Child Life Studies Graduate Program

Excel as a child life specialist

Earn a Master's Degree in Child Life with coursework entirely online.

Reach the next level as a child life specialist - someone who works with hospitalized kids.

Earn certification. Already working in the field? Complete your degree and take on greater career roles.

Track options

Select a track option for your customized path to success. Standard and Advanced tracks are offered entirely online.

Student working with kids at child development center

Track

Standard

For students seeking to become Certified Child Life Specialists with no previous child life background or training.

Child life specialists helping patient in hospital

Track

Advanced

For students who are either A) a Certified Child Life Specialist seeking to advance their career and training through a graduate degree, or B) students with significant child life coursework in previous studies (e.g., undergraduate child life emphasis or concentration).

Child life majors doing art project with kids

Track

Accelerated

For Missouri State undergraduate students who would like to start their master’s degree coursework as they finish their bachelor’s degree.

Why earn a master’s degree in child life studies at Missouri State?

Enjoy a nice balance between work and school. You can complete all graduate coursework entirely online.
Be a key part of the medical team. Help kids and families cope with medical trauma and stress.
We offer an affordable degree. Cover your costs with financial aid and scholarships.