Childhood Studies Minor

Group of Children

Group of Children

Child Building a toy car

Child Building a toy car

Children Playing

Children Playing

Students and teacher in a classroom

Students and teacher in a classroom

The Childhood Studies (CHST) minor involves the study of children and adolescents using a multidisciplinary approach. It is an inquiry into childhood and adolescence from the perspectives of the behavioral sciences, the health sciences, the humanities, and the social sciences.

For example, in the behavioral and health sciences, childhood studies can concern the physical, cognitive, and social development of human beings from conception to adolescence. In the humanities, childhood studies can be a focused investigation of children’s literature, of religion and childrearing, and of the philosophical debate on the nature of childhood. In the social sciences, childhood studies can investigate the influence of culture, economics, social policies, and history on childhood experiences.

Program Overview

A Childhood Studies minor will enable undergraduate students who are interested in children and adolescents to conduct an in-depth exploration of the field from multiple perspectives. This way, horizons are broadened, critical thinking is encouraged, and collaboration becomes possible. Consequently, students will be better prepared for graduate level work and for careers in social services, youth programming, education, and public policy.

Students will be required to complete 20 credit hours, divided into three levels of study:

  • One foundations course
  • Three core courses
  • One capstone course

The foundations course explores the concept of childhood addressing historical, contemporary, and global issues. Students will have the opportunity to research and explore these issues from a personal perspective as well as from the perspectives of cultural, social, economic, environmental, political, or educational issues affecting children.

Program Coordinator:

Kaite Yang

Kaite Yang, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Psychology
609-626-3848
Office: H220
kaite.yang@stockton.edu

Curriculum

Five courses (20 credits) are required for the minor. All students must take the Foundations course, Perspectives on Childhood, and a Capstone course which includes extensive hands-on experience or experiential learning working with children and/or adolescents. The three remaining courses are drawn from two categories: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Issues. Students must select one course from each category and the third course may be chosen from either category.

The Minor Coordinator may approve alternate course selections on a case-by-case basis. The Minor Research & Education Chair may approve alternate course selections and independent projects for the Capstone Option B  Research Focus.

 

 

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Curriculum Worksheet

Minor in Childhood Studies

Foundations Course (4 credits):

GEN 1138 Or 1048 Perspectives on Childhood

Core Courses (12 credits):

One course from each of the following two categories, and a third course from either category.

Category One: Historical Perspectives (4 credits)

  • GAH 3617 Meanings of Motherhood
  • GEN 2126 The Urban Teacher
  • GEN 2238 The Holocaust in Children’s Literature
  • GEN 2308 Children of the Holocaust
  • GEN 3245 Multicultural Children’s Literature
  • GIS 3667 Families in Genocide
  • GIS 4638 Adolescent Culture
  • GSS 2181 The History of Childbirth in America
  • GSS 2324 The History of Play in America
  • EDUC 2115 Language Development: Theories & Acquisition
  • HLTH 3115 Speech and Language Development
  • LANG 3253 Children’s Literature in Spanish
  • LITT 2108 Children’s Literature
  • PSYC 2201 Adolescence
  • PSYC 3323 Childhood and Adolescence
  • PSYC 3618 The Psychology of Child Witnesses


*Alternate courses with approval by Minor Coordinator

Category Two: Contemporary Issues (4 credits)

  • CRIM 2111 Juvenile Justice
  • EDUC 1515 Diversity in Families, Schools, and Communities
  • EDUC 2231 Development of the Learner
  • EDUC 2241 Inclusive Learning in Education
  • GIS 3205 Battered Children: Social Construct
  • GSS 2207 The Amazing Baby
  • GSS 2337 Gender and Aggressive Behavior
  • GSS 2642 Contemporary American Education
  • GSS 3102 Effects of Media on Children
  • GSS 3176 Youth in The Wire and Beyond
  • GSS 3244 Children and Crime
  • GSS 3360 Schools of the Future
  • PSYC 3391 Educational Psychology
  • PSYC 3605 Psychology of Eating Disorders
  • PSYC 3705 Research on Childhood and Adolescence
  • SOCY 2290 Schools and Society
  • SOWK 3650 Topics in Child Welfare
  • SOWK 3670 Child Welfare Services and Practice

*Alternate courses with approval by Minor Coordinator

Third course from either Category One or Category Two (4 credits)

Capstone (4 Credits)

Students can select one capstone course  from the following options:

Capstone Course Option A: Internship, Practica, and Service-Learning (4 credits):

The capstone course must include extensive hands-on experience working with children and/or adolescents. 

