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Nova Southeastern University's Master of Human Services (M.H.S.) in Child Protection prepares professionals to advocate for children, strengthen families, and improve outcomes across child welfare and human services systems. Through a curriculum grounded in child protection practice, you'll develop expertise in child welfare policy, family advocacy, trauma-informed care, case management, and evidence-based interventions that support the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families.
As communities continue to address complex social, behavioral, and family challenges, organizations are seeking professionals with specialized knowledge in child welfare, family services, child advocacy, and human services. Designed for working professionals, NSU's fully online program can be completed in as little as 18 months and provides practical, career-focused preparation for a wide range of child protection and family support roles.
Graduates may pursue opportunities as child welfare specialists, child protective services professionals, family services specialists, child and family advocates, case managers, family support specialists, nonprofit program managers, and other professionals dedicated to serving children and families. The program's practice-oriented curriculum emphasizes collaboration across service systems, ethical decision-making, advocacy, and leadership while preparing graduates to navigate the legal, social, and organizational factors that influence child welfare practice.
Build the skills to protect children, support families, and make a meaningful difference
in your community.
Apply Now
Quick Facts
What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Child Protection?
Go on to have a rewarding career as a:
- Child Advocate
- Child Welfare Case Manager
- Foster Care Caseworker
- Juvenile Justice Worker
- Youth Program Manager
M.H.S. in Child Protection Curriculum
This graduate degree program offers a research-based curriculum that is paired with field experiences to provide you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a career. You can focus your degree with unique specialization tracks that allow you to be an expert in your area of interest. This master's program comprises 30 credits: 21 credits (6 courses) of core curriculum plus a 9 credit (3 course) concentration.
To see real-time course offerings, view NSU’s entire course catalog on Course Wizard.
Core Curriculum
Required Courses (21 credits)
Credits
Concentration Tracks
Gain the knowledge and skills to advocate on behalf of children and survivors of child abuse in various agencies and systems (healthcare, criminal justice, social services).
Curriculum
Choose Three Courses
Credits
Learn about child protection within the juvenile justice system and receive in-depth knowledge of current law enforcement practices, juvenile justice system practices, and the different social factors that negatively impact children and lead to juvenile behavior.
Curriculum
Choose Three Courses
Credits
Gain an understanding of best practices for maintaining and supporting child and youth care programs.
Curriculum
Choose Three Courses
Credits
Receive foundational knowledge on what affects a child’s development, learn about best practices for communicating with children from a variety of backgrounds, and build your critical-thinking skills by exploring case studies and improving current strategies. Courses are offered in conjunction with NSU's College of Psychology.
Curriculum
Choose Three Courses
Credits
Choose any three courses (9 credit hours) from any concentration to dive deeper in
your
area of interest or diversify your skillset.
Related Degrees
Looking for a degree that will allow you to better your organization or community? Check out these programs.
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Help those with developmental disabilities reach their full potential by addressing relevant issues at community-based and government agencies. 30 credits to complete; offered completely online.
Prepares you to:
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- Improve programs and services that individuals with disabilities depend on
Learn About the M.S. in Developmental Disabilities
M.S. in Criminal Justice
With several different concentrations, the M.S. in Criminal Justice program allows
you to serve your community by developing a specialized expertise. 30 credits to complete; offered completely online.
Prepares you to:
- Make the world a safer place
- Be a specialist in your particular field
- Reform the criminal justice system
Admission Requirements
Ready for the Next Step?
We’re thrilled you’re applying to NSU’s M.H.S. in Child Protection program.
Applications for admission are accepted online and on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year.
Have the following items ready to submit with your online application:
- $50 application fee
- Transcripts from all schools attended
You will also be asked to complete an interview conducted virtually or via telephone.
