Bachelor of Science in Child and Family StudiesHenry Predolin School of Nursing, Business, Education, and Health Sciences

Promote the well-being and development of children and families

You have a genuine interest in understanding and supporting children and families. As a student in the Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies degree program, you will prepare to work with children, adults, and families across the lifespan and in a variety of settings. This academic pathway will leverage your passion for making a difference, and open the doors to careers in education, counseling, healthcare, social work, and advocacy. Embrace the transformative journey of learning within a supportive community. In our program, students will join a cohort, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared growth. Recognizing the therapeutic value of our coursework, this cohort-based approach ensures that students feel connected, supported, and empowered throughout their academic journey.

Our curriculum emphasizes practical, industry-relevant learning to transition you from the classroom to real-world scenarios and will focus on the psychosocial, developmental, and behavioral aspects of children while examining their social, cultural, and family systems. With rigorous preparation and hands-on experience, you will delve into the field with confidence. Our approach is multidisciplinary, drawing expertise from esteemed faculty across diverse programs such as Child Life, Psychology, Education, English, Art, Music, and Theatre, fostering collaboration and a comprehensive learning experience. When you earn your degree with Edgewood College, you will have the skills, knowledge, and professional connections to enter an organizational setting and make a positive, long-lasting impact on the lives of others. Prospective students interested in advanced degrees will discover that the Child and Family Studies major serves as an exceptional foundation.

Located in Wisconsin’s capital city, Edgewood College’s location makes it an ideal choice for students pursuing this degree path. Madison, known for its expansive healthcare community, is home to several renowned hospitals including American Family Children’s Hospital – a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and partner of Edgewood College. A vibrant and engaged community both on campus and beyond, our picturesque location is the perfect blend offering a stimulating place to live and learn and a professional network that will position you to achieve your goals.

Student Organizations

Edgewood College Child Life Association (CLA)

The Child Life Association – CLA – is a student run organization devoted to child life majors and students who have an interest in the child life field at Edgewood College. We provide opportunities for child life students to engage in activities related to the field and events throughout the community. Through the CLA we volunteer at places such as American Family Children’s Hospital and Gilda’s Club. In addition, we attend Child Life conferences, host resume workshops, and host Child Life Week on campus. Our goal is to make the Edgewood College community aware of child life, the benefits this career path provides for students, the impact a CCLS has in the lives of children and their families and provide networking opportunities for students.

Project Sunshine

Project Sunshine is a national volunteer-led program for pediatric patients and their families, bringing patients and volunteers together in hospitals through creative arts activities and other opportunities for social interaction and learning. We provide support to any child facing a medical challenge, whether that be acute, long term, behavioral, or developmental. When working in the hospital, we see children for who they are as unique individuals beyond their illness or diagnosis. We work with Child Life Specialists and other healthcare staff to create a space in the hospital environment for kids to socialize with each other and participate in fun activities that are both recreational and educational.

At our Edgewood College chapter, volunteers can participate in our “Sending Sunshine” events in which they assemble fun and interactive activities that will be sent to pediatric hospitals nationwide. These sunshine kits include developmentally appropriate materials used to spark joy, provide therapeutic value to the physical and emotional healing process, provide needed distraction, and assist hospital staff in building trust and rapport with patients.

Beat Childhood Cancer Edgewood (BCCE)

Founded by parents of children with cancer, Beat Childhood Cancer is a national organization whose mission is to drive childhood cancer research and raise awareness, making a difference in kids’ survival today. Inspired by their own children, they built a nonprofit organization with the hope of changing the story for the next family that will face a cancer diagnosis. BCCE is a student-led organization that partners with the national organization. Through a variety of fun activities such as student stress relief, build a bouquet, and penny wars, this compassionate group of difference makers brings the Edgewood College community together to raise awareness and financial support for childhood cancer research. BCCE also makes a local impact by hosting events like a book drive to support the local Children’s Hospital’s oncology floor.

Comprehensive Support & Mentoring

Faculty meet with students in the Child and Family Studies degree program frequently throughout each semester to provide 1:1 support, mentoring, and guidance. We integrate reflective practice into our coursework to debrief and share about hands on practicum experiences. Also, our faculty hold resume workshops and prepare students for their professional careers outside of coursework.

Accelerated BS to MS Program

Edgewood College is the only academic institution in Wisconsin to offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in child life. Not only can you get your Master of Science in Child Life degree, but through our accelerated BS to MS pathway, you can graduate in five (5) years. Within a highly competitive job market, an advanced degree will help you elevate your career while increasing your marketability. Undergraduate students can enroll in up to (6) credits of graduate-level coursework while working towards their bachelor’s degree. This initiative empowers students to start their advanced degree sooner, facilitating both an early start and cost savings.