  • ANTH 3904 Language and Identity
  • EDUC 4600 Part-Time Clinical Practice II
  • GSS 3184 Community Schools: Urban Change Agents
  • NURS 3903 Care of the Childbearing/Childrearing Family
  • SOCY 3745 Urban Education Issues
  • PSYC 3904 Field Placement in Childhood Studies

*Alternate course selections may be approved by the Minor Coordinator on a case-by-case basis.

Minor Coordinator:

Dr. Kaite Yang, Ph.D.

609-626-3848
Office: H220
kaite.yang@stockton.edu

Capstone Course Option B: Research Focus (4 credits):

This capstone course option must include a research project that applies properties of the scientific method or other disciplinary scholarship methods to answer an original child-centered research question.

  • PSYC 3705 Research on Childhood & Adolescence
  • PSYC 3712 Empirical Research in Developmental Psychology
  • PSYC 4812 Independent Research Project in Childhood Studies 
  • Minor Research Chair may approve alternate course selections and independent projects

This option has a prerequisite Research Methods course, which includes any one of the following: 

  • GEN 2240 Introduction to Research
  • ANTH 3643 Anthropological Field Methods
  • CRIM 2141 Research & Evaluation
  • EXSC 4102 Research in Exercise Science
  • HIST 4690 Historical Methods
  • HLTH 3200 Research Methods
  • LITT 2123 Introduction to Research in Literature
  • NURS 3335 Nursing Research Methods
  • PHIL 3615 Philosophical Methods
  • POLS 3150 Introduction to Political Methodology
  • PHYS 4620 Research Methods
  • PSYC 3242 Experimental Psychology
  • PUBH 4610 Public Health Research Methods
  • SOWK 3102 Research Methods in Social Work
  • SOCY 3642 Social Research Methods

*Alternate course selections may be approved by the Minor Research Chair on a case-by-case basis.

Minor Research & Education Chair

Dr. Helana Girgis, Ph.D.

609-652-4212
Office: H238

helana.girgis@stockton.edu

A combined "C" average grade (GPA of 2.0 or higher) for all minor courses is expected. The program will accept 18 credits from transfer students to confer the minor if they have met all other requirements.

 

Childhood Studies Minor Faculty

Guia Calicdan-Apostle

Guia Calicdan-Apostle

DSW (University of Pennsylvania), Associate Professor of Social Work: clinical social work practice, cultural competence, spirituality in mental health, public health intervention and advocacy (tobacco control)
Merydawilda Colón

Merydawilda Colón

Ph.D. (The City University of New York), Executive Director of the Stockton Center for Community Engagement and Professor of Social Work: social work practice, hospice (grief, death and dying), acculturation and attitudes of Latinos towards hospice, Latinos and community outreach, social work with oppressed groups
Jordan Corson

Jordan Corson

Ed.D (Columbia University), Assistant Professor of Education and affiliated faculty member of the M.A. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies: ethnographic and historical methods to interrogate issues of transnational migration and educational theory through anti-colonial and abolitionist praxis. 
Susan Cydis

Susan Cydis

Ed.D. (Widener University), Associate Professor of Education: literacy education, elementary education, authentic instruction and assessment, competency-based education practices
Lauren DelRossi

Lauren DelRossi

DPT (Stockton University), Associate Professor of Physical Therapy: Gross Motor Development in rare genetic disorders, technology and pedagogy, interprofessional education and collaborative practice
Kelly A. Dougherty

Kelly A. Dougherty

Ph.D. (The Pennsylvania State University), Associate Professor of Exercise Science: physical activity- and nutrition-related issues in healthy and chronically ill children and young adults, including those with cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and obesity.
Marcia Fiedler

Marcia Fiedler

Ed.D. (University of Phoenix), Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies: biblical studies, Hebrew, Jewish education, Jewish women, women and Jewish law
Christine A. Gayda-Chelder

Christine A. Gayda-Chelder

Ph.D. (Drexel University), Associate Professor of Psychology: health psychology, clinical neuropsychology, traumatic brain injury, dementia, caregiver burden 
Helana Girgis

