Child Development and Learning

Part of the Behavioral Sciences Division

Students who plan to work with children or enter a graduate program in child development may choose the Major in Child Development and Learning. The major consists of 42 credit hours in psychology and related fields. 

Child Development and Learning is also the major pursued by students seeking teacher licensure for elementary grades. 

The Major in Child Development and Learning is designed for students who plan to work with children in a variety of settings or enter a graduate program in Child Development. The major consists of 42 credit hours, 32 credit hours in psychology and 10 hours in related fields.

Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved:

1.     Describes how the interaction of mind, body, and the socio-cultural environment affects behavior.
            a. Understands the nature of diversity
            b. Recognizes the wide variety of behavior that can be considered normal, as well as
                the multiple causes of varied behaviors
            c. Compares and contrasts major psychological systems
            d. Relates behavior to different developmental levels across the life-span
2.     Critically reviews and analyzes psychological research.
            a. Uses and interprets quantitative and qualitative information appropriately
            b. Identifies relationships and synthesizes information
            c. Considers ethical issues
3.     Uses basic psychological terminology
4.     Demonstrates ability to solve problems using the scientific mode of inquiry.
5.     Expresses oneself clearly and persuasively in writing and speaking professionally.
            a. Gives formal presentations
            b. Uses APA style in written communications as appropriate
6.     Demonstrates empathy for and sensitivity to individuality and the influence of the human condition.
7.     Utilizes and integrates appropriate technology to enhance professional and communication activities.

Required courses include:

    PSY 101: Introductory Psychology (3 hrs.)
    PSY 211: Child Development (3 hrs.)
    PSY 218: Psychology of Adolescence (3 hrs.)
    PSY 299: Contemporary and Professional Issues in Psychology (2 hrs.)
    PSY 306: Language Development (3 hrs.)
    PSY 315: Human Thought and Learning (3 hrs.)
    Either of the following courses:
        PSY 331: Abnormal Psychology (3 hrs.)
        or
        PSY 333: Counseling (3 hrs.)
    PSY 334: Culturally Diverse and Exceptional Children (3 hrs.)
    Three additional credit hours in psychology
    PSY 351-352: Senior Study (6 hrs.)
    PHR 236: Health Issues in Education (2 hrs.)
    PHR 331: Physical Education for Children (2 hrs.)
    SOC 215: Sociology of Marriage and Family (3 hrs.)
    BUS 201: Principles of Management (3 hrs.)

 The Standard First Aid and Community CPR certifications as offered by the American Red Cross are required for graduation in this major.

 The Major in Child Development and Learning for Teacher Licensure is designed for students who plan to teach in the elementary grades and consists of 42 credit hours, 29 credit hours in psychology, 13 credits in liberal studies, and 13 credit hours in related fields. Required courses in Psychology include:

    PSY 101: Introductory Psychology (3 hrs.)
    PSY 211: Child Development (3 hrs.)
    PSY 218: Psychology of Adolescence (3 hrs.)
    PSY 299: Contemporary and Professional Issues in Psychology (2 hrs.)
    PSY 306: Language Development (3 hrs.)
    PSY 315: Human Thought and Learning (3 hrs.)
    PSY 334: Culturally Diverse and Exceptional Children (3 hrs.)
    PSY 351-352: Senior Study (6 hrs.)
    Three additional credit hours in psychology

Required related courses include:
    PHR 236: Health Issues in Education (2 hrs.)
    PHR 331: Physical Education for Children (2 hrs.)
    SOC 215: Sociology of Marriage and Family (3 hrs.)
    MTH 307: Mathematics and Instructional Strategies for K-6 and 4-8 Teachers I (3 hrs.)
    MTH 308: Mathematics and Instructional Strategies for K-6 and 4-8 Teachers I (3 hrs.)

 Additional 13 credit hours in liberal studies include:
    ENG 212: Children’s Literature (3 hrs.)
    One of the following courses:
        HIS 111: Colonial and Revolutionary American (3 hrs.)
        HIS 112: History of the United States in the19th Century (3 hrs.)
        HIS 203: History of the United States in the 20th Century (3 hrs.)
    SOC 271: Sociology of Education (3 hrs.)
    BIO 311: Natural History of the Southern Appalachians (4 hrs.)

Students pursuing this major must complete 26 hours of professional courses in teacher education. The professional courses are listed below and in the Education section of this catalog. They include:

    EDU 302: Educational Technology (2 hrs.)
    EDU 303: Models of Classroom Instruction (2 hrs.)
    EDU 305: Strategies for Classroom Management (2 hrs.)
    EDU 321: Reading and Writing in the Content Classrooms (2 hrs.)
    EDU 322: Instructional Strategies for Science and Social Studies (3 hrs.)
    EDU 323: Reading and Writing K-4 (3 hrs.)
    EDU 401: Student Teaching (9 hrs.)
    EDU 402: Professional Seminar on Teaching (3 hrs.)
 
Standard First Aid and Community CPR certifications as offered by the American Red Cross are required for graduation in this major.

A double major in Psychology and Child Development and Learning is not permitted.

Core Curriculum Requirements

Each student must satisfy the core requirements and requirements for individual programs of study.