X. Degree Programs
Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.)
Child Studies (CSTU)
Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
The Child Studies major examines the ways children learn, develop, and grow from psychological, physiological, and social perspectives, with families considered as a central context in which children develop. Ways of working with children in diverse and inclusive settings are explored, and the importance of early learning opportunities and early intervention are emphasized. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and applied skills through course work and guaranteed practicum placements, completing over 500 hours of practical experience working with children in a variety of settings. Graduates of the Child Studies major are eligible to apply for membership in the College of Early Childhood Educators.
Through the effective use of elective courses, the core requirements in the major can be supplemented to create a program of study that will prepare graduates for a variety of careers working with children and their families. Graduates pursue careers in diverse settings including elementary schools, paediatric wards in hospitals, family and community service agencies, child care centres, and child and youth treatment facilities. Many students go on to pursue graduate education in fields such as education, social work, speech language pathology, occupational therapy, child life, nursing, psychology, couple and family therapy, sociology, and family studies.
Program Requirements
All students in the Child Studies major must successfully complete a minimum of 20.00 credits including the core of 14.00 required credits. In addition to the core requirements, there are elective courses from various departments across the University that may be taken. Information about suggested electives that relate to particular careers or areas of interest and requirements for admission to various graduate programs, including Faculties of Education, are available from the B.A.Sc. Program Counsellor.
Minors
Students may take one minor in addition to the Child Studies major. See the University of Guelph Calendar, Section X, Degree Programs, Specialization and Their Degrees for list of minors: http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c10/index.shtml. The 60.00% requirement applies to each major and minor.
Double Counting of Courses
A maximum of 50 percent of the courses applied to a minor may be courses taken in fulfillment of the major where required courses are the same.
Counselling on Minors
The B.A.Sc. program counsellor assists students in the selection of minors, interpreting program and academic regulations. Academic departments offer the minors and assign faculty advisors to assist students with academic planning (e.g., a faculty advisor in the Psychology department handles queries about a minor in Psychology). Students should consult the appropriate faculty advisor, along with the B.A.Sc. Program Counsellor, when declaring a minor or requiring advice on the completion of specialization requirements. The list of faculty advisors is available on the Undergraduate Academic Information Centre website: https://www.uoguelph.ca/uaic/facultyadvisors or contact the B.A.Sc. Program Counsellor for further information.
Articulation Agreements
The University of Guelph is a partner in several Articulation Agreements concerning the Child Studies major. Students who enter the B.A.Sc. Child Studies major with advanced standing through an articulation agreement should identify themselves to the B.A.Sc. Program Counsellor for specific guidance around their Schedule of Studies (see Section IV of this calendar). Students in the Child Studies major who are interested in proceeding to teachers college should refer to Section IV--Admissions Information, Articulation Agreements for information about admission to the Bachelor of Education program at Nipissing University.