Child Life Advanced Standing (Online)

This program has the option to begin in the fall.

The Fall 2026 application is open. While the deadline has passed, the application is open and we are reviewing submissions while space is available.

Admissions Criteria

In addition to meeting other admissions requirements, to be eligible for admission to the Child Life program you must:

• Be certified as a Child Life Specialist.
• Supply two letters of recommendation. One must be from a professional reference who has directly observed your work with children. It is preferred (but not required) that one (1) of the two recommendations be from a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) who has supervised your work with children.

Please review How to Apply for full details on the application process, admissions criteria, and application requirements.

Tuition

At Bank Street, tuition is charged per credit. The Child Life Advanced Standing program requires 30 credits for completion. Read more on our  Tuition page

Financial Aid

The majority of Bank Street students receive some type of financial aid. We strongly recommend applying early and submitting your FAFSA at the time you apply for the broadest consideration for scholarships and financial aid. Read more on our Financial Aid page

Technology Requirements

This program is fully online, and you must secure access to the following required technology for all online courses:

• A personal computer with:
  • Broadband Internet access
  • Speakers, microphone, and camera
  • Headphones, if participating from a public or shared space
  • An updated version of the Chrome or Firefox browser and a free Zoom account
• For Supervised Fieldwork: A recording device (such as a smartphone, laptop, iPad, or camcorder) suitable for use in classrooms

These are required components of your program. It is your responsibility to ensure you have access to each item on this list. Bank Street does not provide or lend access to these devices and platforms.

View the coursework for this program.

Certification

When you successfully complete the program, you will receive a master’s degree.

Careers

Graduates of the Child Life program who meet the requirements for licensure pursue a range of career opportunities. In healthcare settings positions include: Child Life Specialist, Pediatric Psychosocial Care Specialist, Family Support Specialist, Patient Experience Specialist, and Child Life Program Coordinator, Supervisor, or Manager. Graduates also pursue child advocacy and family support in child protective services or adoption agencies, work in community programs or in private practice.

Students at Bank Street have full access to our robust Career Services, including the CareerConnect job site, opportunities to attend job fairs and workshops, and connections to our alumni network nationwide.