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Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) – Children & Families
Children & Families Concentration
Is a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) right for me?
UCM’s BAS degree is designed for students who have completed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) at the community college level. If you do not have an AAS degree but are interested in children and family services, consider exploring UCM’s related programs.
Do you want to build a career supporting children, adolescents and families? If you hold an AAS and are interested in child development, family relationships or applied psychology, the University of Central Missouri’s BAS in Children and Families is designed for you.
Delivered entirely through flexible online learning, this program allows you to transfer your technical credits so you can graduate faster. You’ll develop practical skills for supporting children and families in educational, health care, nonprofit, community and human services settings.
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) - Children & Families, BAS at a Glance
Degree Type: Bachelor of Applied Science (AAS Required) | Credit Hours: 120 Hours
Degree Can be Taken: Online
Admission Requirements: Completion of an Associate of Applied Science Degree
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Dr. Jaimee Hartenstein Erica Spurgeon |
What you’ll learn in the Children and Families program
UCM’s BAS in Children and Families combines psychology with human development and family science. Our comprehensive online curriculum explores how children develop, how families function and how professionals can provide effective support.
Through our specialized courses, you will study:
- Child and Adolescent Development: Examine the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of children and adolescents.
- Family Systems and Relationships: Explore family dynamics, parenting education and the relationships that shape individual and family well-being.
- Trauma, Resilience and Mental Health: Learn how trauma and mental health affect children and adolescents and how resilience can support positive outcomes.
- Human Services Program Planning: Develop skills in program planning, advocacy and evidence-based interventions for human services settings.
Unique learning opportunities in Children and Families
- Applied Case Studies: Examine situations involving children and families and apply concepts from psychology, human development and family science.
- Service-Learning and Community Partnerships: Connect coursework with organizations serving children, adolescents and families.
- Culminating Applied Experience: Complete a field experience, capstone or internship in a school, child care center, nonprofit agency or community organization.
- Student Involvement: Connect with other students through the Psychology Club, Council on Family Relations and Children in Healthcare and Medical Play (CHAMP).
Fast facts about Children and Families, BAS
- 100% Online Flexibility: Balance your education with work and other responsibilities through asynchronous online coursework.
- Nationally Recognized Transfer Support: Named to the Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll, UCM makes it easy to apply your AAS technical credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Study children and families through the combined perspectives of psychology, human development and family science.
- Nonlicensure Career Path: Prepare for support and service roles that do not require teacher certification or clinical licensure.
Talk to an Admissions Representative
Financial aid and scholarships for Children and Families, BAS
As a UCM student, you’ll have a financial aid advisor as part of your six-person student support team to help you find the best way to finance your college education. The University of Central Missouri offers general university awards, grants, loans and work-study opportunities.
You can also use the UCM Scholarship Finder to search for additional awards for which you may qualify. UCM staff can help you explore financial aid options and potential employer tuition reimbursement programs.
The next steps to having a Children and Families BAS are yours:
① Request information about UCM’s Children and Families, BAS.
Career opportunities and outcomes for Children and Families, BAS
A BAS degree in Children and Families from UCM prepares you to support children, adolescents and families in a variety of professional settings. Whether you already work in human services or want to enter a family-focused career, this degree can help you develop practical skills in child development, family relationships, advocacy and program planning.
Graduates may pursue opportunities with schools, child care centers, nonprofit agencies, community organizations and human services providers.
Possible bachelor’s degree jobs and career paths include:
- Youth support specialist
- Family development or support specialist
- Youth and family advocate
- Child and family program coordinator
- Family life educator
- Caregiver specialist
Some positions may require additional education, certification or employer-specific training.
Apply to the Children and Families, BAS Program
The UCM Career and Life Design Center
The UCM Career and Life Design Center is here for undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni from all majors, identities and interests. We are a hub for career exploration and career readiness. We offer resources and support for:
- exploring career options
- life design (explore and build career and life journeys, designing next steps)
- job and internship searching
- document reviews (resumes, cover letters, personal statements, etc.)
- interviews (coaching and mock interviewing)
- Professional Clothing Studio
- preparation for graduate school (application materials, exploring programs)
- and more!
Related Options
UCM’s related Bachelor's programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
You will study child and adolescent development, family systems, parenting education, trauma, resilience, mental health and human services program planning.
The program is delivered entirely online through asynchronous coursework, allowing you to complete your work when it fits your schedule. Courses incorporate case studies, service-learning and other applied assignments.
