Demand for skilled professionals who support children and families is rising nationwide. From working with young children in classrooms to helping families access housing or connecting teens with counseling services, these essential roles are increasingly sought after. A child and family studies degree equips students with the training and skills needed to pursue fulfilling careers in education, human services, community outreach and advocacy.
Merrimack College’s Bachelor Degree Completion program offers a fully online pathway to specialize in child and family studies. Designed for working adults, the program blends self-paced coursework with live, online classes, providing the flexibility to balance education with a busy schedule and move closer to your career goals.
What Is a Child and Family Studies Degree?
A child and family studies degree examines how children and families grow, adapt, and interact within social, cultural and economic contexts. Drawing from psychology, education, sociology and human development, it provides a strong foundation for careers that directly support individuals and communities. Students explore topics such as:
- Child growth and development
- Family and community engagement
- Early childhood education
- Social issues and public policy
This degree prepares graduates for people-focused careers in schools, nonprofits, healthcare and community organizations. Students gain hands-on experience supporting children and families, learning to assess needs, delivering services and designing programs that improve well-being. Along the way, they build valuable skills in communication, problem-solving, leadership and cultural competency.
At Merrimack College, students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Arts and Sciences with a specialization in child and family studies. The program offers flexible credit transfer options for prior coursework, professional training and certifications, making it a faster, more affordable path to completing a bachelor’s degree, especially for those with an associate degree.
Tailor Your Studies With Focused Program Electives
Shape a Path That Matches Your Career Goals
What Can You Do With a Child Development Degree?
A degree in child and family studies opens doors to a wide range of careers in fields experiencing faster-than-average job growth, including early childhood education, social work and human services. Entry-level roles offer valuable hands-on experience, while many positions provide clear pathways to advancement in supervisory or leadership roles.
Pursuing graduate education can further expand opportunities and increase earning potential, qualifying professionals for specialized or higher-level positions. Below are some of the most common child and family studies degree jobs for candidates with bachelor’s degrees, along with typical salary ranges and projected job growth.
Child Care Provider
Child care providers support young children in daycare or early learning centers, focusing on safety, learning activities, and social development. This role often serves as a stepping stone to supervisory positions or teaching careers. Although employment of childcare workers is projected to decline by three percent from 2024 to 2034, about 160,200 openings are expected annually, resulting in part from retirements and career changes. Median wages range from less than $23,000 to over $44,000 annually.
Family Advocate
Family advocates help parents and caregivers navigate social service systems, understand their rights and access the resources they need. They empower families by providing guidance, connecting them with community programs and advocating on their behalf. Commonly employed by nonprofits and social service organizations, family advocates typically earn between $33,000 and $72,000. Employment in this field is projected to grow by nine percent through 2028.
Family Support Worker
Family support workers assist individuals and families facing challenges such as poverty, housing instability and mental health issues. They provide counseling, case management and access to resources that promote stable, healthy home environments. Common employers include schools, nonprofits and government agencies. Salaries typically range from $31,000 to $54,000.
Nursing Home Activities Director
Although many graduates work with children, some use their degree to support older adults. Nursing home activities directors create enriching programming for nursing home residents, supporting emotional and social well-being. Employment for these professionals is projected to grow by 10 percent through 2028. Salaries typically range from $45,000 to $84,000.
Preschool Teacher
Preschool teachers create structured learning environments for children under five, fostering early skills in language, problem-solving and social development. Early childhood bachelor’s degree jobs are projected to grow by four percent from 2024 to 2034. Median annual wages for preschool teachers range from under $28,300 to over $60,000, with higher earnings possible in school districts or private centers.
Youth Advocate
Youth advocates support children and teens facing social, educational or family challenges. They connect families with resources, mentor young people and coordinate with schools or social service agencies. Most work for nonprofits, government agencies or community organizations. Employment opportunities for child advocates are projected to grow by nine percent through 2028, reflecting strong demand. Salaries typically range $33,000 to $50,000.
