This unique MA program takes a progressive approach to studying child development by exploring the lives of children as the interaction of intellectual, emotional, social and imaginative streams. It combines in-depth study of primary theoretical perspectives with practical fieldwork, preparing you to support the complex needs of children and their families.
Why pursue a Master of Arts degree in Child Development from Sarah Lawrence College?
- In close consultation with faculty mentors, you will develop your own plan of study individualized to your academic interests and long-term career goals
- You’ll have access to on-campus resources including the Early Childhood Center, one of the country’s first laboratory schools, and the Child Development Institute
- We have been pioneers in the field of Child Development for almost 50 years and are one of the few institutions in the country to focus on play therapy
- You will be immersed in child development theory through small seminar classes
- This degree prepares you to work directly with infants, children and their families in various settings, such as in early intervention or play therapy contexts, for teaching child development at an intermediate level, or for pursuing doctoral study in clinical psychology
- Our dual degree MA/MSW option with NYU Silver School for Social Work provides you with the unique opportunity to earn two complimentary degrees, preparing you to meet the unique needs of children and their families as a social worker
Program Overview
- The program offers immersion in child development theory through small seminars and one-on-one conferences with faculty.
- Through a partnership with the NYU Silver School of Social Work, Sarah Lawrence offers a dual degree in social work and child development.
- Specialized resources available to students include the Early Childhood Center and the Child Development Institute, which offers lectures, conferences, activities, and outreach programs.
Program Requirements
A total of 48 credits are required for an MA in Child Development. The program can be completed on a full-time basis in two years or part-time in three years.
- Graduate course work (30 credits)
- Graduate seminar (3 credits)
- Observation workshop (1 credit)
- Fieldwork (2 credits)
- Master’s thesis (12 credits)
Typical Course of Study
While most students will follow the program outlined below, in some cases students may take courses in a field other than psychology, such as anthropology or biology, or take elective courses for credit.
Year One
- Theories of Development (5 credits)
- Observation Workshop (1 credit)
- Graduate Seminar (1 credit)
- Other Psychology courses (15 credits)
- Fieldwork (2 credits)
Year Two
- Psychology courses (10 credits)
- Graduate seminar (2 credits)
- Master’s thesis (12 credits
Fieldwork
Fieldwork provides opportunities for observation, research, and practicum experience with children.
- First-year placements are at the Early Childhood Center, the campus laboratory school that allows students to study typical development of children from ages 2 through 6.
- Advanced field placements are optional and include research and clinical settings such as therapeutic preschools, community programs, and elementary or secondary schools.
- Additionally, students have the opportunity to work alongside Center for the Urban River (CURB) education staff to learn about environmental education and gain firsthand experience with students of various ages as they engage in natural environments.
Master’s Thesis
In the second year, students develop a thesis project that culminates in a master’s essay. Students design original research projects, which are often qualitative studies in naturalistic or fieldwork settings, and present their ongoing and completed work to their peers in graduate seminars.
NYU Dual Degree in Social Work and Child Development
In cooperation with New York University, Sarah Lawrence College offers a dual degree in Social Work and Child Development. Students in this program can pursue study leading to a master’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Child Development.
Did you know?
The Early Childhood Center (ECC) is one of the longest existing college laboratory schools in the United States. Learn more here.