M.A. in Human Lactation Studies: The Degree Built to Lead the Field

One of the only CAAHEP-accredited graduate degrees in human lactation, designed for current and aspiring IBCLCs who want to advance lactation scholarship, influence maternal-child health policy, and lead with a research credential.

  • Among the Only CAAHEP-Accredited Degrees
  • IBCLC Pathway 2 Option
  • Research Thesis Included
  • Online and Asynchronous

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Why Choose NLU for Human Lactation Studies?

1 of Few
CAAHEP-accredited graduate degree in human lactation

Very few comparable programs exist.

Pathway 2
Earn IBCLC exam eligibility within your master's

Degree and certification eligibility, at the same time.

Thesis Required
Original research that advances the field

Lead lactation scholarship, do not just practice it.

Online
Fully online and asynchronous coursework

Only the clinical internship is in person, near you.

Policy and Equity
Maternal-child health policy and equity focus

Influence how lactation care is delivered.

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Program at a Glance

How long?
36 to 40 SH
General track or Pathway 2 Concentration
What accreditation?
CAAHEP
One of very few such graduate degrees
What pathway?
IBCLC Pathway 2
Exam eligibility within the master's
What format?
Online
Asynchronous, with an in-person internship

What You'll Learn

  • Advance lactation scholarship and evidence-based practice
  • Design and conduct original lactation research
  • Analyze maternal-child health policy and equity
  • Qualify for the IBCLC exam through Pathway 2
  • Lead lactation programs and clinical teams
  • Complete a graduate research thesis

Full Course List

Research
The foundation of graduate scholarship.
Methods
Designing and conducting lactation research.
Foundations
The science and scholarship of human lactation.
Field of Study
Advanced lactation practice and consulting.
Applications
Applying evidence to real practice.
Pathway 2
A 300-hour supervised clinical internship.
Advanced Methods
Preparing for original thesis research.
Thesis
Original research that advances the field.

Next start: August 24, 2026 — seats filling fast.

Admissions Requirements

  • Current IBCLC in good standing (General track)
  • A pre-approved clinical preceptor (Pathway 2 Concentration)
  • Online application at nl.edu with official transcripts
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA for graduation, with a B or better in coursework
  • An advisor helps you choose the General or Pathway 2 track
Request Info
Among the Only

One of the only CAAHEP-accredited graduate degrees in human lactation, a credential held by very few programs.

Two Credentials, One Program

The Pathway 2 Concentration earns IBCLC exam eligibility within the master's, including a 300-hour internship.

A Thesis That Matters

Lactation is an evidence-thin field; your original research helps lead it forward.

Where Will Your Degree Take You?

1 of Few
One of the only CAAHEP-accredited M.A. programs in human lactation
Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Maternal-Child Health Director
Lactation Research Specialist
MCH Policy Advocate
Clinical Practice Leader
Lactation Educator or Faculty

The M.A. prepares graduates to lead a field growing in both clinical complexity and policy significance. Whether your goal is IBCLC practice, maternal-child health program leadership, research, or policy advocacy, the degree provides the scholarship, credentials, and research capacity that distinguish senior lactation professionals from entry-level practitioners.

Because reliable national salary data is not tracked specifically for lactation consultants, NLU advisors can share current field and IBLCE survey figures during your conversation. What sets this program apart is its accreditation and the simultaneous Pathway 2 route to IBCLC eligibility.

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How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Request Information

    Submit the form above. An NLU advisor will reach out to discuss whether the General track or Pathway 2 Concentration fits your background.

  2. Connect With an Advisor

    Your advisor reviews your lactation credentials and research goals; Pathway 2 students begin identifying a clinical preceptor.

  3. Apply and Start Classes

    Submit your application at nl.edu with transcripts and credential documentation. Next start: August 24, 2026.

Get Started

Take the First Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out to map your path to leading the lactation field.

Take the First Step
  • Among the Only CAAHEP-Accredited Degrees
  • IBCLC Pathway 2 Option
  • Research Thesis Included
  • Online and Asynchronous

*Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), on the recommendation of the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC). CAAHEP-accredited graduate degrees in human lactation are very few; NLU's is among them.

**Curriculum and Pathway 2 details: National Louis University M.A. in Human Lactation Studies, SmartCatalog (nl.smartcatalogiq.com); IBLCE Pathway 2; GSBL is IACBE-accredited.