Master of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology - Children with Special Health Care Needs (with Child Life option)

The Children with Special Health Care Needs (with Child Life option, CSHCN) specialization prepares students for direct work with families and children who have special health care needs in interdisciplinary settings such as children's hospitals, transitional programs (i.e. 'step down programs), and community-based organizations. Increases in poverty and disability have resulted in increases in the prevalence of children who experience chronic healthcare conditions and needs. Students in the CSHCN specialization are trained in developmental healthcare prevention and intervention supports to meet children's social, emotional, and behavioral needs in diverse health and allied health settings. Upon completion of the program, students interested in applying for the Child Life Certificate (overseen by the National Child Life Council) will: have met the expected coursework requirements. Candidates must apply and achieve a passing score on the national certification exam to gain the practice certificate.

3.0 GPA
Courses in Research methods and Developmental Psychology
Experience working with children or adolescents
Your online application must include (a.) a Goal statement, (b.) your resume or curriculum vita, and (c.) contact information for three academic or professional contacts to later be invited to provide letters of recommendation

The instructions for your goal statement are as follows: Please share your reasons for pursuing a degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, focusing on your long-term goals and how your academic program will help you achieve those goals. Include any aspects of your experience, skills, and background which may aid the admission committee in evaluating your fit for the program for which you are applying. Your goal statement should be a maximum of 750 words. The following scores are considered competitive for most School of Education graduate programs:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 100 on the internet-based test, with sub-scores of 21 or above
International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) band score of 7.0, with sub-scores of 6.0 or higher
The minimum grade point average for admission to any graduate study at the University of Pittsburgh is 3.0