Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development have many diverse career options. The following are commonly chosen options but there are many more:

• parent educators (professionals who conduct parenting workshops) 
• child development consultants 
• preschool teachers 
• child counselors 
• youth counselors 
• court appointed advocates for children 
• program planners 
• schoolage program professionals (e.g., school counselors, after-school program coordinators) 
• planners and coordinators of recreation programs 
• K-12 teachers

Child Development majors work in settings such as

• child care centers
• family and juvenile courts
• pediatric wards in hospitals 
• department of parks and recreation 
• schools 
• companies that manufacture products for children such as toys, books and software

Individuals with a degree in Child Development can also start centers for children. Some of the positions listed above may require additional training after completing the baccalaureate program in Child Development.

To download a handout, select Career Possibilities and Educational Requirements [PDF].

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Course Recommendations for Specific Careers

Students who wish to pursue these careers may benefit from taking the recommended courses below.

Child Life Specialist

Students interested in a career in child life should consider the following courses. For more information on curriculum recommendations and careers as a child life specialist, please visit the Child Life Council website.

Recommended Courses

Occupational Therapy

Students who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) should consider taking some of the common prerequisite requirements for the Occupational Therapy master’s program. Students will gain general knowledge and skills in human anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the causes and manifestations of psychological disorders. While the suggested courses are common prerequisite requirements for Occupational Therapy programs, students should check the current admission requirements for the specific universities they plan to apply to as admission requirements vary by university and are subject to change.

See Admission Requirements of CSUDH Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) for a sample.

Recommended Courses