Photo from Public Relations
By Jared Sayre
Reporter
March 31, 2006
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Dr. Beverly Schmalzried Photo from Public Relations |
Beginning in fall 2006, Milligan will offer a child and youth development major, the newest available degree for students seeking a degree in education.
The new major is designed “to provide more options for students that want to work with children and youth, particularly those that want to serve their communities and Christ in settings other than public schools,” said Beverly Schmalzried, professor and area chair of education.
This major is specifically administered by the education department but it is not an education major.
The difference between the child and youth development major and other emphases offered in education is that this new major requires coursework from areas outside of the education department. For example, a student may take courses taught by professors in psychology, sociology, business, recreation and theatre.
There will be three emphases within the new child and youth development major, Schmalzried said.
Early childhood administration, the first emphasis, prepares students to be directors, assistant directors or trainers in military, private, church-related or other early childhood programs in non-public schools.
Early childhood education, the second emphasis, prepares students to teach in education programs and for public school licensure at the PreK-3 or K-6 levels.
The third emphasis is designed for students that want to work with youth ages 6-17 in after-school programs, military youth centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, youth camps and in other agencies serving youth.
Freshman Alan Price has already shown interest in this new major. Price transferred to Milligan seeking a degree in psychology, but he has considered changing his plans after being told about the new child and youth development major.
“I have always wanted to be involved with children, but I never wanted to be a teacher,” Price said. “This new major sounds like a good way to learn about children. This would give me the opportunity to work with children outside of school.”