Child and Family Studies

Child and Family Studies professionals strive to improve the lives of children and families by supporting high-quality early education, healthy interactions within families, and thriving family environments. They empower family members by providing educational, preventative, and enrichment services in the community.

  1. Be strategic with your CDFS option and elective courses, if applicable
  1. Take CDFS 312 and CDFS 413 early
  1. Participate in an internship for your Senior-Year-Experience requirement
  1. Stay engaged with CAFAS (Child and Family Associated Students)
  • Choose a CDFS option:
  1. Child Development
  2. Family Science and Community Services
  • Your choice of option will determine your required coursework.
  • If CD option, enroll in CDFS Elective courses that connect with your career interests
    • Ex. Take CDFS 407 The Hospitalized Child if you are interested in working with children in a healthcare setting
In CDFS 312 and 413, you will learn about the wide breadth of career options for students in Child and Family Studies
  • Get experience working with children and families, and network with mentors
  • Add internship experience to your resume to be a competitive applicant for jobs and/or graduate school
  • CDFS 492A/B: List of internship sites

CAFAS IG: @cafas_csulb

Email: cafas.csulb1@gmail.com

  • Connect with other students and faculty
  • Be the first to know about events and opportunities
Hospital clipart
Careers clipart
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CAFAS logo

BA in Child and Family Studies

  • Option in Child Development
  • Option in Family Science and Community Services

  • Adoption or foster care coordinator
  • After-school program director
  • Basic needs coordinator
  • Child life specialist
  • Child development consultant
  • Domestic violence advocate
  • Community outreach coordinator
  • Curriculum developer or evaluator
  • Early childhood educator (infant, toddler, preschool)
  • Early childhood education administrator (director, site supervisor)
  • Family advocate or case worker
  • Healthy relationship and sexuality educator
  • Housing navigator
  • Immigrant and family refugee services
  • Parent educator
  • Youth development specialist

  • Behavior analyst
  • Family lawyer/attorney
  • Marriage and family therapist
  • Public school teacher
  • Occupational therapist
  • School counselor
  • Social worker
  • Speech language pathologist

  • Community organizations
  • Child and family counseling centers
  • Early childhood education centers
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Healthcare organizations
  • Local, state, and federal government agencies
  • Non-profit agencies
  • Preschools, primary schools, and secondary schools
  • Private households or businesses
  • Social service agencies
  • Therapeutic/hospital settings

  • Center directors and administrators: $72,990 CA, $54,290 US
  • Marriage and family therapists (graduate degree required): $69,780 CA, $58,510 US
  • PK-3 teachers (requires post-baccalaureate PK-3 credential): $82,350, $70,790 US
  • Preschool teachers: $46,667 CA, $37,741 US
  • Social and community service assistants: $51,660 CA, $41,410 US
  • Social and community service managers: $89,480 CA, $77,030 US

 

Sources: CSULB Labor Market Insights and US Bureau of Labor Statistics 

Interpersonal skills

Professionals working with children and families need excellent interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships with children, families, parents, and colleagues.

Service Orientation

Professionals working with children and families strive to improve the lives of others.

Communication skills

Professionals working with children and families communicate clearly with diverse children, families, parents, and colleagues. They use effective oral communication skills and listening skills to address concerns. 

Instructional skills

Professionals working with children and families use evidence-based practices to provide high-quality learning environments and preventative programming for diverse children and families.