Child Development, minor

Program Overview

Do you want to help children reach their full potential? Are you fascinated by human development and relationships? If you desire to serve children and families, a minor in child development can add unique value to your career goals.

PLNU's Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Family Sciences trains you to develop a multicultural perspective, embrace the importance of serving others in diverse environments, and hone skills to meet the demands of life in an ever-changing society. Your courses in child development will explore the ways children grow and form relationships, and provide you with real-world circumstances to observe and analyze typical and atypical physical, social, and intellectual growth.

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Student Profile

Quinton Reed

Quinton Reed, a Los Angeles native, chose to attend PLNU because he had heard positive things of the university’s child and adolescent development major; he’d been working with kids since he was fifteen years old as a camp counselor and wanted to pursue a career in child development.

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You will also have access to a unique on-campus learning resource within the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC), a preschool laboratory in human relationships where children, parents, students, and teachers interact, play, work, and learn together.

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Child Development, minor program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

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Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Family Sciences alumni are sought after for their knowledge of the intangible aspects of their discipline that allow them to confidently evaluate, identify, and describe the relationships between individuals, families, communities, and the environments in which they function.

"I am so grateful for the education and guidance I received through the child and adolescent development major. I am currently nearing the end of my first trimester in OT school and have been amazed by how prepared I have been compared to my peers. The education I received through the department prepared me far more than I could have ever imagined."

Caitlin Brandt, Class of 2015
Child and Adolescent Development, B.A.

A minor in child development can help lead to the following careers:

  • Teacher
  • School Administrator
  • Social Service Agent
  • Childcare Consultant
  • Development Researcher
  • Community Service Agent
  • Family Support Specialist
  • Child Life Specialist
Little Girl with Sea Shell

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Department Faculty

Get Involved

A female ECLC student worker hands a small orange flower to a child in the playground

Early Childhood Learning Center

The Early Childhood Learning Center is a preschool and training lab for children, parents, students, and teachers to interact, play, work, and learn together.
PLNU students in cap and gown celebrate receiving their diplomas during commencement

Phi Upsilon Omicron

Phi Upsilon Omicron is the national honors society in family and consumer sciences for PLNU students in child development, dietetics, and nutrition and food.
A PLNU student helps a child search for easter eggs on alumni lawn

DS Action Easter Egg Hunt

Make a day of difference in the lives of children and their parents by volunteering at the DS Action Easter Egg Hunt held on PLNU's campus each year.