Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University offers a program that was created especially for aspiring child development majors. The goal of the B.S. in Child Development program is to train professionals who can assess the physical and mental health of children, encourage their growth and learning, and teach healthy lifestyle habits. When you choose the Family Health and Wellness concentration, you will be given opportunities to examine stress management, exercise, and nutrition as they relate to family and community health. Upon completion, you could be qualified to become an advocate for children and push for necessary social changes.

What Are the Prerequisites?

Creative, patient, and nurturing qualities are required of those who want to build professional careers in childhood development and education. You should be interested in working with families and children for the purpose of imparting knowledge of health and wellness and promoting children's well-being. Applicants to Walden Universitys programs must be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent; or be an active member of the military or a veteran; or have already earned at least 90 quarter hours of credit. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Program Requirements?

You must earn 180 credit hours to complete this bachelor's program. Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change. Contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program.

Foundation Course

• Dynamics of Walden Success: Learning Lab

Core Course Requirements

• Introduction to Education
• Pioneers and Philosophies of Education
• Educational Psychology
• Child Development
• Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• Child, Family, and Community Relationships
• Language Development
• Children's Literature
• Observation and Assessment of the Young Child
• Children With Special Needs
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

Making Connections Courses

• Making Connections: The Early Childhood Field
• Making Connections: The Developing Child
• Making Connections: The Well-Being of Children
• Making Connections: The Foundations of Literacy
• Making Connections: The Individuality of Children
• Making Connections: Living in a Diverse World

Concentration Course Requirements

• Infant / Toddler Mental Health
• Personal Health and Wellness
• Nutrition Across the Lifespan
• Fit and Well: Core Concepts of Exercise Science
• Stress Management and Wellness
• Strategies for Health Communication and Wellness

Capstone Course

• Capstone

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Earning the B.S. in Child Development with a concentration in Family Health and Wellness from Walden University might make it possible for you to pursue diverse jobs. For example, graduates may qualify for positions such as:

• Teacher assistant
• Education administrator
• Social and human service assistant
• Childcare worker
• Preschool teacher

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Advanced Degrees

Upon graduation from Walden University's B.S. in Child Development program with a concentration in Family Health and Wellness, you can enhance your knowledge and prepare yourself to take on leadership roles by continuing your studies. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:

• M.S. in Early Childhood Studies with specializations in:
  • Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy
  • Administration, Management, and Leadership
  • Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education
  • Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field
• Ph.D. in Education with specializations in:
  • Early Childhood Education
  • K-12 Educational Leadership

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.