online phd programs in child psychology

• Best Online Programs
• Best Campus Programs
• Behavior Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling & Mental Health
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• General Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational
• Marriage Family Therapy
• Social Psychology
• Social Work
• Educational Psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• Clinical Psychologist
• Family Psychologists
• Marriage Family Therapist
• School Psychologist
• Social Psychologist
• School Counselors
• Neuropsychologist
• I/O Psychologist
• Sports Psychologist
• Addiction Counselor
• Mental Health Psychologist
• Counseling Psychologist
• Occupational Psychologist
• Child Psychiatrist
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia
• PsyD vs PhD

List of Online PhD Child Psychology Doctorate Programs

Psychology students who want to work as private clinicians with children and adolescents need to earn their Ph.D. in child psychology. This doctoral program prepares you to treat children’s psychological, mental, and emotional problems.

According to the APA, of critical importance in this specialty is understanding children and adolescents’ psychological needs. Also, understanding how the family and other social factors affect children’s cognitive development, health status, and behavioral adaption is critical.

Some of the learning outcomes of a Ph.D. in child psychology are:

• Study original, evidence-based research about mental and emotional problems related to children.
• Understand advanced psychological theories on child development.
• Administer various types of psychological tests and assessments on children.
• Devise treatment plans for child patients at various stages of development.
• Apply advanced psychological theories to the therapeutic needs of child patients

Obtaining a Ph.D. in child psychology is a path to a well-paid career in clinical psychology or academia. Today you can earn your doctoral degree online in four to six years. Below are four of the best online Ph.D. in child psychology programs.

#1 Capella University

Capella University offers an online Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Psychology . This accredited doctoral program is built to give you an excellent understanding of how people change and grow over time.

Students learn ways to encourage psychological health and well-being with children and adolescents as researchers, teachers, policy, or healthcare advocates. Your classes are enhanced by several face-to-face residencies to provide you with intensive, hands-on experience that will provide you with real-world experience.

*Visit Capella University

Required courses include:

• Human Prenatal Development
• Topics in Child and Adolescent Development
• Adolescent Psychology
• Exceptional Children in the Classroom
• Lifespan Development
• Tests and Measurements
• Qualitative Design and Analysis

This program requires several four-day residency experiences where the student will engage in psychological research with professors and fellow students.

• Institution type : Private, for-profit
• Delivery method : Online
• Headquarters : Minneapolis
• Accreditation : Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees offered : Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology
• Expected total tuition : $57,780
• Prerequisites : Master’s degree in psychology
• Request Free Program Information : Visit School

#2 Walden University

Walden University offers an online Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development . In this accredited, four-year doctoral program, you will learn to apply modern research and theories on child development, abnormal psychology, health issues affecting children, and behavior analysis.

With a concentration on practical approaches to challenges in the real world, including obesity and bullying, students hone the tools they need to make a significant impact on children’s wellbeing in schools, at home, and in their communities.

This program is available to students who enter with a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree. If you do not have a master’s degree yet, you will need to take some psychology prerequisite courses before you begin your doctoral work.

• Development in the Digital Age
• Gender and Development
• Language and Cognitive Development
• Research Foundations
• Social and Emotional Development
• Developmental Psychopathology
• Diversity in Child and Adolescent Development and Learning

The program requires four, four-day residencies, where you will work in person with your professors and fellow students on research and related projects.

• Expected total tuition : $35,100
• Prerequisites : Bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology

#3 Northcentral University

Northcentral University has an online Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) focusing on child and adolescent therapy . This accredited doctoral program will prepare you to work with children and adolescents in therapy settings and to view these experiences from a family systems perspective.

Students are required to focus their coursework, internships, and dissertation research on matters related to working with children. You will be challenged in the Northcentral program to develop skills and sensitivities to work with children and teenagers who face serious mental health and personal problems.

Required courses are:

• Program Development for MFTs
• DMFT Portfolio I and II
• DMFT Doctoral Practicum
• MFT Supervision
• Research Methods in MFT
• Quantitative Research Design and Statistical Analysis in MFT
• Degrees offered : Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy
• Expected total tuition : $69,697
• Prerequisites : Master’s degree in psychology or marriage and family therapy
• Request Free Program Information : Vist School

#4 Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology to focus on child and adolescent psychology . The accredited online program provides an in-depth study of human growth and development that provides students with an advanced understanding of social psychology.

With intense research training that will prepare you for a career in research and academia, this Ph. D. in developmental psychology is perfect for students who want to bring human behavior to their practice. It also is ideal for finding new ways to help children and adolescents grow and develop.

