Graduates with an emphasis in child development are qualified to work as teachers and administrators of childcare and preschool programs. Graduates may also work as child development specialists who plan and implement developmentally effective activities with children in other settings.
Child and Family Sciences (Child Development) BS Degree Requirements (120 hours)
Child and Family Sciences (Child Development) BS Semester Guide
Availability: Hattiesburg Campus, and Online 100%
Admission Requirements: See University Admission Policies
Academic Policies and Requirements for Programs:
- 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 minimum grade of C 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.
- See University Academic Policies and Requirements
Licensure Requirements: Graduates with an emphasis in child development may 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) and the Praxis II Education of Young Children exam (5024). Additionally, students with an ACT below 21 must pass the Praxis Core exams (5713/5723/5733). This program is designed to meet the professional competency standards for licensure in Mississippi. The University of Southern Mississippi cannot determine whether this program leads to licensure in any state other than Mississippi. It is recommended that students who intend to seek licensure in another state verify that this program of study meets the desired state’s licensure requirements. For assistance with out-of-state licensure questions, please refer to the Professional Licensure Disclosures webpage.
Accreditation: The Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences accredits the undergraduate program in the School of Child and Family Sciences.
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