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Child Life Specialist

Cupola atop a building on the Molloy University campus

Molloy University’s Psychology department has partnered with the Center for Professional Studies and is now offering approved courses needed for Child Life Specialist certification. The certified Child Life Specialist supports children's health and wellness by helping them and their families cope with stress and understand and implement treatment protocols. Through play therapy and education, the Child Life Specialist serves to distract, alleviate stress, promote well-being, and minimize trauma by empowering families within the health care system. Child Life Specialists require a bachelor’s degree in any field and 10 courses specified by the Association of Child Life Professionals. 

For information on how to register to take Professional Studies courses, visit the Registration Guidance page. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What courses are required for this certification?

    Child Life Specialists require a bachelor’s degree in any field and 10 courses specified by the Association of Child Life Professionals. 

    The Molloy University Psychology Department offers the following courses that are pre-approved by the Child Life Organization. 

    • PSY 3800 - Child Life Theory
    • PSY 3810 - Play Therapy
    • PSY 2050 - Child Development 1
    • PSY 2060 - Child Development 2
    • PSY 2620 - Death, Dying and Bereavement

     

    Please note that courses in the Center for Professional studies are offered on a non-matriculated basis.  We offer some of the courses required for Child Life Specialist.  You do not earn a degree or a certificate from Molloy. You are not affiliated with Molloy as a non-matriculated student; therefore, we do not provide internship opportunities. 

  • What is the schedule of upcoming courses?

    Spring 2027

    Dates: January 19 through May 11

    • Course: PSY 2060-02 – Child Development II 
      • Modality: Online asynchronous
      • Faculty: Vitrano, Jaime
    • Course: PSY 2620-04 – Death, Dying and Bereavement  
      • Modality: Online asynchronous
      • Faculty: Johnson, Kimberly
    • Course: PSY 3810-02– Theories of Play and Creative Arts Therapy 
      • Modality: Online synchronous  TR 5-6:25pm
      • Faculty: Thesatus, Jedidah

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