Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Science
Concentration: Early Childhood (BA/BS)
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Early Childhood Concentration Overview
Purdue University Northwest’s bachelor’s degree in human development and family science (HDFS) major paired with a concentration in early childhood is designed for an aspiring human services professional who wants to work with children (from birth through age 8) and their families.
Department of Behavioral Sciences
HDFS courses prepare you for service-based work with families by focusing on cultural understanding and strategies for helping and securing resources.
As an Early Childhood concentration student, you’ll study children’s development and education, behavioral science and family dynamics. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake experiential learning in the community.
Early Childhood Concentration Highlights
Our B.A. degrees in Human Development and Family Science have the “Certification Family Life Educator” designation with the National Council on Family Relations. The Certified Family Life Educator designator enhances a student’s professionalism and resume.
Early Childhood Concentration Outcomes
Graduates of this program have the ability to work with children aged 0-8 and their families by helping them through systems and enhancing their relationships. You’ll be qualified to obtain a Certified Family Life Educator credential.
Early Childhood Concentration Career Paths
An early childhood concentration from PNW prepares you for a number of careers in the field, including:
- Child Care Program Director
- Early Childhood Teacher
- Early Intervention Specialist
- Youth Worker
Early Childhood Concentration Beyond the Classroom
You’ll have many opportunities to get involved in on- and off-campus activities, including:
- HDFS Student Group
- National Council on Family Relations
Early Childhood Concentration Employers
Our graduates often work in early childhood classrooms, child protective service organizations and special needs service agencies. Examples include:
- 1st Kids, Inc.
- Head start
- Department of Child and Family Services
- First Steps
Early Childhood Concentration Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships available to all PNW applicants, students seeking an early childhood concentration may also apply for program-specific scholarship awards, such as:
- Michael and Geraldine Macenski Behavioral Scholarship
It’s nice to be in a more intimate, smaller setting. It makes me feel like I’m actually a student, not a number.
The faculty in the department took the time to build a rapport with students and displayed a genuine concern about the quality of education we received. I am proud to have chosen HDFS as a major.
Meet the Faculty
Professor of Human Development and Family Science Coordinator
Anne Edwards is an associate professor of human development and family science (HDFS) and the coordinator of the HDFS program. She is also the co-director of the Institute for Social Policy Research.
Lecturer, Human Development and Family Science
Patricia Rodda is a lecturer in the BHS Department and has worked there since 1992. She has worked at various child cares and was also a child life specialist at the U of C Children’s Hospital. She teaches courses in HDFS.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Science with a Concentration in Early Childhood at PNW
Purdue University Northwest’s early childhood concentration prepares you for future work with members of families, helping them through systems and enhancing their relationships through experiential learning in the community while providing a foundation of knowledge for your career
To see how a bachelor’s degree in human development and family science with a concentration in early childhood from PNW opens doors, from classrooms to non-profits, take the next step today!
