M.Sc. in Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care McMaster University

Child Life specialists are members of pediatric interdisciplinary health care teams whose primary focus is on the developmental and emotional needs of children and their families. The program is designed to meet the learning needs for Canadian and international students as well as the healthcare system’s need for certified child life specialists with Master’s level training. The program includes a stream for Child Life specialists already in the field that wish to upgrade their qualifications to a Master’s degree.

Stream 1

Child Life specialists are members of pediatric interdisciplinary health care teams whose primary focus is on the developmental and emotional needs of children and their families. The program is designed to meet the learning needs for Canadian and international students as well as the healthcare system’s need for certified child life specialists with Master’s level training. Stream 1 of this program is only offered full-time and provides academic and clinical training (2 internships) to prepare students with knowledge, clinical skills, and professional behaviours to practice as entry level child life specialists.

The program will be highly accessible through a blended delivery of online (both real-time and asynchronous sessions) and in-class formats in addition to clinical internships. Learners will be provided with opportunities for self-directed learning, guided instruction as well as hands on application of theory to practice throughout the curriculum.

Stream 2

Stream 2 of this program provides child life specialists or practicing health professionals with advanced practice skills in pediatric psychosocial care. This stream is offered as a full or part-time course-based Master's degree (no internships required). Students will be provided with opportunities to learn about pediatric psychosocial assessment and interventions, critically examine ethical issues, and apply theoretical knowledge and patient and family-centered care principles to diverse pediatric clinical settings. Students will also understand the foundations of clinical research, engage in critical reflection, and incorporate the appraisal of evidence to improve reasoning and clinical decision-making skills, and explore methods of implementation into practice.

The program will be highly accessible through a blended delivery of online courses and two mandatory in-person residency periods (one week each) held on campus.