Social Services Assistant
Social services assistants support social workers and case managers by helping clients access benefits and services. They work across fields such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work; many use the role as a stepping stone to graduate programs in counseling or social work. Average wages range from under $33,000 to over $64,000. Employment is projected to grow by six percent between 2024 and 2034.
Social Worker
Social workers help individuals and families navigate complex issues such as mental health, child welfare, and family stability. They also engage in community outreach, policy advocacy, and systemic change. Most work in office settings but may travel to meet with clients, colleagues, or community partners. School social workers often serve multiple schools within a district. A bachelor’s degree qualifies candidates for many entry-level positions, though a Master of Social Work (MSW) is often required for advanced roles. Employment is projected to grow by six percent between 2024 and 2034, with wages ranging from $57,000 to more than $72,000.
Victim Advocate
Victim advocates offer emotional support and connect individuals to legal and community services following traumatic events. They work in crisis centers, shelters, law enforcement agencies, courts, hospitals and other community-based settings. This role can lead to supervisory positions in victim services or social work. Salaries typically range from $35,000 to $63,000, with jobs projected to grow 12 percent through 2028.
Expanding Your Options: Leadership Certificate and Human Services Degree Path
Students in Merrimack’s Bachelor Degree Completion program can enhance their career prospects through two focused pathways: a Certificate in Leadership Studies and a Human Services degree path.
Certificate in Leadership Studies
This 12-credit, three-course certificate equips students with practical leadership skills that are directly applicable to careers in child and family services. Through core topics such as leadership foundations and electives like Leaders as Change Agents, Leadership in Times of Crisis, Leadership and Collaboration, Leading Teams, and Ethical Leadership, students develop the ability to lead with empathy, manage teams effectively and navigate complex challenges common in social service settings. The certificate enhances graduates’ qualifications for supervisory or coordinator roles within child welfare agencies, family support programs and community-based organizations, making them more competitive for leadership and management positions in the field.
Human Services Degree Path
The Human Services specialization in Merrimack’s Bachelor Degree Completion program prepares students for careers in counseling, advocacy and community outreach. It offers a strong foundation in developmental theory and practical strategies for supporting individuals across the lifespan. Students can tailor their studies with electives in early childhood and speech-language and learning, both available as optional certificates. A required field experience allows them to apply their skills in real-world human services settings. This specialization equips graduates with the tools to stand out in the job market, pursue advancement opportunities, and build careers aligned with their passions and goals.
Why Choose Merrimack for Child and Family Studies
Merrimack’s Bachelor Degree Completion program is designed to help you succeed on your terms—combining flexibility, affordability, and career-focused learning. The program equips you with in-demand skills while supporting your personal and professional goals. Here’s what sets Merrimack apart:
- 100 percent online format: Courses blend self-paced modules with live, evening sessions led by instructors, making it easy to balance work, life, and school.
- Career-relevant curriculum: Faculty with real-world experience ensure coursework is practical, applied, and aligned with today’s workforce needs.
- Personalized support: Students benefit from one-on-one guidance from faculty committed to their growth and career success.
- Generous credit transfer policy: Transfer up to 93 credits, including prior college coursework, professional training and certifications.
- Affordable tuition: Most students with an associate degree complete their bachelor’s for under $21,000. Financial aid, payment plans, and other funding options are available.
- National Recognition: Ranked among the nation’s top colleges by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review, Merrimack is known for innovation and academic excellence.
As one of the fastest-growing institutions in the country, Merrimack delivers a mission-driven education that prepares graduates for meaningful careers serving children and families.
Build a Career Helping Children and Families
A child and family studies degree prepares graduates for jobs in education, human services and advocacy, supporting children and families in accessing the resources they need to thrive. Whether you’re pursuing a role in teaching, counseling, or community outreach, this degree offers a strong foundation for long-term success.
Enhance your impact by adding Merrimack’s Leadership Certificate or choosing the Human Services degree path, both designed to expand career opportunities and deepen your skills.
Ready to take the next step? Explore how Merrimack’s Bachelor Degree Completion program can help you finish your degree, grow professionally, and make a meaningful difference. Request more information, connect with an enrollment advisor for personalized support, or start your application today.