The Department of Child Development focuses on the holistic development of children aged 0–18, covering all developmental areas such as physical, social, emotional, and cognitive. The program emphasizes assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis of these developmental domains. Graduates serve children, families, educators, and ultimately society, working with children who are developing typically as well as those with special needs, acute, or chronic conditions. The healthy development of children is the guarantee of the future of societies.
The Child Development Department at Cappadocia University stands out with its emphasis on hands-on training alongside a rich theoretical curriculum. Through Ürgüp and Nevşehir Montessori Kindergartens, operating under the Child Development Practice and Research Center, students are offered opportunities for on-site observation and practice. With courses such as “Montessori Philosophy in Preschool” and “Montessori Education I–II,” students graduate with a “Montessori Educator Certificate,” entering the profession with richer qualifications than their peers. Additionally, our university’s Child Development Practice and Research Center provides students with opportunities to conduct projects, research, and scientific studies related to their field.
Graduates of the Child Development Department can work in both public institutions and the private sector. They can find employment in institutions under the Ministry of Family and Social Policies, the Ministry of National Education, Child Protection Agencies, Guidance and Research Centers, Public Education Centers, units under the Ministry of Health, university hospitals, as well as in private preschools, nurseries, and daycare centers. They may also pursue master’s and doctoral degrees, becoming research assistants or faculty members.
In Türkiye, graduates who wish to work as appointed preschool teachers in kindergartens affiliated with the Ministry of National Education or independent preschools can qualify by completing a non-thesis master’s program in their field or by receiving Pedagogical Formation Education.
Child Development students can broaden their career prospects by enriching their expertise in early childhood education and developmental psychology with complementary disciplines through double major and minor programs.
Speech and Language Therapy
Psychology
Students accepted into a double major program earn the right to receive two separate diplomas by completing a second undergraduate program simultaneously with their major. Thus, they combine their expertise in child development with competencies in speech-language disorders and/or psychological counseling, gaining a strong competitive advantage in clinical, educational, and research institutions.
Nutrition and Dietetics
Psychology
Speech and Language Therapy
Minor programs allow students to focus on their major in Child Development while gaining basic knowledge and skills in another discipline. Upon successful completion, students graduate with a minor certificate.
These double major and minor opportunities enhance students’ skills in developmental assessment, family counseling, multidisciplinary intervention planning, and research, helping them stand out in the dynamic education and health sectors. For details on application requirements, success criteria, and quotas, please contact your department advisor.
The Child Development curriculum covers courses that form the foundation of multiple disciplines such as development, health, early childhood education, special education, child assessment, and family counseling, offering students a wide range of choices for specialization. Core courses include Preschool Education Methods, Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Child Development in Preschool I–II. Additionally, innovative applied courses such as Creative Drama, Child and Music I–II, Fine Arts I–II, Healthy Living and Exercise I–II, Analysis of Children’s Drawings, Effective Speaking, Child and Law, Sensory Education, Visual Arts Education, Values Education, Play Therapy, and Sign Language provide students with an intellectual perspective. Students aiming for an academic career are prepared with courses such as Research Methods and Techniques, Mathematics and Statistics, Biostatistics, and Graduation Project. Moreover, students take Montessori-related courses (Montessori Philosophy in Preschool, Montessori Education I–II) and graduate with a “Montessori Educator Certificate.” The program also includes 4 terms of Professional Practice Courses and internships, enabling students to experience various fields in child development before graduation.
Child Development Department 2025–2026 Tuition Fee
|
Program Name |
Fee |
| Child Development (Scholarship) | - |
| Child Development (50% Discounted) | 247,500 TL |
Child Development Department 2025-YKS Placement Quotas and 2024-YKS Minimum Scores
|
Program Name |
Quota |
2024-YKS Minimum Score |
2024-YKS Ranking |
| Child Development (Scholarship) | 8 | 313.12 | 270,271 |
| Child Development (50% Discounted) | 49 | 162.21 | 1,702,332 |
For the 2025–2026 academic year, a total quota of 57 students has been allocated: 8 with full scholarships and 49 with a 50% discount.
|
Program Name |
Additional Quota |
Martyr-Veteran Relatives |
Earthquake-Affected Candidates |
2025-YKS Minimum Score |
| Child Development (Scholarship) | 0 | 1 | 0 | ** |
| Child Development (50% Discounted) | 20 | 0 | 0 | * |
Programs without a base score (marked with “*”) are open to all candidates with a score.
** Scholarship quotas in the relevant programs are filled; no base score has been formed because only earthquake-affected candidates or relatives of martyrs/veterans had available places.