The Child Studies major combines the rigours of the biological and social sciences, enabling students to look at the child from infancy to adolescence in a variety of family and community settings. The academic program in Child Studies provides a combination of traditional lectures and seminars with the application of theory in practicum courses. These practicum courses enable students to apply the social and biological components of human behaviour in various family, community and educational settings. Students work directly with children in the University Child Care and Learning Centre for one semester and in a Guelph-based agency in their second practicum semester. The variety of experiences affords students greater opportunity to apply the theory obtained in class to real-world issues.
Academic performance is the main criterion for admission decisions.
However, applicants may use the Student Profile Form, which they will receive after they apply, to tell us about their leadership and citizenship qualities and factors that affected their academic performance. Up to 20 per cent of our first-year admission decisions are based on this form. Applicants applying for admission from another post-secondary institution, may provide us with further details in support of their application by writing directly to Admission Services. Articulation agreements with Fanshawe and Loyalist Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology provide a limited number of guaranteed places to their students. Accepted on a competitive basis, students will receive advanced-standing admission credit.