School of Child and Family Sciences

Pat Sims, Director
118 College Drive, #5035
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.4679

Bowens, Grames, Herring, Hinton, Hess-Holden, Jeanfreau, Kimberly, Luethje, McCormick, Rollins, Sims, Thomas, Wright

The School of Child and Family Sciences offers coursework and degree programs grounded in systemic, ecological, and developmental frameworks.  Students acquire a broad knowledge of child and family science through courses in family dynamics, communication, child and family theories, and contemporary issues affecting quality of life.  In addition to a comprehensive range of didactic coursework, students engage in numerous experiential learning activities through laboratory, practicum, or internship experiences.  Students majoring in child and family studies may select an emphasis in child development or family relations.

Graduates with an emphasis in child development are qualified to work as teachers and administrators of childcare and preschool programs. Graduates may also pursue an educator license to teach pre-kindergarten through kindergarten in the public school system. To do so, students must pass the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching-Early Childhood exam (5621/0621) the semester prior to the practicum experience. As part of the licensure application requirement, the State Department of Education also requires students to pass the Praxis II Education of Young Children exam (5021/0021). Students with an ACT below 21 must take the Praxis Core exams (5712/5722/5732).  Graduates may also work as child development specialists who plan and implement developmentally effective activities with children in other settings.

Graduates with an emphasis in family relations are prepared to work in community and human service organizations such as child protection services, family resource centers, community mental health, youth development organizations, and agencies on aging. Graduates are also prepared to work with the Cooperative Extension Service.  Graduates may be eligible for provisional membership in the National Council on Family Relations’ Certified Family Life Education Program.

The undergraduate program in the School of Child and Family Sciences is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Program Requirements

• Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to transfer into programs offered in the School of Child and Family Sciences
• Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major area of study (DEG 01 and DEG 02) and any courses substituted for major courses in order to graduate.

Programs

• Child and Family Studies (Child Development), B.S. Degree Requirements (120 hours)
• Child and Family Studies (Child Development), B.S. Semester-by-semester Guide
• Child and Family Studies (Family Relations), B.S. Degree Requirements (120 hours)
• Child and Family Studies (Family Relations), B.S. Semester-by-semester Guide

• Child and Family Studies Minor