Associate of Applied Science in Child and Family Development

Do You...

  • Enjoy working with children and their families?
  • Like to be in an active, ever-changing environment where the needs of children and their families come first?
  • Deal with conflict openly, comfortably and constructively, without becoming upset, vengeful or defensive?

Are you...

  • Alert and sensitive to others' need and do you use this sensitivity to anticipate what might happen in given situations?
  • Interested in ongoing professional development?
  • Dependable?

If you answer yes to most or all of these questions you might want to consider a career in Child and Family Development.

Available Degrees

Missouri State University students are able to complete the following degrees in their entirety on the West Plains campus:

  • Associate of Applied Science in Child and Family Development
  • Associate of Arts in Child and Family Development
  • Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development
  • Master of Early Childhood and Family Development

Child and Family Development's Mission

Missouri State University-West Plains' Child and Family Development strengthens and enhances the well-being of children, adults, and families, by supporting research, education, and extension in the following areas:

  • Prenatal care,
  • Early childhood health, nutrition, and care,
  • Material health,
  • Parenting education, and
  • Adult family relationships

A Few Careers in Child and Family Development

Options for associate's and bachelor's degree recipients*

  • Child and Family Services
  • Child Entertainment
  • Childcare
  • Community Program Coordinator
  • Disability Programs
  • Family Advocate
  • Foster care and Adoption jobs
  • Government jobs
  • Healthcare
  • Juvenile Advocate
  • Protective Services
  • Psychologist
  • Public/Private Schools
  • Recreation Worker
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselor
  • Teachers
  • Youth Care
  •  

*Some Careers and Agencies Require Specific Training and/or Certification.

Students are strongly encouraged to confirm the transferability of individual courses to other institutions prior to enrollment. Not all courses will transfer or satisfy specific degree requirements for bachelor degrees