Acceptance into this major is on a competitive, space-available basis with admission each year prior to fall semester. To be admitted into the child life program, an application packet must be submitted to the child life program coordinator after the student has completed a minimum of 45 semester hours, including the following courses with a minimum grade of B (3.0) or better: HDFS 2000 , HDFS 2001 , HDFS 2021 , HDFS 3002 , HDFS 3150 ; NUTR 1000 ; and an overall GPA of at least B (3.0). To remain in the program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA with a minimum grade of B (3.0) in the following courses prior to internship (HDFS 4415 ): HDFS 3022 , HDFS 3321 , HDFS 3413 , HDFS 4201 , HDFS 4210 , HDFS 4303 , HDFS 4410 , HDFS 4993 . Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA to enroll in the child life internship (HDFS 4415 ) and earn a minimum grade of B (3.0) in HDFS 4415 to graduate as a child life major. Internships are nationally competitive, require formal application to the desired hospital or health care setting and typically need to be arranged one semester before enrollment. Students are responsible for interviewing and securing their own internship. (Note: Completion of a BS degree with a major in child life does not include certification as a child life specialist. The Child Life Certifying Committee of the Child Life Council oversees the administration of the certification examination. The Department of Human Development and Family Science will verify completion of degree requirements, but meeting other requirements for certification is the responsibility of each candidate.) In addition, child life internships are only available to students enrolled in a degree completion program.
Application Process
An application packet with the following items must be submitted to the child life program coordinator no later than the last Friday of March each academic year.
- completed application
- typed one-page (double-spaced) statement of purpose regarding why you would like to be admitted to ECU’s child life program
- two to three letters of recommendation from faculty outside the child life Program
- curriculum vitae or resume
- official transcript of undergraduate work
- two or three selected examples of writing assignments
- documentation of a minimum of 50 volunteer hours and/or practicum hours working with children in a medical setting (ex. hospital, camp, clinic, etc.)
The faculty review committee will evaluate student applications on the basis of academic achievement and the “Standards for Academic and Clinical Preparation for Programs in Child Life” published by the Child Life Council, the governing board for the profession. These standards include:
- strong personal qualities appropriate for relating to children, families, peers, supervisors, and others
- good to excellent evaluations in practicum experiences
- strengths in writing and speaking skills in observation and documentation
- team communication and relationship skills
Minimum degree requirement is 126 s.h. of credit as follows:
East Carolina University