Child and Family Studies

This major is designed specifically for students interested in working with young children and their families as teachers or administrators in pre-school, childcare, early intervention or other community-based programs.

Two FSU education majors work with preschool student in the Child Development Lab

Child and Family Studies is a unique interdisciplinary major that places an emphasis on the collaborative role of schools, families, and communities working together to support children.

Learn more about the Child and Family Studies major

The BS in Child and Family Studies includes coursework in Education, Psychology, and Sociology, with a strong focus placed on family involvement, family engagement, and collaboration across families, educational settings, and communities.

Students have the opportunity to intern in the vibrant on-campus Centers for Early Childhood Education. The Centers are staffed by teachers who hold a license with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and are certified with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). The Centers for Early Childhood Education also are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Framingham State University also has a large network of local school districts that it partners with, so students have the opportunity to intern in a variety off-campus sites, as well.

Students who complete this major will be eligible to apply for their infant, toddler, or preschool teaching certification from the ECC. Students also are prepared to assume leadership roles in the field as directors of early childhood centers or as staff with state-level agencies. Students also may pursue graduate studies in connected fields.

Psychology and Elementary Education student Alyssa Figueiredo walking down stairs
Alyssa Figueiredo '19

Psychology Major with Coordinate in Elementary Education

“Working at the Centers for Early Childhood Education has allowed me to grow as an educator and further develop my passion for making a difference in the lives of young children and their families. I want every one of my students to feel supported in a safe and positive environment where they can grow and succeed in many different capacities.“