Youth and Family Sciences BS Major

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School of Counseling and Well-being

Youth and Family Sciences, BS

This major is designed for students who are interested in adolescents and families. Students complete coursework related to family issues, family interaction, human growth and development, human sexuality and youth and family concerns.

The Youth and Family Sciences major is best suited for students interested in working with older children, adolescents and/or families in youth development or family development programs in community agencies.

All students are required to complete field experiences at agencies focused on youth and families.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Meet Your Community Admission Requirements Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

Looking for a career helping adolescents and families? This major prepares you for work in community agencies. Add a minor to customize your plan of study.

Popular Courses
Enhance Your Degree

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

CDFS 110:
Families Across the Life Span
Explores the physical, psychological, and cognitive developmental changes of individuals who are functioning in family systems that change across the life-span.
CDFS 210:
Introduction to Parenting
Introduction of terminology, descriptions and explanations of the parental role and parent-child interactions. Emphasis on social and personal definitions of the parental role and on the problems and changes in parent-child relationships.
CDFS 212:
Early Childhood Development
Physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of children from conception to seven years with implications for guidance and care in practical settings.
CDFS 412:
Adolescent Development
The adolescent in contemporary American culture, including normative physical, social and personality development; relationships within various typical social settings. (e.g., family, school, community, peer group.)
CDFS 414:
Adolescent Problems and Disorders
Focuses on non-normative aspects of adolescent development including social, behavior, emotional and psychological problems. Prevention and intervention strategies are examined.
CDFS 415:
Family Interaction and Communication
The family as a social group; processes related to well-being for a variety of family relationships.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

Honors

Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

$500 scholarship available from .
Field experience opportunities working with adolescents and families, including 6 credit hours of internship.

Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors or probation officers.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $77,030

Possible job titles include: Program Director, Program Manager, Social Services Director, Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator.

Explore Career

Meet Your Community

The Youth and Family Sciences family will inspire and support you.

Program Faculty

Jonathon Beckmeyer

Professional highlights:
Outstanding Researcher, College of Education and Human Services, 2022
Kimberly Floyd

Professional highlights:
Kim and Kasey Floyd Social Justice Award, 2023

WVU Faculty Digital Learning Award, 2021

American Council on Rural Special Education Eagle Award, 2020

Outstanding Teacher Award, College of Applied Human Sciences, 2010 and 2013
Amy Kennedy Root

Professional highlights:
WVU Office of the Provost Most Valuable Player Award for Campus Health and Safety, 2020

Research interests: determinants of parenting, emotion socialization, impact of home visitation programs, children’s emotional development
Jessica Troilo

Professional highlights:
Co-authored over 30 book chapters and journal articles and delivered over 60 presentations on family processes

Co-creator and trainer of a professional development program offered across West Virginia to support professionals impacted by addiction

Expert blogger, Psychology Today since 2017

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Youth and Family Sciences major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

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