Helana Girgis

Ph.D. (University of Arkansas), Assistant Professor of Psychology and Education & Research Chair: Developmental and lifespan psychology, cognitive development, personality, conceptual development of foods and idea ownership, cross-cultural research.
John Gray

John Gray

Ed.D. (Walden University), Visiting Instructor of Organizational Leadership
Joseph Giunta

Joseph Giunta

M.A (New York University),Visiting Instructor of Education and Human Development
Marion Hussong

Marion Hussong

Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania), Professor of Literature and Holocaust and Genocide Studies: holocaust literature, 19th and 20th century German and Austrian literature, comparative literature, children's literature
Janice O. Joseph

Janice O. Joseph

Ph.D. (York University), Distinguished Professor of Criminal Justice: juvenile justice, criminology and deviance, minorities and crime, corrections
Gorica Majstorovic

Gorica Majstorovic

Ph.D. (New York University), Professor of Spanish: Iberian, Latin American and U.S. Latino literature, film, visual arts and theater, postcolonial studies
Sara Martino

Sara Martino

Ph.D. (Temple University), Professor of Counseling: counseling psychology, illness-related stress disorders, female aggression, self-mutilation, superwoman ideal, gender group identity, psychology of women, marriage and family therapy
Sunny Mathew

Sunny Mathew

Ph.D. (Fordham University), Assistant Professor of Social Work: Asian American parenting, social support and childrearing practices, social disadvantage and health disparity, social capital and community development; dialectical behavior therapy and life worth living.
Mary Padden-Denmead

Mary Padden-Denmead

Ph.D. (Widener University), Associate Professor of Nursing: pediatrics, maternal and child health, research
Rose Scaffidi

Rose Scaffidi

Dr.N.P. (Drexel University), Associate Professor of Nursing: women's health, research, assessment
Allison N. Sinanan

Allison N. Sinanan

Ph.D. (Fordham University), Professor of Social Work: sexual abuse recurrence in minority children, oppression of children and families of color
Connie M. Tang

Connie M. Tang

Ph.D. (University of Wyoming, Laramie), Professor of Psychology: child and adolescent development, child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency, psychology and the law, social cognition, culture and cognition, research methods
Chelsea Tracy-Bronson

Chelsea Tracy-Bronson

Ph.D. (Syracuse University), Associate Professor of Education
Judith Vogel

Judith Vogel

Ph.D. (Temple University), Professor of Mathematics: numerical linear algebra, Children of the Holocaust, Holocaust education using children's literature
Keith B. Williams

Keith B. Williams

Ph.D. (University of Minnesota), Professor of Psychology: educational psychology, social psychology, educational testing and measurement, psychology of individual differences
Kerrin C. Wolf

Kerrin C. Wolf

Ph.D. (University of Delaware), Assistant Professor of Business Studies, Public Law: school discipline, children and the law, education law and policy, health law and policy, juvenile justice
Kaite Yang

Kaite Yang

Ph.D. (Princeton University), Associate Professor of Psychology and Program Coordinator: social psychology, personality and individual differences,gender across lifespan development, multicultural teaching and learning.

PROFESSORS EMERITI

 

Joseph J. Marchetti

Joseph J. Marchetti

Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania), Professor Emeritus of Education: educational research, educational leadership, organizational leadership, curriculum and instruction
Jean Mercer

Jean Mercer

Ph.D. (Brandeis University), Professor Emerita of Psychology: developmental psychology, early childhood, infancy, perception, history and systems
Shelly Meyers

Shelly Meyers

Ed.D. (Nova Southern University), Associate Professor Emerita of Education: special education, pedagogy, inclusion, supervision and leadership, education to workplace transition, behavior management
Linda Williamson Nelson

Linda Williamson Nelson

Ph.D. (Rutgers, The State University), Professor Emerita of Anthropology and Africana Studies: anthropological linguistics, cultural anthropology, gender and culture, field methods, contemporary African American literature, African American vernacular English, African American culture
Joseph Rubenstein

Joseph Rubenstein

Ph.D. (New School for Social Research), Professor Emeritus of Anthropology: religion and ritual, anthropological theory, ethnicity, Jewish culture, field methods, food and culture, anthropological photography, community engagement

Admission to the Minor

The Childhood Studies Minor is open to students of all majors. Interested students should inform their preceptor of their interest and be sure to complete the Declaration of Major/Minor Form, available through Academic Advising to officially declare the minor. The declaration form must be signed by the minor coordinator.

