group of children

The child and youth development major is offered in a traditional undergraduate format. The major prepares students for careers working with children from birth through 17 years of age.

The mission of the program is to prepare caring and reflecting professionals who integrate their Christian faith, social responsibility, and sound scholarship in order to contribute to a responsible and caring community.

Completion of the program prepares an individual for employment in a variety of settings including youth-serving organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and military youth programs and private, governmental, and nonprofit early childhood programs such as Head Start, church preschools, military child development centers, and other settings that do not require public school licensure.

With the successful completion of the early childhood concentration and additional courses, the program can lead to licensure* for persons who wish to teach in PreK-3 or K-5. The child and youth development program includes general education courses, core courses for the major, a concentration, and elective courses.

Concentrations

  • Early Childhood Education
  • K-5 Licensure
  • Middle Grades Licensure (Science or Math)

    *Professional Licensure: This program prepares students for licensure in Tennessee. A determination of eligibility for licensure in other states has not been made. Students should check specific state requirements before applying to the program.

Course Requirements

View all details and course requirements for this program in the Milligan University Catalog (link below). The Milligan University academic catalog is the official, authoritative source for all academic requirements and policies. Any discrepancies in curricular requirements from other sources will default to the Catalog.

Accelerated BS+M.Ed. Plan

Earn your bachelor’s and Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in five years and get a fast start on your teaching career. This is a 4+1 (5 year) plan that gives you the opportunity to complete the M.Ed. degree in one academic year (+ May term) after receiving a bachelor’s degree. Learn More ».

Faculty

Associate Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Education; Professor of Education

Rich Aubrey
Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dean

Tausha Clay
Professor of Education; Paul Clark Chair of Teacher Education; Coordinator of Field Experience-Teacher Education; Director of Ed.D. and Ed.S. Programs

Associate Professor of Education

Associate Professor of Education

Professor Emerita of Teacher Education

Lyn Howell
The Paul Clark Chair Emerita of Teacher Education

Karen Presnell
Certification Officer, Placement Coordinator, and Area of Education Office Manager

Seeger's Steeple infant of a yellow sunset