Make a Difference in Child and Family Healthcare
Transform the healthcare experiences of children, youth, and families in hospitals, clinics, and other settings. With a focus on culturally competent care, our child life program will equip you to:
- Assess children’s needs and prepare them for medical experiences
- Apply evidence-based child life practices
- Use play to support coping and healing
- Create safe, therapeutic environments
- Build skills for child life practice and certification
Boston University’s Child Life & Family-Centered Care program was the first academic program to focus on the field—and the first to be endorsed by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP). The Master of Science (MS) in Child Life & Family-Centered Care will prepare you to sit for the ACLP certification exam.
Choose the Program That’s Right For You
Support the psychosocial and developmental needs of children of different ages, cultures, and medical conditions with a child life master’s degree. Our program will prepare you to provide compassionate, evidence-based support for children and families, and pursue certification as a child life specialist.
Find Mentors for Life
Learn from faculty with deep expertise in child life practice, family-centered care, and pediatric healthcare. Through mentorship and real-world insights, you’ll gain the knowledge and guidance needed to support children and families in complex healthcare environments.
“We advocate for a child’s strengths, respect their values and their culture, and normalize their environment through developmental, therapeutic, and medical play. Our graduates’ background in development and family-centered care help them know how children and families understand health, what a child would find fearful, and their stress points.”
Claire White
Program Director, Child Life & Family-Centered Care at BU Wheelock
Advance Your Career with a Master’s in Child Life
Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education & Human Development will help you grow as an effective practitioner and professional. With child life master’s degree, you’ll be prepared for careers like:
- Certified child life specialists supporting children and families across healthcare and community settings
- Child life advocates advancing the profession through leadership, research, and innovation
- Healthcare leaders and administrators shaping child life programs and services
Start Your Graduate Program in Child Life and Family-Centered Care Today!
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about the Master of Science (MS) in Child Life and Family-Centered Care. Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.