College of Education and Professional Studies
Child Life
Master of Science | Graduate
Child Development and Family Science, MS—Child Life Specialization
Our Graduate Child Life Specialization prepares you for careers in supporting the emotional and developmental needs of children and families in healthcare settings.
We provide a comprehensive understanding of child development, family dynamics, and healthcare systems so you can gain skills in therapeutic interventions, psychosocial assessments, and support for families facing medical challenges. Our program emphasizes compassionate care and evidence-based practices to improve the lives of children and families. Using medical teaching dolls, medical supplies, and therapeutic play materials, you will practice procedural preparation, nonpharmacological pain management strategies, diagnostic teaching, and therapeutic play facilitation. In addition to child-life-specific courses, you will learn about the broader family theory and development to support the whole family system.
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Child Development and Family Science
Michaelsen 100
You Belong Here
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Child Development and Family Science Website
Core Courses
- CDFS 501 - Research Methods
- CDFS 502 - Statistics
- CDFS 532 - Family Interaction
- CDFS 534 - Therapeutic Applications of Child Development
- CDFS 547 - Families and Poverty
- CDFS 592 - Child Development and Family Science Practicum
- CDFS 595 - Graduate Research
- CDFS 700 - Master’s Thesis, Project Study, and/or Examination
Child Life Specialization
Required Courses
- CDFS 514 - Coping with Grief and Loss
- CDFS 515 - Therapeutic Play
- CDFS 516 - Child Life I: Child Life Scope of Practice
- CDFS 517 - Pediatric Diagnoses and Medical Terminology
- CDFS 518 - Child Life II: Impact of Child Hospitalization
Practicum Placement
Our graduate students complete a child life practicum at Seattle Children’s Hospital and are well-prepared to pursue internship and then certification after graduation.
Holistic Support
We will support you in the process of applying for internships, taking the child life certification exam, and applying for jobs.
Credential-Ready
We provide university affiliation for our students- whether you complete an internship during the master’s program or after you graduate.
Assistantships
We offer several opportunities for graduate students to teach entry-level Child Development and Family Science courses in close collaboration with a faculty mentor.
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Financial Aid
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Student Life
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Face-to-Face
Classes are offered in person, providing extensive hands-on learning opportunities in preparation for roles in the workforce or further education.
Starting Salaries
Starting salaries range from $60,000-$90,000 per year.
Ready
Our program includes all of the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP)-required courses to pursue certification as a child life specialist after graduation.
Why Child Life at Central?
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This program admits students as a cohort, providing rich relationship-building opportunities in a supportive learning environment.
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Our program includes all ACLP required courses to pursue certification as a child life specialist after graduation.
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Pursue a meaningful career that provides support for children and families in stressful situations.
Career Pathways
Certified child life specialist
Healthcare advocate
Non-profit manager supporting children and families
Healthcare program coordinator