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Become a Skilled Advocate for Children and Families

Teacher working with young children at the early childhood centerFamilies are one of the most important building blocks of our communities. You can make a positive impact on the lives of families while helping build stronger communities with a Bachelor of Arts degree in children and families from University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Upon graduation, you’ll have a deep understanding of child development and the myriad social, economic, and cultural challenges families face in today’s complex world. But most importantly, you’ll have skills to help families improve their lives.

Where a Children and Families Degree Will Take You

Your courses and experiences at UM-Dearborn will prepare you for a huge variety of opportunities to embrace your passion. Our graduates work as educators in Head Start and childcare centers, serve as teachers or administrators in programs for young children, help power agencies that advocate for young people and families, develop policies in government agencies, and more. Some of our students pursue graduate studies in psychology, education, social work, and other areas.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States in 2023. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$54,290 Median Salary

Preschool and Childcare Center Directors

Employment of preschool and childcare center directors is projected to decline 2 percent from 2023 to 2033.

Despite declining employment, about 5,100 openings for preschool and childcare center directors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$58,380 Median Salary

Social Workers

Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 67,300 openings for social workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$37,130 Median Salary

Preschool Teachers

Employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 61,400 openings for preschool teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$61,710 Median Salary

School and Career Counselors (master’s usually required)

Employment of school and career counselors and advisors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 29,100 openings for school and career counselors and advisors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

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Application Deadlines

UM-Dearborn has rolling admissions throughout the year, and deadlines depend on your student type. Apply early, priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships may be given to earlier applicants.

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Tuition

Get started early on your financial planning for college. Complete the net price calculator to get an estimate of your cost to attend UM-Dearborn.

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Go Blue Guarantee

Students at UM-Dearborn are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee - University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from qualifying backgrounds. Major financial support is available for students who do not fully qualify.

Go Blue Guarantee

How to Get Involved

There are opportunities to develop skills and connect with others interested in children and families beyond the classroom. You can join the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) as a student member or volunteer at Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency. Looking for real world experience? Request a field experience at the Michigan Alliance for Families with high-needs students outside of your own community.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.

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