Students can attend on-campus residencies that allow you to meet professors and other students as you grow your research and professional skills.

• Theories and Research in Developmental Psychology
• Biological Bases of Behavior
• Social Cognitive Development
• Child and Adolescent Development in the Digital Age
• Advanced Child and & Adolescent Development
• Moral Development
• Institution type : Private, non-profit
• Headquarters : Lynchburg, Virginia
• Accreditation : Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Expected total tuition : $35,700
• Visit school : Click here

Ph.D. in Child Psychology Summary

Obtaining your Ph.D. in child psychology can be an excellent way to boost your career if you are interested in private practice or working in academia. Students interested in moving to the highest levels of the child psychology field with the best salary may find that earning this respected degree is worth the effort.

*Indicates school is a Featured Partner.  Click here  for disclosure on Featured Partners. 

• Clinical Child Psychology. Accessed at https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/child-clinical

Ph.D. in Psychology – Developmental Psychology Shape the Future of Psychology

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Explore Human Development with Liberty’s Online Ph.D. in Psychology

Liberty University’s Ph.D. in Psychology – Developmental Psychology provides an in-depth study of human growth and development that can help give you advanced insight into human psychology. Through rigorous research training that can prepare you for a career in academia and research, Liberty’s online Ph.D. in Psychology is ideal for students who want to bring new knowledge of human behavior to the field and find new ways to help people heal, grow, and thrive.

Our Ph.D. in Psychology is designed to equip you to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior from a biblical worldview. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ , and we fulfill this mission by training professionals to use science and biblical values to understand the full breadth of human experience. Our unique, biblically-based approach to this field can help prepare you to make a positive impact on those around you.

With Liberty’s Ph.D. in Psychology, you will have the option of attending on-campus intensives that allow you to meet faculty and other students while you develop your professional and research skills. Unlike many other online doctoral programs in psychology, our students can be a part of an online and on-campus community.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Ph.D. in Psychology?

Our online Ph.D. in Psychology can be completed 100% online, providing the flexibility you need to complete your doctorate around your busy schedule. This program also provides a community of psychology professionals and the ability to take optional on-campus intensive courses to allow you to connect in person with your peers and professors.

Liberty integrates a biblical worldview foundation into this program’s in-depth study of developmental psychology. This perspective in your research and practical training in psychology can help you develop professional and academic excellence without compromising an ethical appreciation for human life.

With our online Ph.D. in Psychology, you can learn effective clinical techniques, advanced behavioral theory, and develop your research and writing expertise. You can benefit from a thorough study of human thought and behavior while developing your own research to further the field’s body of knowledge in developmental psychology.

Earning a Ph.D. in Psychology online with Liberty means that you will be trained to engage with research and psychological practice critically and biblically. If you want to pursue a deeper understanding of human growth and development while respecting the inherent value of human life, Liberty’s Ph.D. in Psychology – Developmental Psychology is the program you need.

What Will You Study in Our Doctorate in Psychology – Developmental Psychology?

Liberty’s online Ph.D. in Psychology is designed to build on your previous study and experience in human psychology. Our in-depth course of study can help develop you into a researcher and psychologist who demonstrates ethical and academic excellence while integrating biblical values into your practice.

Through this program, you will:

• Learn how an appreciation of biblical values enhances psychological practice by putting human value at the forefront of technique and theory.
• Develop a grounded critical approach to psychological research and theory while integrating a biblical worldview into approaches to current issues in psychology.
• Master psychological research and writing techniques that can establish your work in the study of human behavior.
• Complete dissertation research through your program with mentorship from your professors.

Our goal is to help you become a thought leader on a variety of topics related to the human experience. With the specialization in developmental psychology, you will investigate specialized approaches to developmental issues in child psychology, develop an approach to treating adults with childhood trauma, and establish expertise in developmental growth studies.

You can enter the world of psychological research while practicing and offering insights based on biblical foundations of truth that can help patients heal and thrive.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Collegiate professor
• Independent consultant
• Organizational mentor/consultant
• Researcher/Writer

Featured Courses

• PSYC 700 – Foundations of Doctoral Study in Psychology
• PSYC 710 – Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview
• PSYC 775 – Teaching of Psychology
• PSYC 830 – Child and Adolescent Development in the Digital Age

Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences .
• View the Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides (login required) .

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for the Doctorate in Psychology

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Contact information for 2 recommenders is required (approved recommenders are the student’s former college professors or supervisors).
• Statement of Purpose is required (1,000-1,500 words, double spaced).
• Departmental approval is required.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is liberty accredited.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ).

