The Children’s Studies Program at EWU is a comprehensive academic program that provides students with an in-depth understanding of developmental, social, and psychological aspects of childhood. The program integrates a multidisciplinary approach to studying children, emphasizing the importance of global, cultural, and ethical considerations in child development. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical application in supporting children and families across diverse contexts, including social services, healthcare, and community programming.

Graduates of the Children’s Studies program are equipped with the knowledge and skills to work in diverse settings such as healthcare, social services, education, and community programs. They are prepared to advocate for children’s rights, promote inclusivity and well-being, and support children and families through various life challenges. Whether working directly with children and families, or in policy and research roles, students will be ready to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families across the globe. 

World Language Requirement: Two years of a single high school world language or one year of a single college-level world language is required.

Plan of Study

The following plan of study is for a student with zero credits. Individual students may have different factors such as: credit through transfer work, Advanced Placement, Running Start, or any other type of college-level coursework that requires an individual plan.

Courses may be offered in different terms and not all courses are offered every term, checking the academic schedule is paramount in keeping an individual plan current. There may be some courses that have required prerequisites not listed in the plan, review the course descriptions for information. Students should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

All Undergraduate students are required to meet the Undergraduate Degree Requirements.

This major requires the completion of the World Language requirement. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete two years of a single language in high school or one year of a single language in college.

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University Graduation Requirements (UGR) and Breadth Area Course Requirements (BACR) courses may be less than 5 credits and additional credits may be required to reach the required 180 total credits needed to graduate.  Students should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

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Children's Studies Elective–choose four courses from the approved list.

University Competencies and Proficiencies

English 
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning
Placement and Clearance 
Prior Learning/Sources of Credit AP, CLEP, IB

General Education Requirements (GER)

• Minimum Credits—180 cumulative credit hours 
  • 60 upper-division credits (300 level or above)
  • 45 credits in residence (attendance) at Eastern, with at least 15 upper-division credits in major in residence at Eastern
• Minimum Cumulative GPA ≥2.0

Breadth Area Core Requirements (BACR)

Humanities and Arts 
Natural Sciences 
Social Sciences

University Graduation Requirements (UGR)

Diversity Course List
World Language (for Bachelor of Arts)
Global Studies Course List
Minor or Certificate
Senior Capstone Course List

Application for Graduation (use EagleNET) must be made at least two terms in advance of the term expected to graduate (undergraduate and post-baccalaureate).

Use the Catalog Archives to determine two important catalog years.

1. The catalog in effect at the student's first term of current matriculation is used to determine BACR (Breadth Area Core Requirements) and UGR (Undergraduate Graduation Requirements).
2. The catalog in effect at the time the student declares a major or minor is used to determine the program requirements.

Students who earn a BA in Children's Studies from EWU should be able to:

• demonstrate a deep understanding of the developmental, social, and psychological aspects of childhood, integrating multidisciplinary perspectives to analyze and address the needs of children and families;
• apply global, cultural, and ethical considerations to promote inclusivity and equity in child development, advocacy, and support services across diverse populations and contexts;
• integrate theoretical knowledge and practical skills to advocate for children’s rights, well-being, and inclusivity in settings such as healthcare, education, social services, and community programs;
• develop the skills necessary to engage in research and policy-making to create and implement initiatives that positively impact children and families in local, national, and global communities.