MSc in Child Life in La Verne United States | University of La Verne

The Master of Science in Child Life equips students to support a unique group: children in hospital settings. As Certified Child Life Specialists, graduates guide and assist young patients and their families through healthcare challenges, alleviating stress and worry for everyone involved.
Collaborating with medical teams, Child Life Specialists enable children and teens to reduce distress, preserve family bonds, and sustain their confidence and autonomy. These clinical educators deliver developmentally appropriate therapeutic approaches to help families process difficult medical experiences while valuing cultural diversity and family dynamics. The program welcomes students from various backgrounds across local, national, and international communities, with graduates securing meaningful employment worldwide. This comprehensive standalone program—encompassing core coursework, clinical evaluations, hospital internships, and preparation for professional certification—adheres to the rigorous standards established by the National Association of Child Life Professionals. The 36-unit MS curriculum typically spans three years, concluding with a capstone seminar. Through university partnerships with over 65 U.S. hospitals and several Canadian facilities, students complete two required internship placements. Courses are led by Certified Child Life Specialists whose collective expertise exceeds six decades of hospital practice. These professionals support young patients and families navigating the challenges of illness, injury, trauma, and loss through tailored, evidence-based methods like medical play therapy, procedure preparation, and emotional support—all designed to ease discomfort and promote coping.