Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies - Northwestern State University of Louisiana

NSU’s Child and Family Studies program equips you to make a lasting impact on children, families, and communities. With coursework in child development, family systems, parenting, psychology, consumer behavior, and social services—plus a hands-on internship—you’ll graduate prepared for meaningful, people-centered careers.

This fully online degree also serves as a direct pathway to NSU’s online alternative teacher certification program.

Why Choose Child and Family Studies at NSU

Build Stronger Futures, One Family at a Time

Step into a dynamic program that blends child development, family relations, and real-world experience to prepare you for impactful careers. Strengthen your ability to guide, support, and empower families while opening doors to diverse professional pathways—including NSU’s online alternative teacher certification program for those seeking to pursue licensure.

NSU E-Lab teacher speaks with young students

Considering Teaching?

Here’s How CFS Leads to Alternative Certification

While the Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies does not lead to teacher licensure on its own, it is an excellent pathway for students who plan to pursue teaching through alternative certification.

CFS graduates can move directly into NSU’s fully online Alternative Certification Program, which equips aspiring educators with the coursework and credentials required to earn their teaching license in Louisiana.

This means you can complete your bachelor’s degree online, then step seamlessly into the training needed to become a certified teacher—efficiently, affordably, and with a strong foundation in child development and family support.

Alternative Certification Program

Concentrations

The Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies (CFS) offers two flexible concentrations: Consumer Services and Child Development and Family Relations, allowing students to tailor their studies toward business-focused careers or educational and developmental roles with children and families.

Concentration Options

For students interested in business paths related to children and families

The Consumer Services concentration is designed for students who want to start, manage, or operate a business serving children and families. While the core of the program focuses on child and family studies, students also gain foundational knowledge in business, finance, leadership, management, marketing, personnel supervision, and staffing.

Majority of coursework centers on child and family studies, supplemented with business-focused courses
Can be completed 100% online
Internship required
120 total credit hours

For students pursuing careers in educational or developmental settings

The Child Development and Family Relations concentration is ideal for students who want to work directly with children in educational or developmental environments. While this degree does not lead to teacher licensure, it provides a strong foundation in child development and family dynamics.

Coursework focuses on child development, preschool classroom practice, family engagement, professionalism, family management, and family cultures
Can be completed 100% online
Internship required
120 total credit hours

AT A GLANCE COURSES

Explore engaging courses that grow your expertise in child development, family dynamics, and community support — each designed to strengthen your skills, expand your impact, and prepare you for meaningful professional opportunities.

Discover how play shapes cognitive, social, and emotional development in early childhood.

Master real-world strategies for managing family needs and achieving personal and collective goals.

Gain real-world experience through observation and practice in early childhood learning environments.

NSU E-Lab teacher works with young student

Where A Child and Family Studies Degree Can Take You

Step into a career that shapes lives and strengthens communities. With expertise in child development, family support, and human services, you’ll pursue meaningful opportunities in education, social services, nonprofits, childcare, and community-based programs, while maintaining a clear pathway to alternative teacher certification.

NSU student participates in Special Olympics Games with young student

Family Support Specialist

Pursue roles that guide families through challenging moments. Work directly with parents and caregivers to strengthen relationships, provide resources, and empower families to build safe, stable, and thriving home environments.

NSU E-Lab teacher helps young student with art project

Childcare Center Director

Lead early childhood programs with confidence. Oversee staff, design developmentally appropriate environments, support family partnerships, and shape programming that nurtures children’s learning, safety, and growth.

NSU Child Development Center student raises their hand with joy

Social Services Case Manager

Work with community agencies to connect children and families to essential resources. Advocate for client needs, coordinate services, and help individuals overcome obstacles through compassionate, client-focused support.

NSU’s Child and Family Studies program offers unique opportunities and resources to help you succeed. From hands-on learning to personalized guidance, these highlights set our program apart.

Apply to NSU Contact Admissions

Hands on Learning

Apply your knowledge through a career-aligned internship for real impact and real-world experience.

Expert Faculty

Learn from experienced instructors who are passionate about child development, advocacy, and social service.

Career Preparation

Graduate with a competitive edge in high-demand careers that support families and communities.

Degree Resources

Access essential resources and information at your fingertips. These links make it easy to explore degree programs, plan your educational journey, and stay connected with campus opportunities and student life.

Documents

FAQs

NSU’s fully online Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies (CFS) prepares you to serve children, individuals, families, and communities in a wide range of professional settings. Formerly known as Family and Consumer Sciences, the CFS program emphasizes child development, family systems theory, and parenting, with supporting coursework in consumer behavior, education, nutrition, psychology, and social work.

When you declare a CFS major with the Registrar’s Office (registrar@nsula.edu), you’ll choose one of two concentrations tailored to your career goals:

Consumer Services (CS – 137C)
Child Development and Family Relations (CDFR – 137E)

Use the Major Change Card for Undergraduates form to officially declare your CFS major and concentration.

All CFS students, regardless of concentration, complete CFS 4500: Internship in Child and Family Studies during their final semester. This internship provides on-the-job training in an agency that serves children and families—such as a childcare center, school, non-profit organization, or public agency—so you graduate with real-world experience and professional connections.

For details, review the course catalog and current course offerings.

Yes. Students may receive credit for CDA (Child Development Associate) certification, and most coursework from Louisiana community and technical colleges may be eligible for transfer.

Because the university registrar is the only official entity that can accept transfer credit, future students should contact Admissions (applications@nsula.edu) and submit all official transcripts for review as part of the admissions process.

CFS majors are not directly seeking teacher licensure within this program. However, NSU’s fully online Child and Family Studies degree is an excellent pathway to the online alternative certification program, which does prepare individuals for a license to teach. Many students use the CFS degree as a strong foundation for entering this next step toward teacher certification.

For personalized guidance on concentrations, internships, transfer credit, or next steps, contact the Child and Family Studies Program Coordinator, Jacqueline Horton, at hortonj@nsula.edu.