Child Development
The child development minor provides core coursework relevant to the education and direct care of children. In addition, students may choose courses tailored to their individual career interests.
Contact the Program
Child Development Program
Georgetown College
400 East College Street
Georgetown, KY 40324
Career Ideas for a Child Development & Family Studies Minor
| AREA | EMPLOYERS | STRATEGIES |
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PRE-SCHOOL/DAY CARE |
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Develop physical stamina for working with children. Acquire appropriate certification or licensure for day care and public school teaching. Obtain experience working with children through volunteering or part-time jobs. Demonstrate patience with children and the ability to work well with people of various backgrounds. Develop strong communications skills to deal effectively with parents. |
COMMUNITY SERVICES |
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Seek related work experience; particularly summer camps or special needs areas. Learn to work well with all types of people through volunteer or paid positions. Obtain Child Life Certification for some areas. Develop strong presentation and public speaking skills. Be willing to wear multiple hats within an organization. Learn how to write grants. Develop research and writing skills. |
SOCIAL SERVICES |
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Supplement curriculum with courses in social work, sociology, or psychology. Obtain a master’s degree and appropriate licensure in mental health counseling, social work, or rehabilitation counseling to provide therapy. Earn a graduate degree to obtain most administrative positions. Gain experience through volunteer positions or internships. |
EDUCATION |
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Acquire appropriate certification for public school teaching. Obtain Ph.D. for college and university teaching and research opportunities. Acquire certification for day care and parent-child education. Obtain graduate degree for counseling, student affairs, and administrative positions. Find part-time or summer jobs working with children. Serve as a tutor, peer mentor, resident assistant or student advisor. |
MEDICAL |
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Earn a master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related areas for the most opportunities. Obtain experience in advocacy. Acquire licensing or certification for some areas. Volunteer in a healthcare setting. |
BUSINESS |
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Minor in business; develop skills in areas such as management, marketing or sales. Secure leadership positions on campus. Get related experience through internships or part-time jobs. Build computer skills in word processing, database management, and spreadsheet programs. |
COMMUNICATIONS |
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Minor or double major in a communications field. Develop excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Submit articles or books for publication. Work for campus publications or radio stations. Complete internships with related organizations. |
GOVERNMENT |
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Take additional courses in area of interest. Develop strong presentation and public speaking skills. Obtain specialized training for opportunities in protective services or law enforcement. Complete an internship with a government organization. Learn federal, state, and local job application procedures. |
General Information
- Bachelor’s degree is sufficient for entry-level positions.
- Advanced degrees are essential for clinical and therapeutic counseling positions.
- Master’s degree or Ph.D. is often needed for administrative and supervisory positions.
- Ph.D. is required for college teaching and advanced research positions.
- Additional or specialized training qualifies one for higher paying and positions of greater responsibility.
- Obtain part-time, summer, internship, or volunteer experience in child care, schools, hospitals, camps, or overseas programs or in advocacy or service-oriented programs dealing with alcoholism, drug abuse, family violence, aging, poor, or disabled populations.
- Obtain certification in CPR, safety, and first aid for adults, children, and infants.
- Develop interest and gain experience in computers, arts, crafts, music, or physical activity.
- Obtain certification for specialized areas including Child Life Specialist or Child Advocacy.
Helpful Links
- American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
- National Child Care Information Center
- American Counseling Association
- National Board for Certified Counselors
- National Council on Family Relations
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- Child Life Council
- Childcare Workers from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Counselors from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
(2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer
