Applying to the Master of Science in Child Life (MSCL) program at the College of Charleston is a crucial step towards a fulfilling career as a Child Life Specialist. Our program offers rigorous academic and practical experiences, preparing students for roles in healthcare settings where they can support children and families. To help you navigate the application process, we’ve outlined the essential steps and requirements below.
Start Early and Meet the Deadline
The application deadline for the MSCL program is February 1st. It’s important to start the process early to ensure you have enough time to gather all required materials. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis; instead, all applications are evaluated after the February 1st deadline. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed, so it’s crucial to submit a complete application package.
Required Application Components
To be considered for the program, applicants must meet specific coursework and academic requirements, submit necessary documentation, and demonstrate relevant experience and motivation.
1. Coursework Requirements
Applicants must have completed at least one course in infant, child, and adolescent development (ages 0-18). Additionally, 15 credit hours (five 3-credit courses) in related areas are required. These areas include:
- Multicultural child and family issues
- Childhood medical conditions
- Health communication
- Medical terminology
- Developmental psychology
- Health psychology and/or child life theory
While not mandatory, courses in medical ethics and anatomy and physiology are also recommended. If the child development course isn’t specifically titled “Child Development,” you may need to provide a course syllabus demonstrating that 75-80% of the course covered ages 0-18.
2. Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree: Must be from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.75 overall.
- GPA Recommendation: A GPA of at least 3.0 in the final 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or in a major related to child life (such as family studies, psychology, sociology, therapeutic recreation) is recommended. A related major is not required if the necessary prerequisite coursework has been completed.
3. Transcripts
Submit transcripts from all academic institutions attended. While unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application, official transcripts are required upon admittance.
4. Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required, with at least two from academic sources (such as professors). In the application portal, provide the names and email addresses of your recommenders. They will receive instructions on how to submit their references online. Ensure that recommendations are submitted before the January 15th deadline.
5. Volunteer and Work Experience
A minimum of 100 hours of documented formal volunteer experience with children and adolescents is required. While hospital settings are preferred, experience in camps, schools, or other relevant environments is also acceptable. Additional volunteer hours beyond the minimum are encouraged. Compile your volunteer experience forms and personal resume into a single PDF for submission. You’ll find the form below:
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Open in new tab 6. Personal Statement
Your personal statement should address:
- Why you are interested in the field of child life
- How you have prepared for graduate study in child life
- Your career goals
7. TOEFL Scores
If your primary language is not English, submit TOEFL scores with minimum scores of 20 in writing, 23 in speaking, 17 in listening, and 21 in reading.
Next Steps: Interviews and Final Steps
After the initial review of all completed applications, selected applicants will be invited for interviews. If you have any questions at any point during the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Applying to the Child Life program at the College of Charleston is an exciting opportunity to advance your career and make a positive impact on children’s lives. We look forward to receiving your application!
