Undergraduate Programs Major: Child Life Emphasis

 

The Child and Family Development emphasis in Child Life is offered as a joint program between the Department of Child and Family Development at the University of Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). This program prepares students to work with children and families in healthcare settings. Students pursuing the Child Life emphasis will learn about Child and Family Development issues along with the unique effects of hospitalization on children and families.

The Child and Family Development-Child Life emphasis consists of students finishing core coursework at the University of Georgia during their first three years. The senior year is spent at MCG in Augusta taking courses in health care related issues and working in a clinical setting. At MCG, students complete over 1000 hours of clinical work in a hospital setting. On-site work includes developing and planning therapeutic interventions, utilizing coping and preparation skills during procedural support, working as a member of a healthcare team, surveying healthcare literature, participating in seminars, and planning and participating in community activities.

Students wishing to enter the Child Life Emphasis must have a 3.0 GPA, be formally admitted into the Department of Child and Family Development and participate in an interview process with MCG staff. Applicants are usually admitted into the program once a year. Only a very limited number of students are accepted into this program. Additional information about the program and courses offered in this major can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin and the Undergraduate Child Life Handbook.  Contact the CFD undergraduate advisor for further information.  Students interested in learning more about Child Life can access the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers page.