What Can I Do With This Degree?
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 PhD is often needed for administrative
and supervisory positions.
PhD 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.
Pre-school/Child
Care |
Careers |
Employers |
Strategies |
|
- Religious organizations
- Private homes
- Extended school programs
- Head Start
- Family day care
- Preschool
- Montessori Schools
- Private, public franchise, and corp. day care
centers
|
- Develop physical stamina for working with children.
- Acquire appropriate certification for 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.
|
Education |
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Careers |
Employers |
Strategies |
- Early Childhood Ed.
- Early Childhood Spec. Educ.
- Teaching
- Family and Consumer Sci.
- Research
- Curriculum Development
- Administration
- Univ. Studt. Affairs Counsel.
- Parent-Child Education
|
- Public and private schools (K-12)
- Public preschool programs (e.g., Head Start)
- Private preschool programs
- Montessori schools
- Adult education programs
- Colleges and universities
- Programs servicing children & adults with
special needs
|
- Acquire appropriate certification for public
school teaching.
- Obtain PhD 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.
|
Community
Services |
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Careers |
Employers |
Strategies |
- Administration
- Programming
- Development
- Research
- Evaluation
|
- Community centers YMCA or YWCA
- Rehabilitation organizations
- Hospitals
- Adult day care providers
- Adoption agencies
- Summer camp programs
- Religious orgs.
- Consumer protection agencies
|
- Learn to work well with all types of people through
volunteer or paid positions.
- Seek related work experience, particularly summer
camps or special needs areas.
- 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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Careers |
Employers |
Strategies |
- Case Management
- Counseling
- Administration
|
- Profit and nonprofit organizations focused on
children, youth, families, or senior citizens
- Adult and child day care providers
- Group homes
- Treatment Facilities
- Youth services agencies
- Senior citizens' programs
- Foundations and funding organizations
|
- 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.
|
Medical |
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Careers |
Employers |
Strategies |
- Child Care Programs
- Education
- Child Life Specialist
- Occupational Therapist
|
- Hospitals
- Healthcare facilities
- Hospices
- Health and wellness agencies
|
- 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
|
Government |
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Careers |
Employers |
Strategies |
- Social Services
- Rehabilitation
- Program Coordination
- Research
- Program Evaluation
- Legislation
- Advocacy
|
- Federal, state and local government agencies
(i.e., Departments of Health, Education and Welfare;
Criminal Justice; Sanitation; Fire and Safety;
Nutrition; and Cooperative Extension)
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Mental health agencies
- Military child care programs
- Overseas child care and education programs
- Health and wellness agencies
- Women's protective agencies
|
- 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.
|
Communications |
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Careers |
Employers |
Strategies |
- Journalism
- Public Relations
- Research
- Writing
- Editing
|
- Organizations geared toward children and family
including; book publishers, professional associations,
radio and TV stations, nonprofit organizations,
manufacturers, newspapers, and magazines.
|
- 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.
|
Business |
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Careers |
Employers |
Strategies |
- Management
- Sales
- Customer Service
|
- Manufacturing companies of children's clothes,
toys, furniture, and food.
- Department and retail stores
- Service organizations
|
- 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.
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