Master of Science in Child Life Studies
Help children and families cope with illness, grief and hospitalization.
Prepare for greater professional responsibility as a certified child life specialist.
Are you new to the field? If so, we offer a standard track of study. Get the skills you need to start a career as a child life specialist in a hospital or health care setting. Learn the skills and knowledge necessary to become certified as a child life specialist. Apply your skills to clinical practice, become a mentor to colleagues, attain a healthcare leadership position or pursue doctoral studies with the successful completion of this master's degree.
Are you currently practicing as a certified child life specialist? Did your undergraduate degree have an emphasis or minor in child life studies? If so, you may be eligible for the advanced track degree option. Advanced track coursework enhances your understanding of child life practice research. This coursework helps you develop your own research initiatives within your practice as a certified child life specialist.
Within both tracks, complete a child life research practicum or a clinical child life internship and gain real-world experience. Attend classes online and via ZOOM (web conference) technology. Coursework is taught by Certified Child Life Specialists who have worked in clinical settings and have years of experience to draw upon and share.
Make your MISSOURI STATEment as a child life specialist!
Career outcomes
- Hospital child life specialist
- Medical Camp Worker
- Grief Center child life specialist
Maximize your investment of time and money.
We put paying for college within reach with affordable tuition. Financial aid and
scholarships are available.
Earn an accredited degree from a four year institution.
Enjoy a high level of academic excellence.
Coursework is taught by Certified Child Life Specialists who have worked in clinical
settings and have years of experience to draw upon and share.
The Child Life Studies Graduate Program is part of the Department of Childhood Education and Family Studies.
Find out more about admission requirements and program requirements.