School of Health Professions
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Department of Social Work & Child Life
Master of Science in Child Life and Interprofessional Practice
A program designed to deepen understanding of child development and of the processes of supporting children and families during a medical intervention, crises or hospitalization.
Helping children and families in their greatest time of need
Concordia University Ann Arbor's Child Life and Interprofessional Practice Master's Program is a distinctive choice in that it provides, evidence-based curriculum, integration and application of curriculum in interdisciplinary experiential (simulation) learning opportunities, and a Christian mission- including an emphasis on mission trip and service opportunities.
Credits
30
Cost Per Credit
$690
FAITH-BASED
We are committed to engaging your mind and spirit for service to Christ in the church and the world.
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Program Overview
Concordia University Ann Arbor is committed to preparing child life specialists who employ evidence-based methods in integrative health care settings and settings where children and families impacted by illness, injury, and health care are served. The intent of the Child Life Master’s Program is to prepare men and women for a life of service in the church, and in the world, within the specialized area of Child Life. This program is designed to deepen understanding of child development and of the processes of supporting children and families during medical interventions, crises or hospitalization, in developmentally appropriate and in trauma informed ways.
Questions?
Prof. Kara Kastamo, MS, CCLS
Child Life Program Coordinator
kara.kastamo@cuaa.edu
734-995-7426
What to Expect
Children and families can encounter a variety of health care related stressors and potentially traumatic events when faced with acute and chronic illness, injury, trauma and bereavement. These experiences can lead to complex feelings that can greatly influence the child's development and the child's, and family's, abilities to cope. This program will help you to address them from a Christian perspective, within an interdisciplinary health care team, to provide exceptional child life services with a servant's heart. Students will examine how to provide evidence-based, developmentally and psychologically appropriate, interventions for children and families, as well as analyze the steps that child life professionals can take to advocate on behalf of the child and family impacted by illness, injury, and health care.
This program is an accelerated advanced degree in Child Life and Interprofessional Practice. The Association for Child Life Professionals (ACLP) has requirements which include particular course work and fieldwork in order to be eligible to take the certification exam and be employed as a Certified Child Life Specialist. Not all of these courses are required to graduate with this degree. The program coordinator will work with you individually to be sure you are eligible to take the exam and come up with an individualized plan that works for you.
Concentrations / Specializations
Why pursue a Child Life master's at Concordia University?
- First Child Life graduate program in Southeast Michigan.
- Since the program began, all students who have graduated have either been offered a fellowship or job working as a Child Life Specialist before their actual graduation date.
- This program offers flexibility as it is an online program. Students who are local are able to be present on campus or attend via technology various learning opportunities. These include but are not limited to Child Life Student Association events and simulation lab opportunities where students can practice working with the interdisciplinary team (Social Work, Physical Therapy, Occupation Therapy, Nursing, Physician Assistants) so that they can practice Child Life skills throughout the duration of the program.
- All instructors hold a current Certification in Child Life and either currently do or have worked clinically in the field for several years.
- This program can be designed to fit your personal and professional goals.
Recommended for you (based on programs you’ve viewed)
Locations
- Ann Arbor
- Online
Bachelor's Degree
A baccalaureate degree in child development, child and family studies, child studies, child psychology, developmental psychology, education, recreational therapy, or other relevant degree from a regionally accredited college/university.
GPA
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 0-4 scale for full acceptance
Volunteer Hours
A minimum of 100 documented volunteer hours working with children and families impacted by health care is recommended before admission into the program.
Background Check
Successful completion of a background check
Interview
Each applicant will interview with Child Life Program Coordinator, Kara Kastamo.
Certification
This program is an accelerated advanced degree in Child Life and Interprofessional Practice. The Association for Child Life Professionals (ACLP) has requirements which include particular course work and fieldwork in order to be eligible to take the certification exam and be employed as a Certified Child Life Specialist. Not all of these courses are required to graduate with this degree. The program coordinator will work with you individually to be sure you are eligible to take the exam and come up with an individualized plan that works for you.
How to Apply
Graduate Application Steps
- Application (Please Submit the Following):
- Application form
- One page essay describing your reason for obtaining a graduate degree
- Résumé of your education and employment experience
- Two signed letters of recommendation using the Recommendation Form (recommendation letters on letterhead may also be submitted)
- All official transcripts leading to your bachelor’s degree
Please note:
- Graduate entrance exams such as the GRE are not required.
- If you have completed graduate level classes in the last seven years and wish to have them evaluated for possible transfer, please contact your admissions counselor for more information on transferring graduate credits.
- International students should contact the Office of International Student Services at international.admissions@cuaa.edu for additional application requirements.
- Evaluation
When an applicant’s file is complete, the file is forwarded to the Admission Committee for review. - Admission
If the student is admitted, an acceptance letter will be mailed to the student and the student’s CUAA student ID number. Password information to access my.cuaa.edu will be sent separately from the Information Technology office. Your advisor will be able to give you information regarding completion of the required student orientation before you begin your first class.
Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Students
- Please complete the Non-Degree Application
- Non-degree applicants only need to submit an application to begin admission review; however academic transcripts may be requested to complete our review.
Contact Us
For additional information, please contact the Graduate Admission Office at graduate.admissions@cuaa.edu or 734-995-7527.
Kara K. Kastamo
CCLS
Child Life Program Coordinator, Adjunct Professor
Office: Krieger 115
Phone: (734) 995-7426
Bio
Kara is the Child Life Program Coordinator. She supports the graduate and undergraduate Child Life students while also serving as an adjunct professor at CUAA. Kara worked as a Certified Child Life Specialist at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital for 10 years. In the last 2.5 years at Mott she provided administrative support to the department. Kara is also a mom to three beautiful children.
Education
- MS - Organizational Leadership and Healthcare Administration, Concordia University Wisconsin (2019)
- BA - Family Life Education and Child Life, Concordia University Ann Arbor (2009)
Research Interests
- Child Development
- Mental Health
- ACES in children
Teaching Interests
- Trauma informed care
- Bereavement
- Self-care