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Child Development

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Arts and Sciences Family and Consumer Sciences
Degree Level
Undergraduate
College
Arts and Sciences
Format
On Ground
Credit Hours
120 hours
Average Time to Degree
4 years

Child Development Major

The child development degree focuses on developmentally appropriate practices for children in a variety of settings that align with the standards from national accreditation associations in child development. The comprehensive nature of this degree prepares the graduate for a variety of jobs in demand nationwide.

Learn more about Family and Consumer Sciences

Why study child development at Harding?

Connections

The department’s variety of organizations provide students with connections and growth within their majors.

The Family and Consumer Sciences Student Association

The Family and Consumer Sciences Student Association prepares new professionals by providing opportunities to serve individuals, families, communities and one another in association sponsored programs and service projects.

Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics facilitates trips to local and state professional meetings, guest speakers in the area of dietetics and nutrition, and service projects aimed to have a positive impact on the campus and community.

More Information

Harding’s Nu Delta chapter of Kappa Omicron Nu, a national honor society for family and consumer sciences, provides recognition and honor for distinguished academic achievements and professional growth through education and service.

The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Harding University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Address: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, Phone: 800-877-1600, ext. 5400, E-mail: ACEND@eatright.org, Website: www.eatrightpro.org/acend). Effective Fall 2021, the Harding University Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)) will no longer be available to new students. Learn more about the Didactic Program in Dietetics Transitional Plans in the catalog.

The Master of Science in Applied Dietetics Practice Program at Harding University is a candidacy program seeking accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Address: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, Phone: 800-877-1600, ext. 5400, E-mail: ACEND@eatright.org, Website: www.eatrightpro.org/acend).

The Child Life Major is endorsed by the Association of Child Life Professionals through April 2024. This recognition assures that the program meets the requirements set forth in the ACLP’s Standards for Academic and Clinical Preparation Programs, confirming that the program’s structure, curriculum, resources, support system, and sustainability are of the highest quality.

Dale & Joan Coleman Endowed Scholarship Fund for Family & Consumer Sciences: Dale and Joan Coleman established this fund to provide scholarships for students majoring in family and consumer sciences at Harding University.

Lisa & Rachel Miller Scholarship: The Lisa & Rachel Miller Scholarship is for FCS Education majors.

Mildred L. Bell Family & Consumer Sciences Scholarship: Faculty, friends, and family members established this scholarship as a tribute to Dr. Mildred L. Bell, Chairman of the Harding University Home Economics Department from 1959-1984.

Sharen Crockett Scholarship: Preference is given to Child Development and Child Life majors.

Ellis Endowed Development Scholarship: All FCS majors are eligible to apply.

Cheryl Helms Endowed Scholarship: Must be a Nutrition & Dietetics, Child Development, or Child Life major.

What can you do with a degree in child development?

Adoption or foster care case workers

Case workers support families and children in foster care and those who want to adopt by walking through each process with them. In this role, you will contribute to positive change in the lives of many as you prioritze the best interests and well-being of the children involved. 

Child and/or family advocates

Family advocates assist parents, find foster homes for children, advise teachers in schools and serve families in a variety of other roles. As a child or family advocate, you will make a lifelong difference every day by helping strengthen family relationships and support your community. 

Child care directors

As a child care director, you will be responsible for developing and facilitating programs for preschool children. This includes designing and overseeing instructional and recreational activities as well as supervising staff and preparing budgets.

We assist individuals, families and communities in making informed decisions about their well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life.
Brittany Cumbie

Department Chair

View the Catalog

View Catalog

Contact Information


Family and Consumer Sciences
501-279-4472
fcs@harding.edu