Requirements

The program can be completed on a full-time basis in two years or part-time in three years. The requirements are as follows:

• 30 credits of graduate course work
• 4 credits of a graduate seminar
• 2 credits of fieldwork
• 12-credit master’s thesis

A typical full-time program.

Year 1:

• Theories of Development (5 credits) and Observation Workshop (0 credits)
• Psychology courses (15 credits)
• Graduate seminar (2 credits)
• Fieldwork (2 credits)

Year 2:

• Psychology courses (10 credits)
• Graduate seminar (2 credits)
• Master’s thesis (12 credits)

In some cases, students may take electives for credit or courses in a field other than psychology, such as anthropology or biology.

Fieldwork. Fieldwork provides opportunities for observation, research, and practicum experience with children. First-year placements are at the Early Childhood Center, the campus laboratory preschool that allows students to study normal development of children from ages 2 through 6. Advanced field placements include clinical settings such as therapeutic preschools or community programs, elementary or secondary schools, or child-life programs on pediatric wards.

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. For some students, interdisciplinary thesis projects may be appropriate.

A dual degree in Social Work and Child Development is offered with the New York University School of Social Work. Students in this program can pursue study leading to a master’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Child Development; 95 credits (instead of 113) are required, including a thesis for the MA in Child Development (12 credits). Students begin this program with one year of study and fieldwork at Sarah Lawrence. Then they pursue their social work courses and clinical fieldwork in the second and third years. With faculty guidance, students carefully select courses that are appropriate for transfer credit in both schools. The dual degree program can be completed full-time in three years or on a part-time basis. Dual degree students must be admitted to both schools. The deadline for Sarah Lawrence is February 1. To apply to NYU, visit http://www.nyu.edu/socialwork.