Master of Science (MS) in Child Life

Your admissions team exists to guide and support you through the MS in Child Life enrollment process. Review our admission requirements to take the next step toward a career of compassionate service.

MS in Child Life Program Modality

Fall Start: In-person classes at Azusa (main campus) for program duration
Spring Start: Online classes for program duration

Admission Requirements for Domestic Applicants

To complete your application, you must meet the following child life graduate program admission requirements:

• Graduate application for admission
• $45 nonrefundable application fee

• Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions leading to and awarding your bachelor’s degree, and from all additional postbaccalaureate studies
• An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university (a minimum cumulative 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average (GPA) on the posted degree is required for regular admission status; provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures)

• Professional interest essay covering:
• A brief background to help us get to know you as a unique person
• The experiences that prepared you for this program
• Your reason(s) for pursuing a career in child life during this season of your life
• Your reason(s) for applying to Azusa Pacific University for the Master of Science in Child Life
• Your strengths and weaknesses that could affect your performance in this career
• Your professional goals
• Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references

• Current résumé

• Applicants must submit a professional résumé that includes documentation of at least 50 hours of volunteer experience working with children in a hospital setting (volunteer experience should clearly identify the healthcare facility, dates of service, and responsibilities performed)

• A personal interview will be conducted as necessary with qualified applicants

We do not require the GRE for the MS in Child Life at Azusa Pacific University.

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

Next Steps for Domestic Students

After the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions receives all admissions materials, the APU child life faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. From there, you attend an in-person interview to learn more about the program, and we notify you in writing of the final admission decision.

Within two weeks of admission, you must submit a $400 nonrefundable admissions deposit to hold your spot in the cohort. The deposit will apply to the cost of tuition.

Admission Requirements for International Applicants

At Azusa Pacific, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State authorize us to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. We issue and administer the I-20 and DS-2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents, respectively).

To apply for the MS in Child Life at APU, you must meet the domestic applicant program admission requirements, and as an international applicant, you must also complete the following:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English through one of our Academic Success Center’s Foreign Language Placement and Proficiency Assessments or through a TOEFL or IELTS score that meets APU’s requirements (request that official test scores be sent to APU; you must submit all other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements directly to International Services)
• Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months, proving your financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources
• Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, and date of birth
• Get foreign transcripts evaluated (a foreign transcript evaluation agency must evaluate international credentials, including transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees. Review our graduate international transcript policy and a list of approved foreign transcript evaluation agencies)

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

What to Expect Next Steps for International Students

When the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions receives all admissions materials, the MS in Child Life faculty or department chair reviews your application and issues a written admissions decision.

Our graduate programs thrive on a comprehensive support system. Your investment connects you to a dedicated network of student services and a community of faculty and staff who walk alongside you throughout your time in the MS in Child Life program.

Child Life Master’s Program Tuition

View a complete list of university fees.

Financial Aid

At Azusa Pacific University, we’re committed to keeping Christian education accessible. We offer several types of financial aid for your master’s degree in child life. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to select fellowships and scholarships. For more details about financial aid for this program, contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Military and Veterans Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can remain confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need in order to complete your education.

School of Health Sciences Alumni Tuition Discounts

APU’s School of Health Sciences offers an alumni tuition discount for any APU alumni enrolling in the Master of Science in Child Life program. We also offer this discount for alumni enrolling in any of the following:

• Adapted Physical Education Specialist Credential
• Master of Arts in Physical Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential
• Master of Science in Kinesiology

To qualify for the alumni tuition discount, you must

• remain enrolled at least half time;
• stay in good academic standing;
• maintain satisfactory academic progress; and
• keep a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0.

If qualifications are met, the discount may be renewed each term—APU will pay $500 per term (up to $2,000 over the course of the program). This discount cannot be combined with other institutional aid. Contact Student Financial Services at [email protected] or (626) 815-2020 for complete eligibility details.

Note: The alumni tuition discount is subject to change.

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Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The MS in Child Life program is endorsed by the Association of Child Life Professionals.