MSc in Family and Consumer Sciences - Child Life in Normal United States | Illinois State University

Illinois State University | Normal United States
Visit institution website for more information
Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD 17,592
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
18 months

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences provides both Master of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Family and Consumer Sciences, featuring a specialized Child Life track. This program equips students for careers in child life by fostering skills in research, analytical reasoning, and practical application of theories through classroom learning and hands-on practicum experiences. Our curriculum includes all mandatory and optional courses needed to fulfill the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) certification standards. During their final on-campus semester, students in this track can apply for competitive child life internships. After completing the internship, graduates become eligible to sit for the national Child Life Certification Exam. The Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) designation, awarded by the ACLP's Child Life Certification Commission, is the sole recognized credential in this field. Our program boasts strong internship placement rates, with 90% of graduate students securing positions in their first application cycle and 97% by their second attempt. Participants also gain interdisciplinary experience by working in the Nursing Simulation Lab (NSL) to enhance teamwork and professional role comprehension.


Destination of Study

Subjects of Study

Language Requirements

English
IELTS 6.5

Qualification Requirements

A student applying to a master's program must:

have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term. International students must have a TOEFL score of at least 79 iBT, the minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.5 band. Toefl 550 on the paper-based test A student applying to this program must:

have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of your undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a graduate program.
upload a statement of goals for seeking the degree
Provide names and email addresses for three references, two references should be from an academic source and one should indicate direct experience with children.
Upload a document showing proof of at least 50 hours of hospital experience, preferably including contact with Child Life

Tuition USD 17,592

Similar programs for you