Inner Navigation

• Why Choose Liberty?
• What Will You Study?
• Admission Information

Have questions?

Are you ready to change your future?

Apply FREE This Week*

Request Information

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.

Request Information About a Program

Request info about liberty university online, what program are you interested in, choose a program level.

Choose a program level

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Certificate

Select a Field of Study

Select a field of study

Select a Program

Select a program

Next: Contact Info

Legal first name.

Enter legal first name

Legal Last Name

Enter legal last name

Enter an email address

Enter a phone number

Full Address

Enter an address

Apt., P.O. Box, or can’t find your address? Enter it manually instead .

Select a Country

Street Address

Enter Street Address

Enter State

ZIP/Postal Code

Enter Zip Code

Back to automated address search

Start my application now for FREE

LET US HELP

Welcome to Capella

Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.

FIND YOUR PROGRAM

Connect with us

A team of dedicated enrollment counselors is standing by, ready to answer your questions and help you get started.

• PhD in Psychology
• Developmental Psychology

Developmental Psychology Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

Advance your knowledge with an online PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology from Capella University. This program is designed to give a deep understanding of how people grow and change across the lifespan.

Learn ways to encourage well-being and psychological health as a teacher, researcher, or policy and care advocate.

Relevant, real-world learning

Your psychology coursework allows you to conduct research in consultation with Capella faculty.

Complementary coursework approach

Get direct, intensive experience with virtual residencies that enhance your online coursework and help you complete your program successfully.

Scholar-practitioner faculty

Learn the latest in theory and practice from experienced doctoral faculty actively engaged in their professions.

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

• 7 Core courses
• 7 Specialization courses
• 3 Virtual residencies
• 4 Dissertation courses
• 84 Total quarter credits (24 Max transfer)

Reduce your tuition by $5,000

Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Courses and skills

Explore developmental psychology courses.

• This program requires a total of 84 quarter credits
• You’ll need to complete seven core courses, seven specialization courses, three virtual residency courses and four dissertation courses

View all courses in catalog

What you'll learn

Students in the PhD in Psychology, Developmental Psychology specialization acquire a broad base of knowledge associated with lifespan development, policy, and advocacy. Core coursework provides a foundation of the science of psychology, and specialization coursework provides depth within the discipline of developmental psychology. This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.

This specialization was designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:

• Apply critical thinking skills in response to challenges in developmental psychology
• Apply scientifically established principles and knowledge from the study of human development and policy development in relation to individuals and society
• Evaluate developmental processes and theories related to meeting the needs of individuals and diverse populations
• Promote ethical standards and guidelines in professional interactions
• Communicate professionally in the discipline of developmental psychology

Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.

Tuition and learning format

How much does the phd in psychology cost.

The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

• Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
• 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
• Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
• Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term

$555  per credit,  72  coursework credits, 24  max transfer credits

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Tuition breakdown

Program phases.

$555 Per quarter credit

72 coursework credits

Per quarter credit

Dissertation

$2,780 Per quarter

Per quarter

Resource kit fee

$175 Per quarter

Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials

Application fee

$0 no application fee

no application fee

Tuition and program length are unique to you

Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors, including:

• Academic performance
• Complexity of your dissertation
• Number of quarters spent working on practicum
• Prior coursework
• Scholarships and finances
• Unexpected life events
• Employer and/or military benefits

About cost scenarios

The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.

To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.

Cost Scenarios

*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Get the details

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

Scholarships and savings

Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees.

Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save  than you might think.

$5K toward your doctorate

Apply for a $5K scholarship Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details .

Employer & association discounts

If your employer or organization is a Capella network partner, you may be eligible for a discount. Ask your employer what offers are available.

10% Military discount If you’re an active-duty military service member, spouse, dependent, or veteran, you may be eligible for discounts on tuition at Capella. Get details .

Accredited and recognized

Capella is accredited by the higher learning commission..

Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our  accreditations  and  recognitions .

How to apply

What are the phd in psychology admission requirements.

Applicants must provide the following information for  admission  to Capella programs and specializations:

• Admission application – no application fee required
• A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
•  Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International student requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about  international student admissions .

Faculty and support

What support does capella offer online students.

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff and online resources along the way.

Doctoral faculty

Work with faculty members who have years of experience and specialize in their areas of expertise throughout each phase of your program, including literature review and implementation planning.

Enrollment counselors

These specialists can provide details about your chosen doctoral program. They help you understand the differences among specializations and help you identify which is the best fit for you. They can also help you with the admissions process.

Academic coaches

Through quarterly appointments and as-needed counseling sessions, these specialists introduce you to Capella and help you tailor your program to your personal goals and experiences.

