Child Life, MS

Program Modality

Fall Start: in person classes at Azusa (Main Campus) for program duration
Spring Start: online classes for program duration

Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

• Graduate application for admission
• $45 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study
  
  

  An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.

• Professional Interest Essay covering:
  • Brief background information to help us to get to know you as a unique person
  • Why you chose to pursue Child Life in this season of your life
  • Why you are applying to Azusa Pacific University for the Masters in Child Life
  • Experiences that have prepared you for this program
  • Strengths and weaknesses that would affect your performance in this career
  • Your professional goals
• Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references
• Current résumé
• A personal interview will be conducted as necessary with qualified applicants
• 3.0 undergraduate grade-point average
• GRE not required
• Volunteer experience in a hospital setting and/or experience with children is preferred

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Admission Requirements—International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above.

International applicants must also:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.
• Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
• Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.
• Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Delivering high-quality graduate programs takes a comprehensive support system. Your investment in an advanced degree includes a complete network of student services and access to a community of faculty and staff who partner with you in your pursuit of your master’s in child life.

View a complete list of university fees.

Financial Aid

Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

School of Behavioral Sciences Alumni Tuition Discounts

APU’s School of Behavioral Sciences  offers an alumni tuition discount for APU alumni starting in the following graduate programs:

• Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization
• Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
• Master of Arts in Physical Education
• Master of Science in Child Life
• Master of Science in Physical Education
• Master of Science in Research Psychology and Data Analysis
• Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with Specialization in Children and Adolescents

Students must be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. If qualifications are met, the discount may be renewed each term. APU will pay $500 per term (up to $2,000 over the course of the program). This discount cannot be combined with other institutional aid. Contact Student Financial Services for complete eligibility details.

Prepare to Become a Child Life Specialist

Our master’s degree in child life equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to pursue credentialing as child life specialists, empowering them to bring transformational and informed compassion to children in need.

For more information about the child life profession, visit the Association of Child Life Professionals website, and read the American Academy of Pediatrics Statement on Child Life Services (PDF).

Immediately Apply Learning

This is an applied/clinical program, with students required to complete a 120-hour practicum in child life followed by a 600-hour hospital internship toward eligibility to take the certification exam, in addition to rigorous coursework. The program comprises 42 units and can be completed in 18 months, with available start times in spring and fall. You will graduate ready to pursue certification as a child life specialist. Courses take place in the evenings and are held in 8-week sessions.

Advanced Standing Option

This option is available for Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) with a BA or BS degree, as well as individuals who have successfully completed the 600 required child life internship hours. To pursue the Advanced Standing option, you must provide proof of either a CL Certificate from the Child Life Certifying Commission (CLCC), or complete the Child Life Clinical Experience Verification Form (PDF).

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Program Requirements

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Program Requirements

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

Additional Program Contacts

• Charity Vasquez, PhD, CCLS, Department Chair, [email protected], (626) 857-2237
• Belen McDaniel, MPH, Program Manager, [email protected], (626) 815-6179

Student Services Center

Contact (626) 812-3016 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/international/.

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).