Child Life, Minor

The minor in child life is designed to support students who are pursuing a career as a child life specialist in healthcare and community settings (e.g., clinical hospital settings, court and foster care systems, trauma teams, and bereavement support services). Child life specialists help children and their families cope with the stress and ambiguity of acute and chronic illness, injury, trauma, disability, loss and bereavement. Specific aims of the minor are to educate students in child life theory and practice, child development principles, trauma-informed practice, medical terminology, and play activities that aid effective child coping. A family-centered approach is emphasized. The minor consists of 21-23 credit hours including a relevant practicum experience.