Human Lactation Studies, M.A.
The Master of Arts in Human Lactation Studies 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 International Board of Lactation Consultation Examiners (IBLCE) Pathway 2 Concentration.
The Human Lactation Studies major offers students the ability to learn from previous research while building the skills and strategies necessary in breastfeeding management as they prepare to become International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) (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.
The Master of Arts Human Lactation Studies program has embedded within it an IBLCE Pathway 2 Concentration. The optional Pathway 2 Concentration for this program offers the IBLCE Pathway 2 for students to achieve eligibility as an IBCLC and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon the recommendation of the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC), through December 31, 2028. This program provides didactic, lactation-specific education and supervised clinical practice experience required for an International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) Pathway 2 from an accredited academic program. Successful Pathway 2 program completion does not guarantee IBCLC certification. Only those students who complete a 300-hour internship and show successful completion of all lactation-specific competencies by passing the internship courses (LACT 528 & LACT 529) will qualify to sit for the IBCLE exam.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
At the completion of the program, students will be able to:
PLO1. Integrates experiential learning outcomes into academic inquiry.
PLO2. Demonstrates 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).
PLO3. 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).
PLO4 Assess the impact of national maternal-child health policies on human lactation and/or public health (LEAARC Competency Domain I: Public Health)
PLO5. Detail key components for health behavior change and apply this model to a health and wellness issue related to human lactation.
PLO6. 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.
For Pathway 2 Concentration students:
PLO7. Demonstrate competency in all areas outlined by the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC) to meet requirements set forth by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) to qualify to sit for the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) exam (LEARRC Competency Domains A-J).
Program Details:
- Requires 36 SH for completion
- Requires 40 SH for completion for Pathway 2 Concentration students who need to complete the IBLCE health science requirements
- Requires a minimum grade of "B" in all program coursework
- Requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for graduation
- Requires thesis
- Credit for Prior Learning may be accepted with the Program Chair approval
Required Courses
Human Lactation Studies General Major Requirements
Human Lactation Studies Pathway 2 Concentration
Students are required to complete the following Pathways 2 Concentration pre-requisites that must be completed prior to graduation:
LACT 591,
LACT 592,
LACT 593, and
LACT 594. These requirements may be waived for students who have completed prior undergraduate or graduate coursework with a grade of "B" or better in these subject areas. Successful completion of an IBLCE-approved Medical Terminology course with a grade of "P" (pass/fail course) will waive the
LACT 594 requirement. The Program Chair will complete a review of heath science coursework upon admission.
| RES 510 | Critical Thinking and Research Skills | 3 |
| LACT 509 | Research Methods | 3 |
| LACT 512 | Disciplinary Foundations I | 3 |
| LACT 514 | Disciplinary Foundations II: Functioning as a Lactation Consultant | 3 |
| LACT 520 | Field of Study: The Art and Science of Lactation Consulting | 6 |
| LACT 528 | Applications I: IBLCE Pathway 2 Internship | 3 |
| LACT 529 | Applications II: IBLCE Pathway 2 Internship | 3 |
| LACT 580 | Advanced Research Methods | 3 |
| LACT 598 | Thesis I | 3 |
| LACT 599 | Thesis II | 6 |