Support Healing. Empower Children. Lead the Future of Pediatric Psychosocial Care.
 
Unlock your potential with our Master of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies with a Concentration in Child Life—a specialized graduate program designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting the emotional and developmental needs of children in healthcare settings. This program prepares you to become a Certified Child Life Specialist, equipped to help children and families navigate medical experiences through therapeutic play, education, and compassionate care.
Specialize in Child Life and become a vital member of pediatric healthcare teams. With a strong foundation in child development, family systems, and therapeutic recreation, you’ll be prepared to advocate for children’s well-being in hospitals, clinics, and community health programs.

Why Choose the Child Life Concentration?

Career Prospects
 
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, child life specialists are included in the broader category of healthcare social workers, who earned a median annual wage of $60,380 in hospital settings as of the most recent data [1]. As healthcare systems increasingly prioritize holistic, family-centered care, the demand for child life professionals continues to grow.

Specialized, Experiential Curriculum
 
Our program integrates coursework in recreation therapy, child development, and healthcare communication with hands-on clinical training. You’ll learn to use play, preparation, and expressive therapies to reduce stress and promote coping in pediatric patients.

Certification Preparation
 
The curriculum is designed to meet the academic and clinical requirements for eligibility to sit for the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) exam, including supervised practicum and internship experiences in accredited healthcare settings.

Interdisciplinary Learning Environment
 
You’ll collaborate with professionals across healthcare disciplines, gaining a broad perspective on pediatric care and the collaborative nature of child life practice.

Therapeutic Recreation Foundation
 
As part of a recreation and leisure studies program, you’ll gain a unique perspective on the role of play and leisure in healing, resilience, and child development—an essential component of child life work.

Diverse Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

• Certified Child Life Specialist 
• Pediatric Patient Advocate 
• Family Support Coordinator 
• Pediatric Recreation Therapist 
• Child Development Specialist in Healthcare 
• Grief and Bereavement Support Specialist 
• Pediatric Program Director 
• Hospital-Based Play Therapist 
• Community Health Educator 

Join a community of child life professionals dedicated to promoting resilience, dignity, and joy in the lives of children and families. Your journey to becoming a leader in pediatric psychosocial care starts here.
[1]: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Healthcare Social Workers

Next Steps
     

     
Contact Us
     
RecreationAndLeisureGrad@SouthernCT.edu

College of Health and Human Services

Application Requirements

Application Submission
Application Fee ($50)
Official Transcripts
Two Letters of Recommendation

Capstone Requirement

Special Project

Cost of Program

Use our Paying for College Calculator to estimate the cost of your program.

Virtual Tour

Discover Your Future with Our Virtual Campus Tour!

Are you ready to explore the possibilities? Our virtual campus tour offers a unique opportunity to experience our vibrant community from the comfort of your home. Dive into interactive 360-degree views of our state-of-the-art facilities, picturesque grounds, and dynamic learning environments.

Join us and see firsthand why our institution is the perfect place to start your graduate journey. Whether you're interested in cutting-edge research or a supportive and inclusive community, our virtual tour has it all.