Childhood Studies courses could be incorporated into the student’s overall graduation requirements, depending on the student’s major. Due to the diverse nature of the coursework, many of the courses can be applied toward program, cognate or at-some-distance requirements. For example, CHST is generally a cognate to PSYC, SOWK, SOCY/ANTH, CRIM, POLS, ECON and some programs in the School of Health Sciences. For majors in the Arts and Humanities or Natural Sciences, most CHST courses would be considered at-some-distance.

Students should consult with their preceptor and the CHST Coordinator to find out exactly how courses in the minor can be applied. The decision about where CHST courses fit into a student’s academic plan is usually made by the student’s preceptor in their major. Planning early, particularly in programs with highly structured requirements, can help students complete the minor without taking additional courses beyond the basic 128 credit hours needed for graduation.

Career Opportunities

Completing a minor in Childhood Studies should increase success in applying to graduate programs in:

  • Developmental, clinical and forensic psychology
  • Social work
  • Communication disorders
  • Education
  • Criminal justice
  • Law
  • Nursing
  • Health sciences.

Specialized training in childhood and adolescence would be an asset for students entering into the following professions to help children and youth directly, or to administer to the needs of children and adolescents indirectly through creative programming and policies:

  • Guidance counseling
  • Family therapy
  • Social work
  • Speech-language pathology or audiology
  • Teaching at all levels
  • School administration
  • Public health
  • Allied health professions (e.g., OT, PT)
  • Nonprofit organization management

Salary information provided by Salary.com - Salary Calculator, Salary Comparison, Compensation Data.

Please visit Stockton Career & Development Website for career resources and coaching.

Teacher (P-12 plus Special Ed)

Job Details: Teachers prepare students for the world, educate them on a variety of subject matters, and serve as mentors and role models for students. Aspiring teachers may to prepare to teach P-3, K-6, or K-12 with an emphasis in a subject matter such as music, world language, science, or art. Teacher preparation programs are available for those interested in working with students with special needs or learning challenges. It is a rewarding career for those inspired to directly impact youth. 

Education Requirements:

Some other programs for teachers include Teach for America and Teachers of Tomorrow

Information on certification can be found on the NJ state education website.

Salary:
The salary for teachers in New Jersey ranges from $44, 258-$113,869 with a median salary of $70,815.

Teacher’s Aide (Assistant)

Job Details:
Teacher’s Aides provides support to teachers in a variety of ways. This can include working with children in small groups or one-on-one, preparing classroom materials, planning lessons or supervising children. Teacher’s Aides may work in one classroom, a variety of classrooms, or they may be assigned to a single child. 

Education:

Salary: The average teacher’s aide in NJ makes $26,000.

Preschool Teacher 

Job Details: Preschool teachers play a vital role in the development of young children. They guide children, introduce core subjects, and are instrumental in facilitating opportunities for children to learn self-regulation, motor skills, and socialization. This job requires a great deal of patience and energy. It is great for those who love young children and have an interest in art, music, and nature.

Education requirements: Varies by location. P-3 certification is required by public schools hiring preschool teachers.

Child Development Associate Degree (CDA): https://www.cdacouncil.org/credentials/apply-for-cda/preschool

Childhood Studies minor: https://stockton.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/childhood-studies.html

BA in Liberal Studies, Education, or Psychology with a concentration in Early Childhood Education: https://stockton.edu/education/tedu-elementary-program.html  

Salary: The average base pay for a preschool teacher in private child care centers in NJ is $13.35/hour. In the public schools, preschool teachers earn the same as K-12 teachers.

Childcare Center Director

Job Details: Child Care Directors are school administrators who typically supervise teachers, plan curriculum, staff the center, create the schedule, and manage the budget. Often times they also work in the classrooms and may even substitute for teachers.

Education: A bachelor’s degree is typically required for Child Care Center Directors.

BA in Liberal Studies, Education, or Psychology with a concentration in Early Childhood Education: https://stockton.edu/education/tedu-elementary-program.html.  

The National Administrator Credential (NAC) is a 45 hour course developed specifically for Childcare Center Directors. Information on the NAC can be found here: https://necpa.net/page/nacoverview/.

Salary: The median pay for preschool directors in NJ is $54,309.

