Master of Science in Child Life and Interprofessional Practice
Concordia University is committed to preparing child life specialists who employ evidence-based methods in integrative health care settings and settings where children and families impacted by illness, injury, and health care are served. The intent of the Child Life Master’s Program is to prepare men and women for a life of service in the church, and in the world, within the specialized area of Child Life. This program is designed to deepen understanding of child development and of the processes of supporting children and families during medical interventions, crises or hospitalization, in developmentally appropriate and in trauma informed ways.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CLS 525 | Professional Issues in Child Life | 3 |
| CLS 530 | The Child with Special Healthcare Needs | 3 |
| CLS 535 | Childhood Trauma: Resiliency in Children | 3 |
| CLS 540 | Pediatric Psychosocial Assessment | 3 |
| CLS 545 | Child Life Documentation | 3 |
| CLS 550 | Child Life Program Administration | 3 |
| CLS 553 | Child Life Program Administration II | 3 |
| Electives (at least 3 elective courses) 1 | 9 | |
| Therapeutic Play for the Hospitalized Child | ||
| Supporting the Child and Family Affected by Death | ||
| Family Systems: The Hospitalized Child and Family | ||
| Clinical Ethics in Healthcare | ||
| Medical Terminology for the Child Life Professional | ||
| Research in the Child Life Profession | ||
| Diversity in the Healthcare Setting | ||
| The Child Life Practicum Experience | ||
| The Child Life Internship | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- 1
The number of electives a student needs would be dependent upon requirements for Child Life Certification eligibility.
Entrance Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree in child development, child and family studies, child studies, child psychology, developmental psychology, education, recreational therapy, or other relevant degree from a regionally accredited college/university.
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 0-4 scale for full acceptance
- A minimum of 120 documented volunteer hours working with children and families impacted by health care. This requirement is currently adjusted due to Covid.
- Successful completion of a background check
- Each applicant will interview with Child Life Program Coordinator, Kara Brennan.