McMaster University

Overview

The Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care program at McMaster University offers a Master's pathway designed for child life specialists and other qualified individuals pursuing advanced training in pediatric psychosocial care. This full-time graduate program integrates academic coursework with practical clinical learning, including supervised internships, to equip graduates with the necessary skills for entry-level child life practice.

What you'll study

Curriculum overview

The program combines graduate-level coursework with hands-on clinical experiences. Students will gain foundational knowledge in child and family development, pediatric psychosocial assessment, and evidence-based practices while applying these skills in real healthcare settings.

• Child Life Residency
• The Child, Youth and Family in Healthcare
• Pediatric Psychosocial Assessment
• Grief, Loss, and Bereavement in Childhood and Adolescence
• Evaluating Evidence: An Approach to Critical Evaluation of the Literature

Clinical learning

Students undertake supervised placements, including internships and residency components, which are designed to foster professional behaviors and develop entry-level competencies in child life practice within interdisciplinary pediatric teams.

Note: For a comprehensive overview of the complete course offerings, elective options, and any capstone or thesis requirements, please consult the official McMaster curriculum.

Entry requirements

Applicants are generally expected to hold a Bachelor’s degree and meet the minimum GPA requirement, typically around B+. Detailed requirements can be confirmed through McMaster University's graduate admissions page.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care program are well-prepared for careers in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community organizations. They may work as child life specialists, providing support to children and families facing medical challenges, or in roles focused on pediatric psychosocial assessment and family-centered care.