Child Life Concentration
The Child Life concentration is designed for students interested in pursuing certification as a Child Life Specialist through the Association for Child Life Professionals in order to pursue certification. Students in the Child Life concentration are encouraged to check with the Child and Family Studies division Undergraduate Program Director related to non-academic requirement for becoming a certified Child Life Specialist.
Requirements for a Child Life Concentration in Child and Family Studies (BS)
Note: Students interested in becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist through the Association of Child Life Professionals will need to complete additional nonacademic requirements before sitting for the Child Life Certification exam.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CFS 3358 | Infant and Toddler Development | 3 |
| CFS 3362 | Child Life Theory and Practice | 3 |
| CFS 3368 | Theory and Principles of Play | 3 |
| CFS 4363 | Middle Childhood and Adolescent Development | 3 |
| Required Courses in Other Fields | ||
| CFS 3324 | Children and Families with Special Needs 1 | 3 |
| or EDP 3361 | Developmental Disabilities | |
| CLA 3381 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| PUBH 4321 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| PUBH 4327 | Dying and Death Education | 3 |
| or SWO 4316 | Trauma, Loss, and Mourning | |
| or CFS 3360 | Grief and Bereavement in Family Contexts | |
| Professional Electives | 15 | |
| Select one of the following options: | ||
| OPTION 1: Minor | ||
| Complete a minor. (See advisor for suggestions.) 2 | ||
| OPTION 2: Restricted Electives | ||
| Select an additional 15 hrs. from the following prefixes: | ||
CFS, CSS, EDP, HED, LS, MH, MST, PUBH, PSY, REL, SOC, SWO | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| A grade of C or better in Human Sciences and Design Courses (ADM, CFS, HSD, ID, and NUTR prefixes), Required Courses in Other Fields, and all Professional Electives used for the major. | ||
| Total Hours | 39 | |
- 1
Students pursuing the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential through the National Council on Family Relations must take CFS 3324 Children and Families with Special Needs.
- 2
No more than one course in the minor can count for any other area in the major or degree requirements. See individual minors for course and grade requirements. General electives hours may be required to complete some minors.