• On-Campus Component
    No
  • Cost
    $1,665.00 per credit (part-time)
  • Total Credits
    32
  • Credential
    Graduate Degree
  • Admission GPA
    3.0 preferred
  • Application Deadlines
    February 15
  • Campus
    Twin Cities
  • College
    College of Education and Human Development
  • Department
    Institute of Child Development

Earn your master’s online and advance your career working with youth and families in the field of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH)

  • Gain fundamental knowledge of IECMH theory, and learn how it is applied in a range of professional fields.
  • Understand the importance of relationships in child development, and learn how family, culture, and socioeconomic status, and other environmental factors affect children's growth and well-being.
  • Study typical and atypical development and understand the needs of children aged birth to five.
  • Prepare to work with children in high-risk environments such as families with substance use or mental health issues, or related risks like homelessness or extreme poverty.
  • Fulfill requirements to apply for Endorsement by the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health®️.

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

Infant and early childhood mental health professionals support the social-emotional development of infants and toddlers by assessing family needs and recommending developmentally appropriate prevention strategies and interventions.

If you reside in Minnesota, you can take additional credits that fulfill LPCC licensure application requirements.

This track will also provide you with the developmental science background, reflective practice experience, and professional guidance necessary to apply for Endorsement for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant Mental Health® through the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health, Infant, and Early Childhood Division.

Endorsement levels include:

  • Infant Family Specialist (Prevention/Early Intervention)
  • Infant Mental Health Specialist (Treatment/Intervention)
  • Infant Mental Health Mentor (Clinical, Faculty, or Policy Leadership)

Learn more about the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health curriculum.

Career Options

This track prepares you to work as a mental health provider or practitioner in fields such as:

  • social work
  • psychology
  • family and marriage counseling
  • nursing and related disciplines
  • early care and education
  • advocacy or policy
  • licensed clinical professional