BA in Family and Child - Child Life in Muncie United States | Ball State University

Our family and child studies program equips you to create meaningful impacts in the lives of children and families. Students can choose among three specialized tracks: child development, family studies, or child life. Graduates emerge ready for diverse career paths—from early education centers to healthcare facilities to social service organizations—or prepared for advanced academic pursuits. The child life specialization trains you to support young patients and their families in medical environments. Students in this track learn to implement developmental theories and family-centered approaches tailored to their clients' needs. Our curriculum meets the educational standards set by the Association of Child Life Professionals, the field's credentialing body. Master theoretical frameworks in family and child studies and apply them practically. Develop skills to analyze research methodologies and core concepts in child life, then implement these findings in professional settings. Cultivate professional conduct and ethics. Hone effective verbal and written communication techniques specific to child life practice, incorporating technology where applicable.