Childhood Studies involves the cross-disciplinary study of children and childhood within historical, multicultural, national, and global contexts. Each combination of perspectives brings new insights into the lives of children and the families, cultures and societies in which they are embedded.
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Childhood Studies equips practitioners and beginning scholars with the skills and knowledge to understand and to address the challenges that confront children throughout the world. The program prepares its graduates to conduct research with and about children, formulate social policy on behalf of children and their families, and work effectively with diverse populations of children.
Graduates from our M.A. in Childhood Studies program have gone on to careers in youth services, education, social service administration, family services and health-related occupations, or have entered doctoral programs.
Curriculum and Courses
Core Requirements
The minimum requirement for the M.A degree is 30 credits. Students in the M.A. program complete the program of study in about two years. Full-time study for one semester is represented by 9 credits of coursework or research. Successful completion of the degree program requires both fulfilling the credit requirement and the submission and defense of a major project.
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- 6 Credits should be completed in research methods (i.e., Interpretive Methods, Graduate Statistics, Historical Research Methods, etc.)
- 15 Credits should be completed in courses offered in the Childhood Studies Core Curriculum (i.e., Children and Cinema, Urban Education, Play and Play Theory, etc.)
- 9 Credits of electives
After 18 hours of study, graduate students are required to consult with their advisor and develop a plan for future coursework that is appropriate for the student’s intellectual and professional goals.
Most classes are offered in late afternoon and early evening.
M.A. Project
The M.A. Project provides an opportunity to delve more deeply into your specific area of interest and to acquire expertise beyond coursework. Working in consultation with your advisor, your project could take several forms, including, but not limited to:
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- An academic paper
- Development of curricular materials
- Program evaluation
- Media-based project
- Civic engagement project