Early Childhood and Family Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for professionals committed to shaping the foundational years of child development, this program explores the complex interplay between early childhood growth and family dynamics. It prepares learners to support children from birth through age six through evidence-based practices grounded in developmental science, family systems, and inclusive education.
- Child and Infant Growth and Development: Examines physical, cognitive, emotional, and social milestones from infancy through early childhood, emphasizing critical periods of development.
- Early Childhood Education: Focuses on curriculum design, instructional strategies, and classroom environments that foster holistic learning in young children.
- Early Childhood Language and Literacy: Explores the development of oral language, pre-reading skills, and early writing, with an emphasis on fostering communication and comprehension.
- Early Childhood Math and Science: Introduces foundational concepts in numeracy and scientific inquiry, using play-based and experiential learning methods.
- Early Childhood Special Education: Addresses inclusive practices and individualized support for children with developmental delays or disabilities.
- Family Literacy: Investigates how literacy practices within families influence children’s academic readiness and lifelong learning habits.
- Family Sociology: Analyzes the structure, function, and diversity of family systems and their impact on child development.
- Family and Marriage Relations: Studies interpersonal dynamics, parenting roles, and relationship patterns that shape family well-being.
- Child Abuse and Neglect: Covers identification, prevention, reporting protocols, and the long-term effects of maltreatment on early development.
- Assessment and Measurement: Teaches tools and techniques for evaluating developmental progress, learning needs, and program effectiveness.
- Psychology: Provides a foundational understanding of human behavior, motivation, and cognitive processes in young children.
- Psychopathology: Explores early signs of emotional and behavioral disorders, with a focus on early intervention and support strategies.
Early Childhood and Family Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Early Childhood and Family Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Early Childhood and Family Studies degrees, including Psychologists, All Other, Farm and Home Management Educators and Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 658,620 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologists, All Other 19-3039 | $117,580 | $51,410 - $163,570 | 17,790 | $56.53 |
| Farm and Home Management Educators 25-9021 | $58,120 | $36,780 - $85,230 | 10,260 | $27.94 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other 21-1099 | $54,940 | $36,470 - $83,210 | 110,390 | $26.41 |
| Childcare Workers 39-9011 | $32,050 | $22,900 - $44,560 | 520,180 | $15.41 |
Early Childhood and Family Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $38,418 in West Virginia to $85,375 in California—a 122% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 658,620 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Early Childhood and Family Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 18 institutions offering Early Childhood and Family Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Early Childhood and Family Studies is found at American Public University System (APUS) (99 graduates), Tarleton State University (TSU) (75 graduates), The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) (73 graduates), Eastern University (44 graduates), and Modesto Junior College (MJC) (30 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 439 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Public University System (APUS) |
Bachelor's
|
99 | Charles Town, West Virginia | Private | apus.edu |
| Tarleton State University (TSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
75 | Stephenville, Texas | Public | tarleton.edu |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) |
Bachelor's
|
73 | Edinburg, Texas | Public | utrgv.edu |
| Eastern University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
44 | Saint Davids, Pennsylvania | Private | eastern.edu |
| Modesto Junior College (MJC) |
Associate's
|
30 | Modesto, California | Public | mjc.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Bachelor's
|
24 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
19 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wcccd.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Other Award
|
14 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| University of Michigan |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Dearborn, Michigan | Public | umdearborn.edu |
| Eastern Michigan University (EMU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Ypsilanti, Michigan | Public | emich.edu |
| South Texas College (STC) |
Associate's
|
9 | McAllen, Texas | Public | southtexascollege.edu |
| National Louis University (NLU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | nl.edu |
| College of the Ozarks (C of O) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Point Lookout, Missouri | Private | cofo.edu |
| Holyoke Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
|
6 | Holyoke, Massachusetts | Public | hcc.edu |
| Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Dyersburg, Tennessee | Public | dscc.edu |
| Albright College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Reading, Pennsylvania | Private | albright.edu |
| Carson-Newman University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Jefferson City, Tennessee | Private | cn.edu |
| University of Michigan |
Other Award
|
1 | Flint, Michigan | Public | umflint.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Early Childhood and Family Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Early Childhood and Family Studies degree?
Salaries for Early Childhood and Family Studies graduates vary by role and location. Psychologists, All Other earn a median of $117,580 annually, while Farm and Home Management Educators earn around $58,120. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $85,375 compared to $38,418 in West Virginia. Approximately 658,620 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Early Childhood and Family Studies programs?
Currently 18 accredited institutions offer Early Childhood and Family Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include American Public University System (APUS) (99 graduates), Tarleton State University (TSU) (75 graduates), and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) (73 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Early Childhood and Family Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Psychologists, All Other, Farm and Home Management Educators, and Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 658,620 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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