Edmonds College Logo

Teacher and children

CHILD, YOUTH, AND FAMILY STUDIES

Gain the skills you need for a career in early childhood education or human services!

The Child, Youth, and Family Studies Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS-CYFS) program prepares students for professional positions in the fields of early childhood education and human services (i.e., family support, general social and human services, or addiction studies). We provide advanced knowledge in resource identification and management, leadership, trauma and resiliency, policy issues and advocacy, and much more. This degree is unique in its interdisciplinary model with an emphasis on family systems, equity, and social justice.

Fall 2025 Applications are open!

See our Application Process page for more details.

Why earn a Bachelor of Applied Science?

The Child, Youth, and Family Studies Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS-CYFS) degree is designed for those with professional-technical academic backgrounds who strive for career advancement, stronger skills, knowledge, and pathways to higher degree levels.

Join a Community

  • Our program is cohort based. This means you will start and complete the program with the same group of students and have the opportunity to build a strong network.
  • The current cohort size for BAS-CYFS is 30 students.

Take Convenient Classes

  • Program classes meet twice a week, between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
  • Classes are held in a flexible format. You can attend on campus or remotely.
  • Your cohort will be assigned class days from the start which means your schedule will be consistent quarter-to-quarter. Fall 2025 students will be assigned Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • Classes only required during Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. Students will be enrolled in 10 credits of CYFS courses per quarter.
  • Your remaining lower-division courses can be completed during the required quarters, during summer, and/or in a third year.

Learn Practical, In-Demand Skills

  • While other bachelor's programs focus on theory, our program dives right into hands-on training. Students are required to complete 300 hours of field work as part of the program.
  • Our capstone project guides students through the process of building an individual, research-based project in program development with professional application to their field of choice.

Get Support at Every Step

  • Our maximum class size is 30 students, so you will get personalized attention and form strong relationships with your faculty.
  • The BAS-CYFS program manager will be your assigned advisor and connect you with college resources that will support your success in the program.

Save Money

  • Tuition for the program is half the national average! This is based on tuition and fees for BAS degrees at Edmonds College compared to tuition and fees for all four-year institutions, as calculated by the National Center for Education Statistics.

What Do I Need Before Applying?

Our students come from varied educational backgrounds. The following prerequisites are required for our program:

  • ENGL& 101 - English Composition (or equivalent) with a 2.0 grade or higher
  • 15 credits of general education with a 1.0 grade or higher per course
  • 25 credits of proficiency coursework with a 2.0 grade or higher per course

Students can apply to the program prior to completing all of their prerequisites as long as the required courses will be complete by the end of the summer quarter the year they wish to start. 

Proficiency coursework can come from a variety of fields, including:

Frequently Asked Questions

What funding is available for my degree?
TOP