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Child Development

Focus on child development and age-appropriate developmental practices for a career in community programs teaching in non-public preschools.

Child Development – B.S. in Human Development and Family Science, Child Development Emphasis

The Child Development option in the Human Development & Family Science major at Montana State prepares students to work in a variety of settings with young children (ages 0-8), their families, and other professionals. Coursework and field experiences provide hands-on learning in child growth and development, family and community relationships, developmentally appropriate practices, and promoting child and family well-being.

Human Development and Family Science is the applied social science program at Montana State University. Students gain a strong foundation in theory and research while learning to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. There are two other options in the major: The Human Development & Family Science option prepares students for careers in youth programming, social services, and graduate study in counseling or social work. The Family & Consumer Sciences Education option prepares students to become licensed secondary educators in Montana.

Students interested in becoming licensed to teach publicpreschool through 3rd grade may consider the Preschool-Grade 3 program. The Human Development & Family Science program also offers three minors: Human DevelopmentPersonal & Consumer Finance and Family Consumer Sciences Teaching Minor.

 

 

 

 

 

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Unique Opportunities
At Montana State, undergraduates are offered hands-on experiences in labs, studios, teaching farms and in the surrounding wilderness.

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Child Development Center
Gain hands-on experience with providing quality early childhood education by working at the Child Development Center, the laboratory preschool at Montana State.

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Adventure Awaits
Montana State is the No. 1 college in the U.S. for outdoor sports and recreation, with world-class skiing, hiking, biking, fly fishing and close proximity to Yellowstone National Park.

 

 

 

Career Resources

Within their first year of graduation, more than 96% of Montana State graduates are employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment, and career guidance website Zippia consistently ranks MSU as the #1 school in the state where alumni are most likely to land jobs.

Career Coaching & Professional Skills Studio

Professional career coaches help students with their career exploration, employer networking opportunities and job or internship searches. They also critique resumes and help students practice job interviews. Additionally, the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success offers free workshops for students to develop the professional communication and collaboration skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Careers

Child Development students at Montana State University go into careers such as:

  • Pre-school Teacher

  • Childcare Administration

  • Non-profit Administration

To explore more career possibilities, the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success has a variety of tools available , including self-assessment and working with career coaches.