Child and Family Development (Comprehensive) (BS)

Admission Requirements for the Child Life Option

The Child and Family Development Child Life Option has a selective admission policy. Child Life Option students must complete and meet the following application requirements. Students will write a one-page essay describing their interest in a career to become a Child Life Specialist and the role of a Child Life Specialist. Students must have a 3.00 cumulative GPA, 100 hours of verified volunteer experience in a hospital setting, two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the hospital volunteer site. Applications for the Child Life Option must be submitted to the School of Teaching, Learning and Developmental Sciences office during the semester prior to junior year by February 1. As this is a competitive program, admission is not guaranteed.

Transfer students must also apply for admission for the Child Life Option. Transfer students must meet with a Child Life advisor to determine when they are eligible to complete the application and essay. All students must adhere to the deadlines stated above.

The application and resume will be reviewed by a committee appointed by the school director. Criteria for selection will be based on GPA, written essay, two letters of recommendation and verified volunteer hours. Students will be notified of the decision in writing by March 31. Students who are not accepted into the program may reapply in the following semester.

Major requirements

Note: 10 hours may double count toward the General Education requirements.

Major core (39 hours):

Specific General Education requirements

Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of:

CFD 466 - Internship in Programs for Children, Youth, Adults, and Families

Support electives:

With approval of advisor, complete support electives to bring total hours in degree to a minimum of 120: Child Development option (18 hours), Family Studies option (17 hours), Youth Development option (22 hours).

Grade requirements:

Candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development are required to attain a grade of C or better in each CFD course or any required course for the options required for graduation.

Complete one of the following options:

Child Development (25 hours):

Child Life (41 hours):

Family Studies (25 hours):

Youth Development (21 hours):

Total Credit Hours: 60-80

University level requirements

Accelerated graduate program in Child Life Studies

Eligible students in this major may apply to the Master of Science in Child Life Studies program. Refer to the Graduate Catalog for more information. Refer to Undergraduate Students Taking Graduate Classes for additional information and procedures for obtaining permission for Mixed Credit.