The Child Development option prepares students to work with young children (ages birth to eight) and their families.  Many of our graduates work as teachers or administrators in early care and education programs, such as a child care center, Head Start or a family child care home.  Others work as home visitors or developmental therapists.  Each is qualified to work in more generalized positions in this rapidly expanding field.

Students gain many experiential learning opportunities at the Ball State Child Study Center, a nationally accredited infant/toddler and preschool facility located on campus, supervised by faculty in the Child Development program.  In addition to in-depth course work, each student has the opportunity take part in both a practicum experience and an internship, cementing his or her knowledge and skills in working with young children.

Incoming or transferring students can no longer major in Family and Child.  That option has been separated into a Family Studies option and a Child Development option.  A student, however, could double major in the two options, if they completed the required courses for each option and completed an internship in each option.