About the The Master of Arts in Human Lactation
The Master of Arts in Human Lactation program provides the skills and training necessary for graduates to counsel expectant birthing and nursing parents about infant feeding and human lactation. Students may choose from the generalized program or the IBLCE Pathway 2 concentration
Program Highlights
Maternal nutrition has positive global health and economic implications that can be duplicated in any other form, and as such, it has been studied for decades. The Human Lactation Studies major offers students the ability to learn from previous research while building the skills and strategies necessary in managing infant nursing, as they prepare to become International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (if the student selects the Pathway 2 concentration) and/or aid in their professional development as a seasoned IBCLC (if the student takes the general course of study). The Human Lactation Studies major provides a strong foundation in research methods, health care ethics, evidence-based practice, and experiential learning.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Arts: Human Lactation Studies Pathway 2 concentration is required by IBLCE for Pathway 2 students to enter into the required 300-hour Internship with a pre-approved clinical preceptor. Students work to find their own preceptor within their community and may be subject to any additional requirements as outlined by the student's internship site, such as a possible drug screenings, background checks, vaccination requirements, or more
What You Will Learn
The Master of Arts in Human Lactation program provides the skills and training necessary for graduates to counsel expectant birthing and nursing parents about infant feeding and human lactation. Students may choose from the generalized program or the IBLCE Pathway 2 concentration.
At the completion of the M.A. in Human Lactation Studies program, students will be able to:
- Integrate experiential learning outcomes into academic inquiry.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the scholarly conversation (evolution of ideas, major debates, theories, methods and/or approaches) related to Human Lactation (LEAARC Domain J: Research, Legislation and Policy).
- Discuss critical health and wellness components of human lactation, including personal physical and emotional health and community health issues from multiple perspectives (LEAARC Competency Domain I: Public Health).
- Assess the impact of national maternal-child health policies on human lactation and/or public health (LEAARC Competency Domain I: Public Health)
- Detail key components for health behavior change and apply this model to a health and wellness issue relative to human lactation.
- Design and execute a meaningful Thesis research project that demonstrates spatial thinking and uses the knowledge and skills learned while in the Human Lactation Studies.
Program Requirements
Students must successfully complete all M.A. program requirements with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and all university degree requirements to be eligible to be reviewed as a candidate for graduation. When all academic requirements are reconciled, the student will submit their graduation application, which will be sent to the Registrar’s Office. Academic requirements are audited by the Registrar’s Office.
