Child Life, MS

Child Life Program Overview

The purpose of the Child Life program is to prepare students to become advanced practitioners in Child Life by providing rigorous study of Child Life theory and application including assessment, therapeutic intervention, and multi-disciplinary collaboration. The Child Life program aims to provide high quality educational experiences that will further students’ opportunities for placement in a range of relevant practicum and internship sites including competitive hospital-based Practicum and Internship programs, and prepare students to be successful on the National Child Life Certification Exam maintained by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).

Requirements for Admission

To be considered for admission to the graduate program in Child Life, an applicant must:

1. Initially satisfy all Southeastern Louisiana University’s graduate admission requirements (Consult the Southeastern General Catalog for admission requirements).
2. Complete a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of a 3.25 GPA on the last 60 hours of course work.
3. Submit a portfolio that includes:
   1. A personal statement (1500-word limit) including background information about professional / volunteer experiences, professional goals, and future plans.
   2. A resume’ that includes full name, address, phone numbers, email address, academic experiences, prior related work experiences, degrees held, honors, awards, special interests, and other appropriate information.
   3. Two confidential letters of recommendation: One from the academic setting on one from the clinical setting. Confidential letters of recommendation must be sealed and signed by the recommender or submitted directly from the email address of the recommender.
   4. Verification of the completion of at least 100 hours of volunteer or paid work experience with hospitalized children (ages birth to 18 years).
4. Completion of all prerequisite courses including:
   1. Lifespan Development
   2. Family Development
   3. Research Methods
   4. Statistics

Program Application Admission Deadlines

For Fall Admission, all application materials must be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator no later than August 15. For Spring Admission, all application materials must be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator no later than December 15. For Summer Admission, all application materials must be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator no later than May 15. Upon evaluation of application materials, qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an interview. Interviews may be on campus or held via video conferencing.

Admission Notification

Admission to the Child Life program is selective and requires a favorable evaluation by the Child Life Program Admissions Committee. After completion of the application process, applicants will be notified that they are either accepted or not accepted for admission.

Requirements for Degree

Student enrolled in the program will be required to complete all coursework, earning no less than a “B” in all courses; a passing score on the comprehensive examination; and the satisfactory completion of a master’s thesis if the thesis is chosen.

Requirements for Program Retention and Progression

1. A student must earn a “B” in each course in the program to be eligible for progression.
2. A student who earns a grade below a “B” will be placed on probation and must repeat the course and earn at least a “B.” If a grade below a “B” is earned in the subsequent course, the student may be dismissed from the program.
3. A student who earns more than two grades of “W” in the program is not eligible for progression. A student may appeal progression for extenuating circumstances. “W” grades received as a result of an approved resignation from the University are not included in this calculation.
4. A student who earns a “D” or “F” in any course taken for graduate credit may be ineligible for further graduate work. A student who earns a “D” or “F” because of extenuating, non-academic circumstances may appeal for readmission.
5. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences reserves the right to investigate situations which may affect the student’s ability to function. In addition, a physician’s release may be required. Students who have health conditions that may prevent their meeting the objectives of the program or a course in the program or that may cause potential injury to the student or the patients for whom they care, will be required to have a personal interview with the Department Head or Dean or with an appropriate College of Nursing and Health Sciences committee.
6. Drug testing will be required.
7. Federal background check, including finger printing will be required.
8. Students enrolled in practicum and internship courses are required to meet other agency requirements.