Accelerated Child Life Master’s Degree Program for Molloy University Students and Alumni
Apply now to become a Certified Child Life Specialist
Bank Street Graduate School of Education has partnered with Molloy University to launch an online accelerated master’s degree program for students minoring in Child Life at Molloy University. Alumni with a Child Life minor may apply within three years (up to 40 months) after graduating from Molloy. Qualified students can apply to Bank Street in their senior year and become eligible to transfer up to 15 undergraduate Child Life credits toward the 42-credit program, saving approximately 35% in tuition.
About the Program
As a child life specialist, you will make a difference in the lives of infants, children, teens, and families coping with emotional trauma in health care settings. Your minor in Child Life from Molloy University builds a foundation in child development and addressing trauma. By continuing your studies with Bank Street’s master’s degree program, you will deepen your skills and understanding of how to support children through therapeutic play, medical education, procedural support, self-expression, and other age-appropriate techniques that help disrupt the long-term effects of hospitalization.
We are a fully online program dedicated to the principle that learning occurs in the context of meaningful relationships. Your student experience will include a range of interactions that support collaborative and hands-on learning.
Upon graduation, you will have met all the requirements to sit for your certification exam and you will have begun building a professional network of mentors and peers that can last a lifetime.
Bank Street Curriculum and Course Plan*
| Term | Course | Course Number | Total Credits |
| Summer II | Orientation | N/A | 0 |
| Summer II | Introduction to Child Life Documentation | EDUC 621CR-1CR | 3 |
| Fall | Medical Aspects of Illness: A Child Life Perspective | EDUC 826CR-1CR | 3 |
| Fall | Children with Special Healthcare Needs: In the Hospital, Home, School | EDUC 822CR-1CR | 3 |
| Spring | Supervised Fieldwork | EDUC950 | 6 |
| Spring | Therapeutic Play Techniques for Child Life Specialists | EDUC 829CR-1CR | 3 |
| Spring | Child Life Administration & Leadership; OR The Role of Child Life Beyond the Hospital: A Local, National, and Global View |
LEAD 825CR-1CR | 3 |
| Summer I | Cross-Cultural Perspectives: Families & Ethical Issues in CL Practice | EDUC 832CR-1CR | 3 |
| Summer I | Integrated Master’s Project | N/A | 0 |
| TOTAL CREDITS TO BE COMPLETED AT BANK STREET | 27 |
*Course sequence is subject to change
For more information about Child Life at Bank Street, view our full program listing
Courses Transferable from Molloy
The following coursework from Molloy is transferable to fulfill the remaining 15 credits to fulfill the credits required for degree completion:
| Course | Course Number |
| Child Development I | PSY 2050 |
| Child Development II (Pre-Adolescent – Adolescent) | PSY 2060 |
| Introduction to Child Life | PSY 3800 |
| Basics of Social & Behavioral Research Methods or Research Methods II: Experimental Designs | SOC/PSY 3000 or PSY 3110 |
| Death, Dying & Bereavement | PSY 2620 |
Key Benefits At a Glance
- Transfer up to 15 undergraduate credits from Molloy University, reducing tuition by up to 35%.
- Access scholarships and financial aid.
- Gain essential hands-on training through Bank Street’s clinical internship affiliations with top medical institutions (600 hours required).
- Earn your MS degree and become eligible for the Child Life certification exam.
Qualifications
In order to apply for this program, you must be a current student at Molloy University with a minor in Child Life (or have graduated within the past 40 months) and meet all Bank Street criteria for admissions. Other program-specific requirements include:
- Expected bachelor’s degree before beginning studies at Bank Street
- 100 documented hours in a pediatric healthcare setting
- Experience working with children (additional experience working with well children required before internship)
- Meet additional admissions requirements
Career Opportunities
Your degree will provide you with a range of career opportunities, including:
- Child life and creative arts programs in hospitals, clinics, and other health care settings.
- Child advocacy and family support in child protective services or adoption agencies.
- Community programs
- Private practice
Ready to Advance Your Career?
For more information about the academic program, please email Deb Vilas, Program Director, at dvilas@bankstreet.edu. Please send questions about the application to gradadmissions@bankstreet.edu.
