Child Advocacy and Policy

  • BA
  • Major
  • Minor
Instructor addressing classroom of students

There is an increasing demand for trained professionals who understand the complex challenges faced by today’s children and their families, many of whom lack adequate access to education, healthcare, and other basic services. The BA in Child Advocacy and Policy at Montclair State University prepares you to make a real difference in the lives of children and families.

Through this 42-credit program, you will study child protection, family systems, policy, and practice, drawing from fields such as psychology, law, and social work. In your senior year, you will complete a practicum with an advocacy organization and participate in a capstone seminar, applying what you’ve learned in real-world settings and gaining critical experience in the field.

Graduates of the program are well-positioned for careers in many different fields, including:

  • Child protective services
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • School systems
  • Social service agencies
  • Legal advocacy groups

The Bachelor of Arts in Child Advocacy and Policy also offers students the requisite knowledge to prepare graduates for advanced studies in law, social work, or public administration.
If your goal is to create safer communities, stronger families and fairer systems, this program will give you the knowledge and experience to turn that commitment into a career. See the curriculum.

Career Opportunities for Child Advocacy and Policy Majors

Child Welfare Agencies

Child Behavioral Health Services (case management organizations, youth case management programs, and mobile response and stabilization units)

Prevention and Community 

Organizations

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Education Advocacy Groups

Victim-Witness Offices/Agencies

Disability Advocacy Groups

Domestic Violence Programs

Youth Mentoring and Development Programs

Supervised Visitation Programs

Earn a Minor

A minor in Child Advocacy and Policy may be helpful when seeking employment with social services agencies and other helping organizations.

The Minor in Child Advocacy and Policy is relevant to students who intend to pursue careers working with children and families. The curriculum complements many majors including psychology, sociology, family science and human development, justice studies, and medical humanities. Through the perspectives of social work, psychology and law, students gain foundational knowledge of child advocacy and child protection, with a particular focus on policy and practice issues relevant to vulnerable children and families. The minor consists of 6 courses (18 credit hours).

See the Curriculum.

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Undergraduate Admissions Office

Whether you’re looking to begin an application, have questions about transferring to Montclair or trying to check your application status, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is pleased to help you in any way we can.

Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy

Contact the Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy for course planning, electives and faculty guidance.