Overview

The Child, Youth, and Family Studies bachelor programme at Portland State University provides a robust interdisciplinary foundation that blends liberal arts education with essential professional training. Students explore the complex social, political, and cultural contexts that shape the lives of young people and their families in modern society. This degree prepares graduates to implement effective practices across various sectors, including education, child welfare, and social work.

Why Child, Youth, and Family Studies at Portland State University?

Portland State University offers a cutting-edge curriculum that prioritises justice and equity, ensuring students are equipped to handle the challenges of dynamic workplaces. The programme is administratively housed within the School of Social Work, which is ranked in the top 25% of social work programmes nationally. Students benefit from deep, supportive relationships with faculty who bring original scholarship and real-world experience into the classroom.

As one of only two programmes in Oregon approved by the National Council on Family Relations, the curriculum provides a direct pathway to becoming a Certified Family Life Educator. The university also maintains articulation agreements with 11 Oregon community colleges, facilitating a smooth transition for transfer students. Additionally, an innovative departmental Honors Option allows students to work with faculty mentors on projects that drive lasting social change.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34599 per year
National fee: USD 34599 per year
Local fee: USD 12999 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum integrates hands-on experience with academic rigor, including 300 hours of practicum work in social service or school settings. Modules may include:

Child, Youth, and Family Studies
Youth Work
Social Work
Child Welfare
Early Childhood
Family Life Education
Human Development

Careers with Child, Youth, and Family Studies

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles in the education and social service sectors. Many alumni find success as case managers, outreach workers, or child welfare specialists within the greater Portland region and beyond. The programme also serves as a strong foundation for those pursuing advanced credentials in specialised fields.

Common career paths for graduates include:

Early Childhood, Elementary, or Special Educators
Human Services Professionals and Case Managers
Child Life Specialists and Disability Advocates
Addictions Counselors and Juvenile Corrections Staff
Residential Care Treatment Providers
Outdoor and Recreational Education Providers

Furthermore, alumni are frequently accepted into competitive graduate programmes in fields such as public policy, school counselling, family law, and speech and hearing sciences.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Professional Self: Ways of Knowing

Professional Self: Critical Thinking

Professional Self: Identity

Professional Self: Integration

Practicum

Youth and Youth Work

Working with Diverse Families

Queer Families
Families in Lifecourse Perspective

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Blended

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Family & Consumer Science Childhood Studies View 300 other Bachelors in Family & Consumer Science in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Child, Youth, and Family Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Portland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners