Child Life and Family Science
About This Program
You’re patient, understanding, and empathetic. You want a career that’s all about helping others, especially children and adolescents. Child Life and Family Science may be the major for you.
Department
Why Utica University
The Child Life and Family Science major at Utica University is an interdisciplinary program that enhances students’ understanding of children, adolescents, and their families in preparation for rewarding careers that focus on child growth and development. With an exceptionally accomplished faculty and excellent facilities, the major features an emphasis on research and applied knowledge, with many opportunities for internships and other real-world experiences.
Child Life and Family Science at Utica
"Between the coursework & fieldwork hours put in, this program ensures that you can confidently handle yourself in your professional career. I owe my future success to the staff because they have properly prepared me."
Career Opportunities
Award-Winning Program
Real-World Experience
What You'll Learn
The Child Life and Family Science major prepares students to meet the psychological needs of children and adolescents in education and health and human service fields that support the healthy development of children and adolescents in a family-centered, relationship-based manner . The program is interdisciplinary with a curriculum that draws on psychology, early childhood education, sociology, and anthropology. This major is appropriate for students who wish to continue their education at the graduate level in Child Life Specialty, Social Work, Education, Occupational Therapy, and other fields that build on child development theory and practice.
Child Life and Family Science Faculty & Staff
- Assistant Professor of Psychology-Child Life
- Associate Professor of Psychology Child Life
- Adjunct Professor of Psychology Child-Life
- Associate Professor of PCL
- Adjunct Lecturer of Psychology Child-Life
A Degree That Works
Alumni of Utica University's Psychology-Child Life program find successful placements and build rewarding careers from coast to coast, including:
- Kravis Children's Hospital at Mount Sinai - New York, NY
- The Brooklyn Hospital Center
- Sauquoit Valley Central School District
- The Center - Utica, NY
- Arnold Palmer Hospital - Orlando, FL
- St. Christopher's Hospital for Children - Philadelphia, PA
- Crouse Hospital - Syracuse, NY
- CompassionNet - Rochester, NY
From student to professional
Allison Della Penna '18 paddled through the notoriously competitive waters of child life internship applications and interviews, opted for an internship at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse, New York.
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Student Voices: Abigail David '15
A brief conversation with Abigail David '15 about her experience as a member of the campus community, and her plans for the future.
Dive Deeper
The Interprofessional Education (IPE) program at Utica University helps you develop a deeper understanding of a broad range of roles in the health professions so that you can effectively team up with practitioners in other disciplines to deliver outstanding patient care.
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Student Voices: Taylor Peters
Taylor Peters talks about her experience at Utica University and how she wants to make a difference for children in need.
Student Voices: Courtney Hryniowski
Courtney Hryniowski talks about her experience at Utica, her passion for her program, and what motivates her.
The 'lightbulb' moment
In her own words, Brittany Spaeth '06, Child Life Coordinator at University Health Care, discusses her experiences at Utica University and how they prepared her for a career helping children.
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Psychology-Child Life Society
The campus Psychology-Child Life Society is open to all child life majors and other interested students. The purpose of the organization is to spread an awareness of the child life major throughout the campus and the community. Events during the year include recognition of Children and Health Care Week and the Week of the Young Child and participation in Make a Difference Day. Throughout the year, the group sponsors bake sales, flower sales, and a booth in the College's Strebel Student Center.
Utica University News
Four Professors Elevated to Emeritus Status
Associate Professor Michael McCarthy awarded 2025 Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award
"Be adaptable. Be curious. Be kind." - Chobani Founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya delivers keynote to Class of 2025
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