What Can I Do With A Child Development 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 roles 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/service-oriented programs dealing with alcoholism, drug abuse, family violence, aging, low-income, 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. Visit www.childlife.org for more information.

Pre-school / Child Care

Careers

• Teaching
• Administration

Employers

• Religious organizations
• Private homes
• Extended school programs
• Head Start
• Family day care
• Preschools
• Montessori schools
• Private, public franchise, and corporate day care centers

Strategies

• 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 and the ability to work well with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Develop strong communication skills to work effectively with parents.

Education

Careers

• Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood Special Education
• Teaching
• Family and Consumer Sciences
• Research
• Curriculum Development
• Administration
• University Student Affairs Counseling
• Parent-Child Education

Employers

• 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 serving children and adults with special needs

Strategies

• Acquire appropriate certification for public school teaching.
• Obtain a PhD for college and university teaching and research opportunities.
• Acquire certification for day care and parent-child education.
• Obtain a 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

Careers

• Administration
• Programming
• Development
• Research
• Evaluation

Employers

• Community centers (e.g., YMCA, YWCA)
• Rehabilitation organizations
• Hospitals
• Adult day care providers
• Adoption agencies
• Summer camp programs
• Religious organizations
• Consumer protection agencies

Strategies

• Learn to work well with all types of people through volunteer or paid positions.
• Seek related work experience, particularly in summer camps or special needs areas.
• Obtain Child Life Certification for some roles.
• 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

Careers

• Case Management
• Counseling
• Administration

Employers

• Nonprofit and for-profit 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

Strategies

• 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 qualify for most administrative positions.
• Gain experience through volunteer positions or internships.

Medical

Careers

• Child Care Programs
• Education
• Child Life Specialist
• Occupational Therapist

Employers

• Hospitals
• Healthcare facilities
• Hospices
• Health and wellness agencies

Strategies

• 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

Careers

• Social Services
• Rehabilitation
• Program Coordination
• Research
• Program Evaluation
• Legislation
• Advocacy

Employers

• Federal, state, and local government agencies (e.g., Departments of Health, Education and Welfare, Criminal Justice, Sanitation, Fire and Safety, Nutrition, Cooperative Extension)
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Mental health agencies
• Military child care programs
• Overseas child care and education programs
• Health and wellness agencies
• Protective services and related agencies

Strategies

• Take additional courses in areas 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

Careers

• Journalism
• Public Relations
• Research
• Writing
• Editing

Employers

• Book publishers
• Professional associations
• Radio and TV stations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Manufacturers
• Newspapers
• Magazines

Strategies

• Minor or double major in a communications field.
• Develop excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Submit articles or books for publication.
• Work for campus publications or radio stations.
• Complete internships with related organizations.

Business

Careers

• Management
• Sales
• Customer Service

Employers

• Manufacturers of children's clothes, toys, furniture, and food
• Department and retail stores
• Service organizations

Strategies

• Minor in business; develop skills in 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.