Child Development Program Overview

Through innovative research programs and high quality education for students, child development faculty are creating new knowledge and training the next generation of scholars and practitioners.

Faculty in child development focus on generating knowledge related to the behavioral, psychological, biological, and contextual processes that promote positive developmental outcomes in infants and young children.  We are engaged in the creation of new knowledge about early development that drives innovative theoretical perspectives and informs practice and scholarship in support of optimal development. Our efforts as scholars and as educators are built around two core principles:

  1. Multiple contexts shape development, including biology, family, school, community, and culture
  2. The empirically-based application of research to real-world problems is essential in promoting the well-being of children and families.

Master’s Degree in Child Development, Research Focus

Students complete a 30 credit master’s in child development with an emphasis on preparation for continued study in a doctoral program. Students gain research experience with their faculty mentors. Master’s Degree in Child Development, Professional Focus Students complete a 32 credit master’s in child development focusing on 1.) evidence-based practice, including program evaluation, assessment of development and learning, and early childhood curriculum planning and implementation for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, and curricular adaptations to meet the needs of diverse children and families; 2.) the supervision and professional development of early childhood practitioners, and 3.) the role of family in early education and development.

Doctorate in Child Development

Students earning a doctorate in Child Development complete a rigorous set of experiences in preparation for a research career in a university academic environment, research organization, or similar settings.

Undergraduate Degrees in Child Development

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies also offers undergraduate degrees in Child Development.  The Degree Program has two concentrations; an Early Childhood Education in a Preschool Teaching Setting or an Elementary Education Teacher Preparation Program. Child Development faculty also assisted in the creation and teach in the Early Care and Education degree program.

Early Childhood-General and Special Education Endorsement (ZS)

Experienced Elementary Education or Special Education Teachers can complete the Early Childhood-General and Special Education Endorsement or ZS through the Department.  We offer evening courses and laboratory sections are scheduled to accommodate your teaching schedules in the summer.  For additional information, please contact the ZS Advisor, Laurie Linscott at: linscott@msu.edu.  For more information, please visit: http://hdfs.msu.edu/undergraduate/early-childhood-general-and-special-education-endorsement-zs