Appalachian State University
Child Development (BS) - Family and Child Studies (non-licensure)
Application Deadlines
Location
Boone campus
Hickory campus
Got credits?
Learn about transferring credits to App State
Developing the minds of tomorrow — today.
The Bachelor Science (BS) in Child Development - Family and Child Studies (non-licensure) degree program at App State is designed to give you a broad base of knowledge about children and families.
You will take courses in all areas of child and family studies, providing you with the ability to build supportive environments for children and families that will assist professionals who work directly with families and family service agencies.
Choose an area of focus: Early Childhood, Early Intervention, Child and Family Support and Services or Programs and Services for Middle Childhood and Adolescence.
Two required field experiences will develop your professional skills so that you are ready for a career in nonpublic school settings and agencies with children and adolescents.
A ‘Best College’ for 2025
The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and Southeast for 2025.
Top 3 in innovation, undergraduate teaching
U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top three school for innovation and the high quality of its undergraduate instruction for eight consecutive years.
A ‘Best College’ for value
App State’s quality, affordability and student outcomes place it among the nation’s 2024 best schools for value, according to Money.com
Elevate Your Education
Courses
Transferring Credits
Learn about App State’s credit transfer process, and use our Transfer Equivalency Course Search tool to determine how your courses may transfer to App State.
General Education
With courses in history, natural and social sciences and humanities, App State’s General Education Program will reshape your outlook on learning and provide a foundational skill set that will prepare you for any career.
Accelerated Master’s
You can begin your graduate studies as an undergraduate and earn your master’s degree in as little as one year.
Careers and Mountaineers
Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go! Our passionate and engaged alumni become leaders in their communities and chosen professions.
Careers
- Child Care Resource and Referral
- Child Life
- Directing Summer Camps
- Director of Early Care and Education Center(s)
- Early Intervention Agencies
- Cooperative Extension
- Nonprofit (such as March of Dimes, Make A Wish Foundation)
- Smart Start Partnership
- Starting your own Home Early Care and Education Center
- Teaching in Early Care and Education
- Teaching in Smart Start
- Working with Teen Mothers
- Directing After-school Programs in the Public Schools
Some of these roles may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Career information resource
App State’s Career Development Center
Services provided by the Career Development Center include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools for you to achieve life and professional success.
More to Explore at App State
Fund Your Education
Numerous scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to help fund your App State education. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
International Experience
Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more.
Real-world Internships
Gain firsthand experience while earning your degree. Learn more
Find Your Community
Get inspired and get involved by joining App State clubs and organizations, such as the Child Advocacy Club. Learn more
Honors College
Develop high-level creative thinking and research skills. Learn more
Apply
Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.
Admissions questions? Contact us.
Connect
Program Contact
Dr. Woodrow Trathen
Department Chair
[email protected]
828-262-7966
Teressa Sumrall
Program Director of Child Development
[email protected]
828-262-2660
Andrea Anderson
Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory Director
[email protected]
828-262-6056
Visit Campus
Explore App State’s campuses in Boone and Hickory and learn more about what life is like as a Mountaineer.
Attend an information session to get to know App State’s people and programs.
Admissions Counselor
Have questions related to the App State admissions process? Our admissions counselors are here to help.