Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

The B.S. in Child Development program with a General concentration emphasizes not only child development but also psychology, nutrition, and child safety. While enrolled in the program, you can explore ways of comprehending children's emotions and helping them to succeed. The General concentration focuses on children's developmental milestones as they advance from birth through the teen years. You will also have the opportunity to learn the importance of working with parents and families to create surroundings that facilitate learning and promote children's overall well-being.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you seek knowledge of parenting methods and an understanding of children's social, emotional, and physical development, you might be a good candidate for Walden University's B.S. in Child Development program with a General concentration. Applicants to Walden University's 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?

To graduate from this program, you must complete 180 credit hours. With 10 credits, concentration courses make up a relatively small percentage of the program, whereas core courses account for the largest percentage with 55 credits. 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
• Making Connections: The Early Childhood Field
• Educational Psychology
• Child Development
• Making Connections: The Developing Child
• Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• Child, Family, and Community Relationships
• Making Connections: The Well-Being of Children
• Language Development
• Children's Literature
• Making Connections: The Foundations of Literacy
• Observation and Assessment of the Young Child
• Children With Special Needs
• Making Connections: The Individuality of Children
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
• Making Connections: Living in a Diverse World
• Capstone Course
• Two concentration courses, which can be selected from any of the B.S. in Childhood Development program concentrations.

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

When you graduate from Walden University's B.S. in Child Development program with a General concentration, you might qualify for various job titles. You could pursue career opportunities such as but not limited to the following:

• Social and human service assistants
• Teacher assistants
• Education administrators
• Child care workers
• Community service specialists

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

Advanced Degrees

Should you decide it is in your best interest to perform research and further your understanding of child development, you might choose to continue the learning process beyond the bachelor's level. 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:
  • Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field
  • Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy
  • Administration, Management, and Leadership
  • Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education
• Ph.D. in Education with specializations in but not limited to:
  • 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.