Parent Educator

Job Details: Parent Educators help parents learn the skills necessary in order to raise physically, psychologically, and emotionally healthy children. They may work in a variety of settings to assist parents and/or to serve as an advocate in stressful situations. Parent educators may work in an office or do home visits. They may present talks or lead trainings. In some cases, a court may mandate working with a parent educator.

Education: Typically this type of position requires a degree in social work, education, human services, or counseling.

BS in Social Work: https://stockton.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/social-work-bsw/index.html

MA in Counseling: https://stockton.edu/graduate/counseling.html.

You can find more about parent education here: https://www.preventchildabusenj.org/what-we-do/programs/home-visiting-programs/parents-as-teachers/ and https://www.nj.gov/njparentlink/parenting/101/.  

Salary: The salary for parent educators in NJ ranges from $66,007 - $88,904.

School Principal

Job Details: School Principals provide direction to a school and may creatie policies, provide leadership, oversee day-to-day school operations, maintain the budget, hire and supervise staff, enforce discipline, develop curricula, and develop relationships with parents . They work directly with the school superintendent, school board and parent/teacher organization. 

Education: MA in Education with a Principal Certification.  MA in ED: https://stockton.edu/graduate/education.html

NJ Licensure: https://www.nj.gov/cgi-bin/education/license/endorsement.pl?string=Administrative%20Certificates&maxhits=1000&field=1&type=sl  

Salary: The average salary for principals in NJ is $121,583.

Child Life Specialist

Job Details: Child Life Specialists work with children in medical settings. They are trained in the developmental aspect of injury and illness, oftentimes learning medical procedures and terminology to help children prepare for procedures .  Their role is to reduce stress and anxiety associated with trauma, illness, and loss.

More information on a career as a Child Life Specialist can be found here: https://www.childlife.org/the-child-life-profession

Education: A bachelor’s degree in health sciences or a related field is required.

BS in Health Sciences: https://stockton.edu/health-sciences/health-science.html.

Specific coursework for certification can be found here: https://www.childlife.org/certification/becoming-certified.

Salary: The median salary for a Child Life Specialist in NJ is $59,922.

Camp Director

Job Details: Camp directors are responsible for the day-to-day administration of camps and recreational programs. They may design curriculum, hire/train/supervise employees, and monitor the budget.Skills in risk management, strategic planning, and recreation are helpful in this position.

Education: A bachelor’s degree inrecreation, supervision, or leadership may be required.

BS in Exercise Science: https://stockton.edu/health-sciences/exercise-science.html

MA in Education Supervisor Endorsement

Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership: https://stockton.edu/graduate/ed-d-organizational-leadership.html.

Information on Camp Director Certification can be found here: https://www.acacamps.org/staff-professionals/events-professional-development/certificate-course/camp-director-certificate

Salary: The median salary for camp directors in NJ is $36,595.

Educational Consultant

Job Details: Educational Consultants are typically self-employed professionals who serve as mentors for teachers, parents, and administrators. They may assess educational curricula, devise strategies to improve educational quality, assist in implementing technology, or consult on classroom design.

Education: This position typically requires an advanced degree in curriculum and instruction, supervision, or school administration.

Master’s Degree in Education and supervisor endorsement

Salary:  The average pay for an Educational Consultant in NJ is $110, 801.

Family Support Worker/ Family Service Specialist

Job Detail: Family Support Workers offer short-term or long-term support to families experiencing difficulty. They are typically employed by government or social service agencies. They may provide counseling or mediation services and refer families to appropriate services. They may conduct home visits to establish trusting relationships with parents, assist parents in improving parentings skills, help the strengthen the parent / child relationship.

Education: BS or MS in Social Work. BS in Social Work: https://stockton.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/social-work-bsw/index.html

Master of Social Work Program Handbook

Salary: The average Family Support Worker earns $44,872.

Learning Mentor Coach

Job Description: A Learning Mentor provides coaching for staff that supports effective teaching and home visiting practices, leading to positive outcomes for children in order to develop collaborative relationship with teachers, home visitors and families. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED580006.pdf

Education: BA with education certification. MA in Education recommended.

MA in Education: https://stockton.edu/graduate/education.html  

Salary: The national average for a Learning Mentor Coach is $57,700.

Play Therapist

Job Details: Play Therapists are counselors who use play as a modality to gain insight into a child’s behavior, to explore emotions and to help redirect behavior.Thistype of therapy is child led, giving power back to the child and letting them process at their own pace. 

