Charles West, Ph.D., LMFT, Department Chair

Welcome to the Department of Child and Family Studies! With growing enrollment, Child and Family Studies has earned a reputation for excellence in each of its academic areas. Specifically, undergraduate students enrolled in Child and Family Studies may choose an emphasis in Child Development, Child Life, or Family Relations. Those seeking a masters' degree may apply to the Marriage and Family Therapy program or decide to apply to the entirely online masters degree program in Child and Family Studies.

Our graduates work in many settings. Child Development graduates work as teachers in public school pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms, day care settings, and in family service agencies. Family Relations graduates work in community mental health settings, family protection agencies, and in family service agencies. Child Life graduates work with children and families in medical settings. Graduates of the part-time online masters program in Child and Family Studies are prepared to become leaders, innovators, and family advocates in the settings where they are most commonly employed. Finally, graduates of the COAMFTE accredited Marriage and Family Therapy program find positions in community mental health, addiction treatment settings, school settings, and other mental health agencies.

Many students in our department are drawn to the quality of faculty and staff, and the individual assistance they receive. Faculty are dedicated to the vision of providing a solid foundation for lifelong learning as competent, innovative professionals who are making a difference through leadership, service, and research. Explore this website, please contact us with any questions, and know that you are welcome to visit us to see for yourself what the Department of Child and Family Studies has to offer.

Be well,
Charles West, Chair

OVERVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT/MISSION, VISION, AND GOALS