Your Future in Child Studies Starts at MRU

Kick-start a meaningful career supporting children, youth, and families, with hands-on experience during your degree.

If you love working with kids and want a career that truly makes a difference, Mount Royal University's Bachelor of Child Studies could be the perfect fit. This four-year program blends classroom learning with real-world experiences to prepare you for meaningful work with children, youth and families.

MRU's Bachelor of Child Studies is the only program of its kind in Western Canada and offers two majors to choose from:

1. Child and Youth Care Counsellor

Focused on supporting kids and teens aged 8 to 18, this major equips you with skills in counseling, advocacy and intervention. You'll learn how to build strong, supportive relationships and help young people navigate challenges like mental health struggles or family dysfunction. Career paths include working as a child and youth care counsellor, family support worker, or youth justice worker.

Explore the Child and Youth Care major at MRU.

2. Early Learning and Child Care

If early childhood education is your passion, this major focuses on the developmental needs of kids from birth to age 12. You'll learn to design play-based programs, create responsive learning environments, and collaborate closely with families and professionals. Possible careers include early childhood educator, child care centre director, or family support worker.

Explore the Early Learning and Child Care major at MRU.

Hands-on practicums prepare you for success

A key feature of this program is its work-integrated learning opportunities, where you can put what you learn in the classroom into practice. Starting in your first year, you'll complete practicums working with children, youth, and families in the community. This hands-on approach means you're not just learning about child development, mental health and advocacy — you're building experience with the populations you'll serve after graduation.

Capstone: Bringing it all together

In your final year, the capstone project ties together everything you've learned. You'll collaborate with organizations to tackle real challenges, gaining valuable skills and insights that set you apart in the workforce or prepare you for graduate studies. Employers value this practical experience because it shows you've already worked in the field, making you job-ready from day one.

Where can a degree in Child Studies take you?

Graduates of MRU's Bachelor of Child Studies are building meaningful careers with school boards, social services, early intervention programs, group homes and mental health centres. Many also pursue graduate studies in fields like education, counselling or speech-language pathology.

Is this the right program for you?

If you're excited about helping kids thrive, enjoy building relationships, and want to make an impact in your community, this program could be a great fit. With hands-on practicums and a final-year capstone project, you'll graduate with the skills and experience to succeed in your career or take the next step into graduate studies.

Ready to turn your passion for helping children into a rewarding career? Check out MRU's Bachelor of Child Studies today!