EKU’s 100% online child and family studies program prepares you to work with children in educational, institutional and human service settings. Early childhood education and development is a rewarding career that allows you to leave a lasting impression on the lives of children from various backgrounds as you work to ensure they reach their developmental milestones and achieve their full potential.
The demand for professionals with backgrounds in childhood development and early childhood education has grown steadily in recent years, and is expected to continue to increase through 2031.
— U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Rooted in the latest research and child development best practices, EKU’s online child and family studies degree prepares students for a variety of rewarding career options as well as graduate and professional school programs.
Program benefits include:
**Review your state’s requirements and speak to your advisor about how your coursework may transfer.
Complement your child and family studies degree with a specialized certificate based on your interests and career goals. Earn a certificate in your chosen area as you complete your degree – at no additional cost.
Infant/Toddler Care and Education Certificate
The infant/toddler certificate focuses on strategies and practices for the development of young children from birth to age three. The program prepares early childhood professionals to provide a strong foundation to young children and meets preparation standards for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Early Childhood Director Certificate
The early childhood director certificate focuses on the knowledge and strategies needed to manage a childcare center. The program prepares early childhood professionals to provide strong leadership in group care settings and meets preparation standards for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Family Studies Certificate
The family services certificate focuses on the knowledge and skillsets needed to provide educational and support services to families, parents and children. The program prepares human service professionals to take on leadership roles and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families within the community.
EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as interaction and guidance, early childhood observations and assessment, family involvement with young children, foundations of the early childhood professional, ethics and advocacy.
These instructions are for students enrolling in the online child and family studies program. For information related to the on-campus program, visit the departmental website.
Child and family studies courses require interaction with children and/or the elderly. Therefore, a criminal background check and negative TB skin test results are required prior to registering for some classes. Speak with an advisor for details. If you have a record of criminal behavior or positive TB results, you may be required to drop the course(s) and select another major. In addition, some courses will require Professional Liability Insurance (PLI).
Call or email Enrollment Advisor Emily Calvert for information about the EKU Online Child and Family Studies Child Development Bachelor Degree program.
Contact Info:
859-622-2772
Emily.Calvert@eku.edu
EKU has been a leader in online education for more than 15 years, providing more than 100 online degree and certificate options.
A regionally-accredited, brick-and-mortar university, EKU is ranked among the nation’s best colleges and has been educating students for more than a century. EKU has received numerous honors, including being named one of the best online colleges in the nation and one of the most veteran-friendly campuses.
EKU Online offers veterans and active duty military students an unparalleled online learning experience that provides accessibility, convenience and flexibility.
Special Tuition for Active Duty* Military
Eastern Kentucky University offers reduced tuition expenses to $258 per credit hour for undergraduate and $335 per credit hour for graduate courses to all service members currently serving on active duty.
*Active duty is defined as on federal orders for 180 days or more.
“I’d like to thank the EKU College of Justice & Safety for the opportunity to complete my degree online. It’s very user-friendly, and everyone has bent over backwards to make this happen.”
– 1LT Heath Bergmann, EKU Online Graduate