Welcome to the Child and Family Studies (CHFS) program within the School of Human and Social Development at Nipissing University. The Child and Family Studies Program is unique with a particular focus on two thematic areas of study:
- Human Development and Learning; and
- Child and Family Well-Being: Issues, Services, and Social Justice. Students can pursue a Major, Specialization or Honours Specialization
Further, you want a career within child and adult developmental and/or behaviour services, health/mental health services, child welfare, education, justice, government, or even the private sector, and have a real appetite for social justice and making a significant difference. You may choose to complete one of our 2 Applied Certificates in Applied Behaviour Analysis or our Program Evaluation and Applied Research Certificate (PEAR) as you learn to improve systems and services for children, youth, or adults, across the social and human services sector.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Child and Family Studies
Facilities
Nipissing's campus is located on a stunning 291 hectares of Canadian Shield forest. With our focus on student-centred living and learning, you will feel a sense of community the moment you step on campus.
The Harris Learning Library
The Harris Learning Library was completed in 2011 and provides 56,000 square feet of study space with natural light and a modern award-winning design. The new library features expanded print collections, a learning commons, an adaptive technology area, and collaborative work spaces.
Chair
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Full-time Faculty
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Part-time Faculty
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Simon Hill, BA '11, MAAs a recent graduate (Bachelor of Arts - June, 2011), I think the biggest advantages to the Psychology program at Nipissing is the unique preparation towards graduate studies and employment, as well as the personal one-to-one interactions between students and professors. Currently I am pursuing my PhD in Psychology at Carleton University with a specialization in Cognitive Learning and Literacy, and my studies have been aided by the unique, realistic experience I gained at Nipissing in conducting research. My professors at Nipissing challenged me to be a critical thinker and to always read between the lines, which are valuable skills for personal, academic, and employment achievement.
Tina Rowe, BA ‘07, BSW(Hon.) ‘08Whenever I am asked about my degree, Child and Family Studies is a great conversation starter. Employers are excited to hear about a degree that not everyone has. This program at Nipissing University paved the way to my career in Social Work through its versatility and ability to transfer the skills learned.
Some of our students pursue graduate studies or go on to do advanced professional degrees and become teachers, social workers, applied behavioural interventionists, mental health workers, or clinical psychologists.
You may also begin a career in human and social services, health, education, or justice sectors. Graduates are a great fit for careers within child welfare/child protection, intervention services, applied behavioural analysis, or developmental and mental health services. You might work with individuals with developmental disabilities (including autism and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders), children/families within the child welfare sector, individuals interfacing with justice and correction systems, young children in early childhood development environments, or school children in the education system. You may also consider program level and policy development work, such as becoming a program evaluator or applied researcher with various ministries.
With a CHFS degree, you will be equipped for success in a range of different careers paths.
Career and Academic Options
- Graduate Studies
- Professional School (Education, Law, MBA, Social Welfare)
- Careers in areas such as child welfare, social services, counseling, community advocacy, and community mental health