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Master of Science - Child Development and Family Science - Family Science

Central Washington University

Ellensburg campus — Ellensburg, Washington, United States

Study Level
Postgraduate · Master's Degree
Duration
To be confirmed
Study Mode
To be confirmed
Next Intake
April 2027
Tuition Fee
USD 25,579
Application Fee
USD 75
Scholarships Available
None listed
Post-Study Work Information
Optional Practical Training (OPT): Verify before applying
Application Status
Open — confirm with Eagle Link (Not confirmed)

Program information is subject to institution confirmation. Fees, deadlines, intakes and entry requirements may change.

Overview

Students in the Child Development and Family Science MS can specialize in one of two areas: Family Science or Child Life. The Family Science specialization involves the study of families and close interpersonal relationships to understand the dynamics of families in a changing society and the role of family interaction in individual development and well-being. Family Science emphasizes a systems perspective in helping families build healthy relationships and preventing problems before they occur. During the program, students engage in a multi-quarter practicum experience to apply classroom learning to practice and conduct original research related to child development and family science. Graduates are prepared for advanced positions in community social and human service agencies including in early intervention programs, the child welfare system, early childhood learning centers, and other organizations that serve the needs of children and families. Family Science students can choose to pursue certification through the National Council on Family Relations to become Certified Family Life Educators and will work with their advisor to ensure they complete all required coursework. The Child Development and Family Science MS degree includes an advanced interdisciplinary study of interpersonal and family relationships. The graduate program has a strong emphasis on community involvement, practical application and research. Students choose from two specializations, either Child Life or Family Science. The Child Life specialization prepares students to pursue internship and certification through the Association of Child Life Professionals as a child life specialist. Child life specialists help children and families cope with the stress and uncertainty of acute and chronic illness, injury, trauma, loss, and bereavement. The Family Science specialization prepares students to work in a variety of social and human services positions with children and families or pursue doctoral study in child development and family science.
Faculty / school
—
Field of study
—
Credential
Master's Degree
Relationship
Available Through Eagle Link

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

English-language requirements

English-language requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

Fees & Costs

Tuition fee
USD 25,579
Application fee
USD 75
Deposit required
Not listed
Estimated other compulsory fees
Not listed — confirm with Eagle Link.

Institution fees are paid according to the institution's instructions. Any Eagle Link service fee is shown on an Eagle Link invoice before payment. See our Payments Policy.

Scholarships

No scholarship is currently listed for this program. Explore scholarships and funding.

Scholarships are competitive and may change, close or be withdrawn. Eagle Link does not guarantee that any student will receive a scholarship.

Intakes & Deadlines

Upcoming intakes
April 2027, April 2028, April 2029
Application deadline
1 January 2027
Application status
Confirm with Eagle Link
Intake availability
Not confirmed

Campus & Location

Ellensburg campus

Ellensburg, Washington, United States

400 E. University Way

Ellensburg campus campus, photo 1 Ellensburg campus campus, photo 2 Ellensburg campus campus, photo 3 Ellensburg campus campus, photo 4 Ellensburg campus campus, photo 5

Post-Study Work / Immigration Information

Please confirm current eligibility with Eagle Link before applying.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Verify before applying

OPT and STEM OPT eligibility depend on maintaining F-1 status and on the program. A program counts as STEM only when its CIP code is on the official STEM list — not because its name sounds technical.

Official source

Eagle Link does not guarantee visa approval and does not make immigration decisions.

About the Institution

Central Washington University’s (CWU) commitment to hands-on learning and discovery and individual attention takes students beyond the limits of the classroom and books. Students get to do what they’re studying in real-world, professional settings, which makes learning exciting and relevant. Each year, CWU graduates thousands of well-educated citizens who are ready for high-demand careers in the workforce: construction management, accounting, engineering technology, teacher education, wine business, paramedicine, aviation, and more. CWU prepares students to succeed in a global economy through...

View Central Washington University

Program information last verified 8 October 2026.