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The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences:
BS in Child Development

This program is not currently accepting new students. Current students must complete their programs of study in accordance with Walden’s Time-to-Degree Completion policies.

The Walden University BS in Child Development degree program addresses the needs of child development professionals by providing the tools and strategies needed to improve practice with children across a variety of age levels. Students can choose from eight concentrations: Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Dual Infant/Toddler and Preschool, Child and Adolescent Studies, or Psychology. All eight concentrations in the program deliver an in-depth focus on child development, child-centered learning, developmentally appropriate environments, and effective practices for working with children and families. Students will gain insights in the field of child development through courses that bridge the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge, led by national experts, researchers, and experts in the field.

Note on Teacher Licensure or Certification

This program does not lead to teacher licensure or certification. Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this program, the education professional:

  1. Identifies developmentally appropriate practices related to creating environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for all children.
  2. Identifies the individual characteristics of children and uses this knowledge to make informed decisions regarding the emotional, social, physical, and intellectual well-being.
  3. Explains the vital role that healthy, respectful, and reciprocal family and community relationships play in supporting the growth and well-being of the whole child.
  4. Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity and the vital role it plays in children’s healthy development and learning.
  5. Uses professional resources, including collegial sharing for continued professional development, to promote advocacy and social change.

Degree Requirements

  • 181 total quarter credits
  • General education courses (46 credits)
  • Core courses (55 credits)
  • Concentration courses (0-55 credits, depending on concentration
  • Elective courses (28-72 credits, depending on concentration)
  • Capstone course (7 credits)
  • ePortfolio

Curriculum

The BS in Child Development curriculum consists primarily of core courses that are 6-week, 5-credit courses, culminating with a 6-week, 7-credit Capstone course. Through these courses, students will develop concentration-specific content knowledge, written and oral communications skills, the ability to contribute professionally to a diverse and changing child development field, and an understanding of developmentally appropriate practices. These skills are essential to the field of early childhood education, and they prepare students to make a successful contribution in their current and future work settings.

General Education Courses (46 credits)

See the General Education section of this Walden University Catalog.

Note: A minimum of 55 quarter credits must be completed at the 3000 or 4000 level in order to meet program requirements. In some cases, this means that students will need to select 3000- or 4000-level courses as either general education or elective options. Students should consult their student success advisor if they have questions about individual program requirements.

Core Courses (45 credits)

  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.

Concentration Courses (0-55 credits)

These courses are dependent upon the particular concentration. Please see the course list on each concentration page.

Electives (28-72 credits)

Electives are dependent upon the particular concentration. Please see the elective requirements on each concentration page.

Capstone Course (7 credits)

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