Education: Masters of Doctorate in Psychology, Counseling, Psychiatric Nursing, or Social Work https://stockton.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/psychology.html

Salary: The average salary for a Play Therapist in NJ is $64,600.

Special Education Coordinator

Job Duties: Special Education Coordinators plan and implement educational programs for children with developmental, physical, mental, and psychological disabilities. They may be responsible for overseeing programs that provide educational assistance to children with disabilities or manage the special education program in a school district.

Education: Master’s Degree in Education with Special Ed Endorsement: M.A. in Education - Graduate Admissions | Stockton University

Salary: The average salary in the United States for a Special Education Coordinator is $67,200.

Social Worker

Job Details: Social Workers offer assistance to children and families. They may work with families where there has been abuse or serious mental or physical illness. They can help parents find resources they need so that the children can stay in the home or they may arrange adoptions and foster homes for children.

Education: Minimum Bachelor’s Degree with many positions requiring a Masters. Degree information can be found here: https://stockton.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/social-work-bsw/index.html Licensing information can be found here: https://www.socialworkguide.org/licensure/new-jersey/

Salary: Varies widely with the average Social Worker in NJ making $72,800.

Youth Worker

Job Details: Youth Workers help adolescents with personal, social and educational skills in both formal and informal settings. They are role models, activity leaders, and problem solvers. They may work in Programs such as: https://learntrainworkac.com/youth-programs/

 https://info.csc.state.nj.us/vats/PdfForms/27222.pdf

https://www.atlantic-county.org/youth-services-commission/.

Education: High School Diploma plus one year experiencing working with youth or 30 college credits.

Salary: The average pay for a youth worker in NJ is $40,000.

Child Psychologist

Job Details:  Child Psychologists administer tests, conduct research and engage in therapy sessions with individuals, families and groups. They treat a wide range of issues and disorders that impact children. They help children learn skills to cope with stress, learning disabilities, and fears.

Education: MS in Psychology is required. A doctorate is preferred. https://stockton.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/psychology.html.

Information on licensing:https://www.psychologydegree411.com/licensure/new-jersey/#license 

Salary: The average Child Psychologist in NJ earns $78,000.

Educational / School Psychologist

Job Details: Educational Psychologists work directly with children, evaluating how they learn. They identify issues that impede learning and offer suggested practices to help teachers and parents.

Education: MS in Psychology is required. Information on the BA and BS in Psychology: https://stockton.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/psychology.html.

Information on certification in NJ: http://www.njasp.org/, https://www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/school-psychology-credentialing-resources/states/new-jersey, 

https://www.state.nj.us/education/license/endorsements/3100S.pdf

Salary: The average pay for Educational Psychologists in NJ is $89,349.

Pediatric Nurse

Job Details: Pediatric Nurses are RNs, BSNs or MSNs who are specially trained to work with children. They are specialized in child development and childhood illnesses. They may specialize in a variety of fields from wellness to intensive care.

Education: Pediatric Nurses must become a Registered Nurse (RN) or have an advanced degree.

BS Nursing Prelicensure: https://stockton.edu/health-sciences/nursing-prelicensure.html

Pediatric Nurses must be certified: https://www.pncb.org/cpn-certification-steps

Salary: Pediatric Nurses earn an average of $81,000 in NJ.

Speech and Language Pathologist

Job Details: Speech and Language Therapists assess and treat communication disorders. They may provide training to caregivers and teachers, engage in research to improve knowledge about communication, or work in a medical environment. Stockton’s Speech & Hearing Clinic: https://stockton.edu/health-sciences/speech-and-hearing-clinic.html

Education: MS in Communication Sciences & Disorders or Speech Pathology. MS in Communication Sciences & Disorders: https://stockton.edu/graduate/communication-disorders.html.

NJ Licensing and Certification: https://www.njsha.org/professionals-resources/licensing-and-certification-requirements/

 https://www.state.nj.us/education/license/endorsements/3462S.pdf     

Salary: The average pays for a Speech and Language Pathologist in NJ is $93,890.

Occupational Therapist

Job Details: An Occupational Therapist is a healthcare professional who works with children diagnosed with illnesses, injury, developmental disorders, and emotional or psychiatric issues to improve their quality of life. They analyze client capabilities and develop intervention techniques to help regain physical skills.

