Become a Certified Child Life Specialist

with a Master's in Child Life

Erikson Institute’s Master of Science in Child Development Child Life will prepare you to advocate for children and their families in healthcare settings as they cope with chronic and acute illness, injury, or trauma.

Over 80% of our students receive scholarships

Over 80% of our students receive scholarships

I want to learn more about Erikson Institute’s MS in Child Development – Child Life.

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Earn your MS in Child Development – Child Life

Prepare to become a Certified Child Life Specialist in health care settings.

ACLP-Endorsed Academic Program

Upon completing the program requirements, you will be eligible to sit for the Child Life Professional Certification Examination.

Embedded Practicum Experience

Gain hands-on experience in hospital and community settings in preparation for a child life internship.

Flexible Study Options

Study full-time or part-time on our campus located in Chicago, home to world-class hospitals.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Erikson awards over $2.5 million in scholarships each year to accepted students.

More About Erikson

Founded in

1

with a Child Development focus

.

1%

employment rate for master’s graduates

.

1+

Internship hours for over 1 year

.

1:1

Student Faculty ratio

Erikson Offers Two Program Plans

Accelerated Program
20months
  • 100 hours of supervised experience with children and families in a medical setting by August 1 of entry term
  • Preferred: Completed a child-life practicum
  • Minimum 3.5/4.0 cumulative GPA in undergraduate studies
Traditional Program
32months
  • No child life experience required
  • No child life practicum required
  • Minimum 2.75/4.0 in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate studies
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What Our Alumni Says

``Just a few months after graduating from Erikson Institute, I landed my dream job. My Erikson education with its multiple field work experiences had prepared me more than I realized.``
Dana Thornquist
Certified Child Life Specialist, MS Child Development 2017

Make a Difference with a Child Life Master's Degree

Help the Children Most in Need With this Child Life Master’s

  • Online application.
  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • No GRE required.
  • Deadline: August 1, 2025 for a Fall start
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DISCLAIMER

* All students seeking admission into the Child Life program are required to interview. During the admission interview, the Program Director will assess your qualifications, goals, and readiness for the program. Based on this evaluation, they will make the final determination on the appropriate program plan for your enrollment.