Child Life

minor
A woman works with a young child at a desk with paper on it.

Program at a Glance

College(s)/School(s)

College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences College of Social Sciences

Department(s)

Communication Psychology Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology

Child Life is a field that combines knowledge of child development, family systems, and medicine to support children and families in healthcare settings. Child Life Specialists help children and families cope with the stress of illness, injury, and treatment. They use evidence-based, developmentally appropriate methods like therapeutic play, preparation, and education to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain.

The skills learned in Child Life are not only applicable in healthcare but can also be used in other settings where children face challenges, helping them cope, learn, and grow.

Program Requirements

  1. A minimum of 21 credit hours are needed to complete the minor
  2. One Child Life course taught by a Child Life Specialist
  3. Two Child/Adolescent Development courses
  4. One Family Systems Course
  5. One Play Course
  6. One Death, Dying, and Bereavement Course
  7. One Research Course
  • CHLF 201 - Introduction to Child Life (3 credits)
  • Child/Adolescent Development (choose 2):
    • PSYC 208 - Child Development
    • PSYC 309* - Adolescent Development
    • PSYC 327* - Theories and Principles of Child Development
  • Family Systems (choose 1):
    • COMM 311* - Family Communication
    • SOCL 303* - Reimagining the Family
  • Play:
    • PSYC 317* - Play in Pediatric Health & Development
  • Death, Dying, and Bereavement:
    • PSYC 336* - Psychology of Death, Dying & Bereavement
  • Research (choose 1):
    • COMM 318* - Quantitative Research Methods in Communication
    • PSYC 301* & 301L* - Research Methods in Psychological Science
    • SOCL 300* - Methods of Inquiry

*Courses with prerequisites. Students must complete all prerequisites for these courses.

Course Catalog

Career Options

  • Child Life Specialist
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