Licensure is required to practice as an OT: https://www.njota.org/licensure

 https://www.occupationaltherapylicense.org/new-jersey-occupational-therapy.html.

You may also pursue licensure as a School OT: https://www.state.nj.us/education/license/endorsements/2910S.pdf

Education: After earning a BS in Health Sciences: https://stockton.edu/health-sciences/health-science.html,complete and MS in OT https://stockton.edu/graduate/occupational-therapy.html

Salary: The average pay for an OT in NJ is $100,608.

Zoo educator

Job Details: These educators monitor and evaluate zoo education programs, provide children information about the animals at the zoo, and promote conservation efforts.

Educators: A BA in Biology https://stockton.edu/sciences-math/biology.html with an education concentration is recommended: https://stockton.edu/education/tedu-secondary-program.html

Salary: The average Zoo Educator in NJ earns $41.838.

Museum Educator

Job Details: Museum educators share information about museum exhibits and artifacts. They may work in classroom settings, give presentations, or give tours to visiting schoolchildren.

Education: A degree in historical studies: https://stockton.edu/arts-humanities/historical-studies.html with an education concentration is recommended https://stockton.edu/education/tedu-secondary-program.html

Salary: The average pay for a museum educator is $28.647.

Children’s Librarian

Job Details: Children’s Librarians select and maintain the material in the children’s library. They teach children how to use the library, plan children’s library programs, and develop reading incentive programs.

Education: A Master’s Degree in Library Science is required: https://www.njstatelib.org/services_for_libraries/resources/librarian_certification/.

Students may also pursue a School Library Media Specialist certification: https://www.state.nj.us/education/license/endorsements/2855CE.pdf 

Salary: The average pay for a children’s librarian in NJ is $40,561.

Juvenile corrections officer

Job Details: Provide direct supervision for incarcerated youth, transport inmates to and from court hearings and appointments, ensure the safety of youth, facilitate group discussions, provide mentorship and support.

Education: A degree in Criminal Justice or a related field is recommended: https://stockton.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/criminal-justice.html

Salary: The average pay for a Juvenile Corrections Officer in NJ is $39,007.

Pediatrician

Job Details: Pediatricians provide general medical care for children and adolescents. They diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and chronic conditions. They educate families about well-being, order diagnostic tests, and interpret test results. They work alongside other medical doctors and specialists to provide quality care for patients.

Education: An MD is required for this position. Students may begin their career with a BS in Health Science or pre-med https://www.stockton.edu/sciences-math/health-professions.html.

Practioners must become licensed as a medical doctor: https://www.sgu.edu/blog/medical/how-to-become-a-pediatrician-a-step-by-step-guide/

Salary: The average pediatrician in NJ earns $229, 627.

Pediatric dentist

Job Description: Pediatric Dentists care for children’s mouths, teeth and gums. They teach patients how to care for their dental health, and they diagnose and treat dental issues.

Education: Students must earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree: https://www.stockton.edu/sciences-math/health-professions.html.

Dentists must be licensed to practice: https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Education%20and%20Careers/Files/New_Jersey_Licensure.pdf?la=enhttps://www.njda.org/continuing-education-events/event-details/nj-state-board-ce-requirements

Salary: The average pay for a Pediatric Dentist in NJ is $179,879.

Music or Art therapist

Job Description: These specialists use music and /or art as a segue to connect with children and offer therapy and support. They utilize art as a way to address therapeutic goals.

Education: Music and Art Therapists require a master’s degree https://njmusictherapy.org/amta-approved-schools/https://vmpa.camden.rutgers.edu/art-program/art-therapy/. They may begin with a BA in their chosen art: https://stockton.edu/arts-humanities/music.htmlhttps://stockton.edu/arts-humanities/visual-arts.html

Salary: The average salary for Music and Art Therapists in NJ is $58,100.

Behavioral specialist

Job Description: Behavioral Specialists work with children who have developmental, mental health or behavioral challenges. They observe and assess behaviors and work with children, teachers, and parents to offer support and mentorship.

Education: A Master’s Degree in Learning and Behavior Analysis, Psychology, or Social Work is required: https://stockton.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/psychology.html .

For information on licensing visit: https://njaba.org/advocacy/.

Salary: The average Behavioral Specialist pay in NJ is $50,156.