academy and University School.
Why Should You Major in Child Development at NSU?
Be Prepared to Work Directly with Children and Families
With a degree in child development, you will be ready to work directly with children and adolescents in a variety of different fields. From developmental disabilities to child protection, child advocacy to education, there are a variety of career opportunities at your fingertips. You may also choose to continue your education with graduate studies in your particular area of interest.
Learn More about Career Preparation
Shark Destinations
NSU’s Child Development program is designed to meet the needs of students interested in working directly with children and their families in a human services or child care and education program setting once they graduate and/or would like to pursue graduate studies in fields including but not limited to, developmental disabilities, child protection, child advocacy, health care, education and counseling/psychology.
Learn More about Experiential Learning
View Curriculum and Plans of Study
Experiential learning is an integral part of the Child Development program. It helps
develop insight and understanding by providing you with observational or clinical
experiences to learn from professionals within the field. Some students will complete
field observations in childcare or educational settings, and students in the Child
Life concentration will have the opportunity to complete an internship as one of the
final steps towards becoming a child life specialist.
Learn More about Experiential Learning
Reserve your seat in one of NSU’s graduate or professional schools while you earn your bachelor’s degree. With NSU’s Dual Admission program, you don’t have to worry about competing with thousands of other students for a spot in a highly selective graduate program. This Premier Program gives you an opportunity to get a head start on your career, so you can start earning sooner.
Your NSU professors are dedicated to ensuring that you have a great academic experience.
They regularly review the curriculum to make updates that give you an edge in today’s
ever-changing world. As an NSU Child Development major, some courses that you could
take include Promoting Child Health and Safety, Parenting Theory and Practice, Curricular
Programming in Early Childhood Centers, Literacy Development in Multilingual Communities
and Educational Psychology. Visit the B.S. in Child Development curriculum to view
detailed course descriptions and plans of study.
View Curriculum and Plans of Study
