Academic Programs

Rigorous Education for Real‑World Impact

The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD) is the home of Trust‑Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) and a proud part of the TCU Department of Psychology in the Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering. Our academic programs prepare students to support children and families across child welfare, mental health, juvenile justice, education, healthcare, and related systems of care.

Students in our programs gain a strong foundation in:

  • Physical, cognitive, and social‑emotional development
  • Developmental trauma etiologies and outcomes
  • Attachment theory across the lifespan
  • Interpersonal neurobiology
  • Evidence‑based interventions, including TBRI®
  • Local and global advocacy for children and families

We prioritize real‑world experience before graduation, offering opportunities in research and evaluation, study abroad, internships, and therapeutic camp placements with organizations serving children and families.

undergraduate students
undergraduate students
undergraduate students
undergraduate students
undergraduate students

Why TCU’s KPICD Child Development Program?

Students studying child development at TCU’s Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD) are uniquely positioned to learn at the home of Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), the very place where the model was created and continues to be researched, evaluated, trained, and implemented across the globe. Throughout their academic journey, students learn directly from KPICD professionals working on research, education, outreach, and resource and innovation design teams. They also gain access to a vibrant international network of more than 8,600 TBRI® Practitioners across the United States and in over 69 countries, offering unparalleled opportunities for connection, mentorship, and professional growth.

Undergraduate Programs

Students can pursue a BS or BA major or a minor in Child Development. Our multidisciplinary curriculum draws on the strengths of nine academic areas — Child Development, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Education, Nutritional Sciences, Nursing, Psychology, and Social Work.

Students are immersed in the latest discoveries related to developmental trauma, attachment, neuroscience, and evidence‑based interventions.

Child Development majors may also apply for the 4‑1 Combined BS/MS Program, allowing them to earn both degrees in an accelerated pathway.

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Graduate Programs

Graduate students can pursue:

TCU Child Development majors may also apply for the 4‑1 Combined BS/MS Program.

Graduate coursework explores advanced theories and applications related to developmental trauma, attachment, neuroscience, and evidence‑based interventions. The MS and graduate certificate programs are fully online and asynchronous, offering flexibility for working professionals.

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