Make a positive impact in the lives of the children who need it most with a Master of Human Services in Child Protection degree from Nova Southeastern University.

Develop the critical knowledge, values, and skills necessary to respond effectively to complex problems confronting children and families in the protective services system.

Tailor your degree for your area of interest with a concentration and give your career the edge it needs to lay a strong foundation in a child’s life.

Quick Facts

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Tuition
Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information. Discounted rates are available through our employer tuition program.
Curriculum icon
Curriculum
NSU’s M.H.S. in Child Protection program consists of 30 total credits and can be completed in as little as 18 months.
Start Dates icon
Start Dates
The M.H.S. in Child Protection is available to start in August, October, January, March, and May. Applications for admission are accepted online and on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year
delivery options icon
Delivery Options
Coursework for the Master of Human Services in Child Protection degree is conducted entirely online.

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

Child protection specialist speaking with kids at school office

 

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

(HCP 0510
Child Protection Law
/Credits: 4)
(HCP 0515
Family Systems & Diversity
/Credits: 3)
(HCP 0525
Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Child Welfare Professionals
/Credits: 3)
(HCP 0545
Child Placement Risk & Protective Factors
/Credits: 3)
(HCP 0550
Assessment and Case Planning
/Credits: 4)
(HCP 0560
Program Evaluation
/Credits: 4)

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

(CAST 6505
Perspectives on Child Maltreatment & Child Advocacy
/Credits: 3)
(CAST 6510
Professional and Systemic Responses to Child Abuse
/Credits: 3)
(CAST 6515
Responding to the Survivor of Child Abuse
/Credits: 3)

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

(CJI 6910
Theory of Child Protection, Investigation, and Advocacy
/Credits: 3)
(CJI 6920
Juvenile Justice: Systems, Structure, and Process
/Credits: 3)
(CJI 6930
Family Dynamics: Motivation, Support and Communication
/Credits: 3)
(CJI 6940
Victimology: Child Abuse and Exploited Children
/Credits: 3)
(CJI 6950
Safe Schools: Climate and Culture
/Credits: 3)

Gain an understanding of best practices for maintaining and supporting child and youth care programs.

Curriculum

Choose Three Courses

Credits

( HCP 6810
Supervision Methods & Approaches for Child & Youth Care Administrators
/Credits: 3)
( HCP 6820
Public Policy & the Child & Youth Care Field for Program Administrators
/Credits: 3)
( HCP 6830
The Development & Acquisition of Resources for Child & Youth Care Programs
/Credits: 3)
( HCP 6840
Supervision of Family Support Programs
/Credits: 3)
( HCP 6850
Legal Aspects of the Management of Programs for Children & Youth
/Credits: 3)
( HCP 6860
Financial Aspects of the Management of Programs for Children & Youth
/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

( HCP 6110
Intervention Strategies
/Credits: 3)
( HCP 6120
Overview: Childhood and Adolescent Development
/Credits: 3)
( HCP 6130
Overview: Childhood & Adolescent Psychological Disorders
/Credits: 3)
( HCP 6140
Overview: Children and Trauma
/Credits: 3)
( HCP 6150
Special Topics: Seminar & Case Studies
/Credits: 3)

 

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.

M.S. in Developmental Disabilities

 

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:

  • Advance your career while advocating for others
  • Improve programs and services that individuals with disabilities depend on

Learn About the M.S. in Developmental Disabilities 


 

 

M.S. in Criminal Justice


With 12 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


Learn About the M.S. in Criminal Justice

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
Degree from a Regionally Accredited Institution
$50
Nonrefundable Application Fee (USD)
3.0
Or Higher GPA

Ready for the Next Step?

We’re thrilled you’re applying to NSU’s Ph.D. in Criminal Justice program.

Applications for admission are accepted online and on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year.

 

Apply Now

Have the following items ready to submit with your online application:

 

  • $50 application fee
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Personal statement of between 150 and 300 words indicating your goals in pursuing a  Master of Human Services in Child Protection
  • Two letters of recommendation from current professors, employers, supervisors, or similar people most familiar with your professional experience (letters of recommendation must be less than one year old)