B.F.A. in Theatre Arts
East Carolina University (ECU) offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) program in Theat...
B.S. in Child Life
Green Ville, North Carolina
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
East Carolina University (ECU) offers a distinctive Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Child Life, designed to prepare students for fulfilling careers in supporting children and families facing challenging life events. This program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing the importance of child development, therapeutic interventions, and family-centered care.
Curriculum: The B.S. in Child Life program at ECU is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs of children and families during times of stress and medical crisis. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including child development, play therapy, medical terminology, and psychosocial interventions.Students engage in practical experiences, including internships and clinical placements, to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The program also emphasizes the significance of collaboration with healthcare professionals, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to work in medical environments.
Research Focus: While the primary focus of the B.S. in Child Life program is on practical application and hands-on experiences, students may engage in research projects related to child development, coping mechanisms, or the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Research opportunities provide students with the chance to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of child life and enhance their critical thinking skills.Faculty members may lead research initiatives, creating an environment where students can actively participate in projects that contribute to the advancement of child life practices. This research focus ensures that graduates are equipped with evidence-based approaches to enhance the well-being of children and families.
Industry Engagement: ECU's B.S. in Child Life program emphasizes industry engagement to prepare students for professional roles in healthcare and related settings. Students have the opportunity to engage in internships, clinical rotations, and field experiences, allowing them to apply their skills in diverse healthcare environments.The program encourages collaboration with healthcare professionals, child life specialists, and organizations to provide students with insights into the day-to-day challenges and opportunities in the field. Guest lectures, workshops, and industry partnerships further enhance students' understanding of the broader landscape of child life services.
Global Perspective: Recognizing the universal need for child life services, the program incorporates a global perspective into its curriculum. Students explore cultural competence, diversity in healthcare practices, and the impact of socio-cultural factors on child and family experiences during healthcare interventions.The B.S. in Child Life program may offer opportunities for international experiences or collaborations, allowing students to understand child life practices in different cultural contexts. This global perspective ensures that graduates are well-prepared to work with diverse populations and adapt their skills to various healthcare settings worldwide.
Location
Green Ville, North Carolina
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 23602
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.0 is required.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 71 is often required.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 105 is required.
Spantran or WES evaluation is required
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
East Carolina University (ECU) is promoting diversity and fostering a global learning environment. To support international students in their academic pursuits, ECU offers various scholarships designed to recognize excellence and alleviate financial burdens.
Global Academic Excellence Scholarship: The Global Academic Excellence Scholarship is awarded to outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements. This competitive scholarship recognizes and rewards academic excellence, providing financial support to deserving students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies at ECU.
International Student Ambassador Scholarship: ECU values students who actively contribute to the university community. The International Student Ambassador Scholarship is designed to support those who demonstrate leadership, engagement, and a fostering cross-cultural understanding. Recipients of this scholarship play a vital role in representing the international student community at ECU.
ECU Country-Specific Scholarships: To further encourage diversity, ECU offers country-specific scholarships tailored to the unique needs and contributions of students from different regions. These scholarships aim to attract talented individuals from specific countries and enhance the cultural richness of the ECU community.
International Honors College Scholarship: The International Honors College Scholarship is aimed at high-achieving international students who exhibit exceptional academic performance and a dedication to scholarly pursuits. This scholarship is a testament to ECU's fostering intellectual curiosity and academic rigor.
ECU Athletic Scholarships: International students with exceptional athletic abilities have the opportunity to apply for ECU's Athletic Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to individuals who excel in various sports, contributing not only to the athletic success of the university but also to the vibrant campus life.
Graduates of East Carolina University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Child Life program are equipped with the knowledge and skills to embark on fulfilling careers focused on supporting children and families during challenging life events. The program's comprehensive curriculum, practical experiences, and emphasis on compassionate care prepare graduates for diverse roles within the field of child life.
Child Life Specialist: The most direct career path for graduates is becoming a Child Life Specialist. These professionals work in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or pediatric clinics, providing emotional support to children and families facing medical procedures, diagnoses, or hospitalizations. They use play therapy, education, and creative interventions to ease the stress and anxiety associated with medical experiences.
Pediatric Hospital Coordinator: Graduates may pursue roles as Pediatric Hospital Coordinators, overseeing and coordinating child life programs within healthcare institutions. This position involves managing a team of child life specialists, developing and implementing programs, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure the well-being of pediatric patients.
Family Support Specialist: Some alumni may choose to work as Family Support Specialists, extending their focus beyond the child to support entire families during challenging times. This role involves facilitating communication, offering resources, and providing emotional support to families navigating the complexities of medical care and interventions.
Play Therapist: With a strong foundation in play therapy techniques, graduates can pursue careers as Play Therapists. These professionals may work in various settings, including schools, mental health facilities, or private practices, using play-based interventions to help children express themselves, cope with challenges, and develop essential social and emotional skills.
Child Advocacy Coordinator: Graduates may opt for roles as Child Advocacy Coordinators, working within advocacy organizations or healthcare institutions. In this capacity, they focus on ensuring the best interests of children during medical processes, collaborating with healthcare providers, legal entities, and families to advocate for the rights and well-being of pediatric patients.
Educator in Child Development: For those interested in education, graduates can pursue roles as educators in child development. This may involve teaching child life courses, providing training to healthcare professionals, or working in educational institutions to share expertise in child development and therapeutic interventions.
Community Program Coordinator: Graduates may choose to work as Community Program Coordinators, developing and implementing child life programs in community settings. This could include organizing workshops, support groups, or community events aimed at providing resources and support to families outside of a clinical environment.
Nonprofit Organization Director: With a focus on community service and advocacy, some alumni may become Directors of Nonprofit Organizations dedicated to child life and family support. In this leadership role, they manage the organization's initiatives, fundraising, and outreach efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families.
Health Educator for Families: Graduates can explore roles as Health Educators, specializing in family health. This may involve creating educational materials, conducting workshops, and offering resources to families to promote health and well-being, particularly during challenging medical circumstances.
Medical Liaison for Pediatric Patients: A unique career option is working as a Medical Liaison, collaborating with healthcare teams to ensure effective communication between medical professionals and pediatric patients. Graduates in this role act as advocates for children, facilitating understanding and cooperation throughout the healthcare process.
