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Child Life Science

The Child Life Science (CLS) major provides you the coursework required to become a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). CCLS often use play-based or self-expression strategies, education, or emotional support for children and parents. CCLS can also work in non-clinical settings, such as schools, family intervention services, private clinics, funeral homes, rehabilitation clinics, and the court system.

Preparing You For Success

As a CLS student, your real-world training begins your first semester. Plus, there’s an opportunity for you to earn a practicum at one of many local medical facilities BU works closely with. These facilities offer hands-on experience working with infants, children, youth, or families

By the time you graduate, your experiences may include:

  • A practicum at places like Carle Health, OSF Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House, Crittenton Centers, Family House, and the Children’s Home
  • Research projects in the community
  • Leadership, networking and service opportunities through Kappa Omicron Nu
  • Off-campus study in countries around the world

Making Your Mark

Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) are an integral part of the interdisciplinary pediatric healthcare team. You’ll help children and families navigate and cope with all aspects of pediatric healthcare to help them feel safe and supported.

Sample Program Plan
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Major Requirements

Family and Consumer Sciences Core – 12-15 hrs.

  • FCS 100: Family Dynamics – 3hrs.
  • FCS 220: Consumer Issues in Health Care – 3 hrs.
  • FCS 310: Community Program Planning – 3 hrs. and FCS 311: Evaluation and Research Methods – 3 hrs. or FCS 346 FCS Resource Management – 3 hrs.
  • FCS 442: Foundations of FCS – 3 hrs.

Additional Required FCS Courses – 9 credit hours

  • FCS 342: Child Development in the Family – 3 hrs.
  • FCS 450: or 550: Play Therapy – 3 hrs.
  • FCS 451: Child Life Profession – 3 hrs.

Required Supporting Courses – 16 credit hours

  • ETE 210: Human Development from Birth to Young Adulthood – 3 hrs.
  • BIO 111: Introduction to Cell Biology – 3 hrs.
  • BIO 230: Human Anatomy & Physiology I – 3 hrs.
  • BIO 232: Human Anatomy & Physiology II – 3 hrs.
  • ETE 280: Exploring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion of Children Families or FCS 204 Family Programs Across the Lifespan or SOC 311 Comparative Family Systems or SW 310 Child Welfare I -3 hrs.
  • NUR 391: Medical Terminology – 1 hr.

Research Course (choose 1) – 3 credit hours

  • FCS 311: Research Methods & Evaluation – 3 hrs.
  • FCS 541: Research Methods – 3 hrs.
  • KHS 310: Statistical Procedures in Health Sciences – 3 hrs.
  • NUR 303: Research in Nursing – 3 hrs.
  • SOC 240: Research Methods – 3 hrs.
  • SW 260: Research Methods – 3 hrs.

Required Professional Work Experience – 0-2 credit hours

  • EHS 301: Cooperative Education Internship