Students in the child development and family science MS can specialize in one of two areas: family science or child life.

The child life specialization involves the study of family systems and child development theory and research applied to the practice of helping children and families through traumatic events, specifically related to medical intervention and hospitalization. During the program, students engage in a multi-quarter practicum experience to apply classroom learning to practice and gain experience for a career in child life. Students also conduct original research related to child development and family science. Graduates are prepared to pursue child life internships and certification through the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP). 

Students who enter the program without prior coursework in child and adolescent development will need to take undergraduate courses during the graduate program to complete all ACLP competencies required for certification.