Child and
Family Services

Bachelor of Science

In contemporary society, the definition of family is evolving and the traditional nuclear family has many variations. If you’re interested in learning about optimal human development and relationships from infancy through adulthood, a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Services might appeal to you. Through it you will be trained to strengthen the lives of children, adults and families by promoting healthy development and relationships. These skills prepare graduates to work in healthcare, therapeutic and social service professions.

In contemporary society, the definition of family is evolving and the traditional nuclear family has many variations. If you’re interested in learning about optimal human development and relationships from infancy through adulthood, a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Services might appeal to you. Through it you will be trained to strengthen the lives of children, adults and families by promoting healthy development and relationships. These skills prepare graduates to work in healthcare, therapeutic and social service professions.

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Are you interested in Child and Family Services?

At ACU, we are here for you on your journey to success, and it starts with answering your questions. Let us connect you with the information you need to navigate your next steps.

Complete the form to learn more about earning a degree in child and family services.

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Why Child and Family Services at ACU?

Students sitting on a bench

ACU’s Child and Family Services program is approved by the National Council on Family Relations and offers courses that are pre-approved courses through the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP). Taught from a Christian perspective, our degree program prepares people-oriented students for a variety of careers serving children and families. You will examine current research and theory, and learn to design, implement and evaluate family life education plans.

B.S in Child and Family Services

Degree Details

Find important details about this degree plan explore the track options for this major by visiting the Marriage and Family Studies Department pages of the catalog.

Required Hours

Fill out the form above for more information.

Tracks

Find specific program information for each track at the “View Catalog” button.

Child Life
Child and Family Services (General track)

Minor Available

Yes! ACU offers a minor in this study. You can learn more about this minor by viewing the catalog or explore all of the minors available at the button below.

Career Options

Consider the wide range of exciting careers available with a bachelor’s in Child and Family Studies.

Certified Child Life Specialist
Adoption counselor
Hospice/funeral services
Childcare director

See more below!

Beyond Your Degree

After Graduation

With a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Services, career options are many, including:

  • Certified Child Life Specialist
  • Adoption counselor
  • Hospice/funeral services
  • Childcare director
  • Youth services coordinator
  • Youth camp director
  • Aging services/ombudsman
  • Group home worker
  • Family resource coordinator
  • Marriage and Family Therapist (master’s degree required)
  • Family intervention/community-based services (abuse, protection, prevention)

Clubs and Activities

Child and Family Services majors gain practical experience through co-curriculars such as:

  • Service-learning
  • Internships
  • Community-based research
  • Study abroad

Spotlight

Hollie Young working with a child

Certified Child Life Specialist

In both healthcare and community settings, Certified Child Life Specialists help infants, children, youth and families cope with the stress and uncertainty of acute and chronic illness, injury, trauma, disability, loss and bereavement. They provide evidence-based, developmentally and psychologically appropriate interventions, including therapeutic play, preparation for procedures, and education to reduce fear, anxiety and pain.

Hollie Young (’05), pictured, is among the first on the scene for children.

Read About Hollie

Family Science Careers in Texas

The Texas Workforce Commission makes these predictions about the growth in career fields that are most relevant to Child and Family Services graduates:

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) CodeSOC Title2022-32 Projected increase in # of people employed in this classification, in Texas2022-32 Projected annual openings, in Texas2024 Mean statewide annual wage
11-9151Social and Community Service Managers19.30%1,117 $77,560
21-1021Child, Family, and School Social Workers13.40%1,976 $50,627
21-1022Healthcare Social Workers (includes Child Life Specialists)14.70%1,277 $64,117
21-1091Health Education Specialists15.70%367 $71,377
21-1093Social and Human Services Assistants16.00%2,755 $42,527
21-1099Community and Social Services Specialists, All Other18.30%903 $46,869
25-9021Farm and Home Management Educators3.80%33 $31,486
39-9011Childcare Workers11.70%16,960 $29,451

For more details, click here.

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