The Child Development and Family Studies program at Tarleton State University provides students with a strong foundation for working with children and families in various professional roles. The program tailors’ education to each student’s career goals, enhancing writing and critical thinking skills. Faculty use and model best practices, ensuring students receive up-to-date knowledge and a valuable learning experience. The program prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities in child development and family services.
“Tarleton’s Child Development and Family Studies (CHFS) program thoroughly prepares students for the complexities of working with children and families in today’s world. The curriculum goes beyond fundamental child development concepts, addressing modern issues such as various family structures and pediatric mental well-being. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also equipped with the empathy and social awareness needed to support children and families from all backgrounds.
One of the program’s greatest strengths is its hands-on, concentration-focused field experiences. The opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings provided me with the confidence and practical skills necessary for a seamless transition into my career in foster care. Tarleton’s CHFS program is an exceptional choice for anyone passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.”
Hannah Zeinert, Outstanding Departmental Undergraduate Student, Spring 2025
“For me, discovering the Child Development and Family Studies program changed my life. I went into Tarleton believing that the only path to working with children was to become a teacher, but when I looked further, I found a true home in the CHFS program. My professors were, and still are, astounding in the dedication and education they provided me.”
Shannon M. James, Graduated Summer 2022
Offered Concentrations
Early Childhood Education
Family Life Education
Child Life
Learning Outcomes
Provide students with a strong foundation for working with children and families in a variety of capacities.
Promote multicultural education.
Tailor each student’s education to their desired career.
Enhance each student’s writing and critical thinking skills.
Use and model best practices in all areas of our program.
Students can obtain up to thirty-three hours of workforce credit toward their degree through two avenues: workforce-based college credit hours (such as CDEC courses) and/or documented training hours from work experience with children and families.
