Overview

The Human Development and Family Science (Child Life Specialist) at University of Missouri - Columbia provides comprehensive training for students dedicated to supporting child development and family coping mechanisms. This bachelor degree focuses on the psychosocial needs of children experiencing pediatric illness, injury, medical treatment, or grief within various healthcare settings.

Students learn to utilise therapeutic play, psychological preparation, and coping skills to reduce anxiety and stress for children and their families. The curriculum integrates theoretical research with practical clinical experiences to ensure graduates can effectively minimise psychological trauma in challenging life situations.

Why Human Development and Family Science (Child Life Specialist) at University of Missouri - Columbia?

The programme offers a distinctive blend of academic rigour and hands-on clinical practice. Students benefit from a 100-hour practicum experience at the University of Missouri - Columbia Children’s Hospital, providing direct exposure to pediatric healthcare environments.

A significant feature of the course is the final semester, which involves a 600-hour clinical internship in a pediatric hospital setting. This intensive training ensures that students who complete the clinical internship option are eligible to sit for the Child Life Professional Certification Exam after graduation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 38168 per year
National fee: USD 37820 per year
Local fee: USD 15548 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on typical and exceptional development, alongside methods for supporting families in crisis. Modules may include:

Human Development and Family Science
Child and Family Development
Supporting Children and Families
Clinical Practice Experiences
Psychosocial Needs of Children
Family-Centred Care
Therapeutic Play and Preparation

Careers with Human Development and Family Science (Child Life Specialist)

Graduates are prepared for specialised roles within healthcare and community organisations. The programme equips students with the skills necessary to pursue various professional paths dedicated to social and human services.

Common career destinations for graduates include:

Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Health Education Specialists
Social and Community Service Managers
Social and Human Service Assistants
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers
Certified Child Life Specialists

The training provided allows graduates to work effectively in pediatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, and grief support centres, helping families navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and emotional recovery.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Research Methods in Human Development and Family Science

Child Life Volunteer Experience

Multicultural Study of Children and Families

Human Development - Writing Intensive

Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-21 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-19 00:00:00 , International

More details

International- There are no application deadlines, but we recommend you apply 6-12 months before the start of the semester you wish to begin taking classes.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Columbia, United States

Disciplines

Family & Consumer Science View 300 other Bachelors in Family & Consumer Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete the required core coursework with the required grades.

Meet the English language requirements.

Submit all of the required application materials.

Proof of financial support.

Scanned copy of your passport.

Transfer authorization (for F-1 and J-1 transfer students only).

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

38168 USD / year

≈ 38168 USD / year
Out-of-State

37820 USD / year

≈ 37820 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

15548 USD / year

≈ 15548 USD / year

Additional Details

• National: $34,322-$37,922; • Local: $14,122-$17,722; • International: $36,374-$40,154.

Living costs

Columbia

United States

800 - 1300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Human Development and Family Science (Child Life Specialist).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Columbia

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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