Articles and resources

Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.

5 ways a doctoral degree may strengthen your career

Discover how earning your degree can help develop your professional skills.

What’s it like to be a doctoral student?

What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.

Helping Professions Program Guide

Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.

Career exploration

What can you do with a phd in psychology, developmental psychology.

Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a doctoral degree in developmental psychology.

Related job titles to explore*

• Adjunct psychology instructor
• Assistant/associate/full professor
• Child and adolescent case manager
• Child development director
• Children’s director
• Director of child and family services
• Director of family life
• Early childhood professional

Employment settings to explore

• Child care services
• Civic and social organizations
• Colleges, universities and professional schools
• Community colleges
• Educational support services
• Elementary and secondary schools
• Individual and family services
• Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a doctoral program.

Take the first step toward earning your degree and achieving your goals. {page-tel}

Are you sure you want to cancel?

2024 Best Online PhD in Developmental Psychology Programs [Doctoral Guide]

A PhD in Developmental Psychology program teaches you how to investigate, utilize, and teach concepts in human development.

You can learn how to treat patients as well as how to teach psychology students. Professionals with a PhD in Developmental Psychology are often prepared for a variety of research and interpersonal settings.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Many graduates go on to become postsecondary teachers, researchers, and policy and care advocates. Others pursue certification and become licensed practicing psychologists.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Developmental Psychology Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

California Institute of Integral Studies

The California Institute of Integral Studies offers a PhD in Psychology with concentrations in Integral Transpersonal Psychology and Somatic Psychology. This online, part-time program is designed so that students can spend the first 3 years on coursework and then begin their dissertations. The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach to the field of psychology.

California Institute of Integral Studies is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission.

Capella University

Capella University offers a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology. The program offers virtual residencies and opportunities to work on research with faculty. The curriculum consists of 85 credits of coursework. Potential courses in the program include Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology, Child Psychology, and Lifespan Development.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Fielding Graduate University

Fielding Graduate University offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology. The program is mostly online but does require some in-person seminars and residential sessions. It also requires the completion of a dissertation and a clinical practicum. Potential courses in the program include Developmental Bases of Behavior, History and Systems of Psychology, and Research in Psychotherapy.

Fielding Graduate University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers an online PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition and Instruction (Qualitative Research). The program requires the completion of 60 credits’ worth of 8 week courses. Potential courses include Introduction to Behaviorism, Cognitive Science, and Introduction to Research. Students may begin their dissertations in their very first term.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a PhD in Psychology in Developmental Psychology. This online program is designed to provide rigorous research training. Courses may be taken in a fully online, 8 week format, but the program also offers the option to come to campus for intensive courses to connect with classmates and instructors. All courses are taught from a biblical perspective.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Pacifica Graduate Institute

Pacifica Graduate Institute offers a PhD in Depth Psychology with a specialization in Jungian Psychology and Archetypal Studies. Pacifica uses a quarterly calendar, with each term about 11 weeks long. Students typically take two courses each quarter for 3 years, coming to campus for one weekend each term but otherwise studying online.

Pacifica Graduate Institute is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Regent University

Regent University offers an online program for an EdD in Educational Psychology. It requires the completion of 61 credits of coursework. Potential courses include Advanced Human Learning and Motivational Development and Psychological Underpinnings of Learning. All courses are taught from a Christian perspective.

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University offers a PhD in Educational Psychology that can be earned on-campus or in a hybrid format. Some classes meet on the weekend. The program is designed to prepare students for research or teaching positions in academia. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and GRE scores are currently optional.

Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide offers a Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology. The program requires the completion of 66 credit hours and usually takes 3 years to finish. Classes are conveniently available in a fully online, 8 week format. There are no campus residency requirements.

Touro University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Walden University

Walden University’s PhD in Developmental Psychology is available online. There are seven specializations to choose from. These are General, Administration and Leadership, Child and Adolescent Development, Health and Human Development, International Perspectives, Research, Teaching, and Self-Designed. Classes are mostly asynchronous, but classmates can still communicate through discussion forums.

Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

PhD in Developmental Psychology Programs Online

Developmental psychology is the branch of psychology that studies the different stages of human development across a lifespan. This discipline focuses on cognitive, intellectual, biological, cultural, familial, environmental, and physical changes. All of these factors are examined for how they affect a person’s evolution throughout their life.

Through your studies, you can gain a deeper understanding of human development through a psychological lens. An online developmental psychology PhD program is designed for students with a master’s degree, often in a related field, or with a masters in developmental psychology online or on campus. Some programs, though, accept applicants with a bachelors degree.

To mold you into a knowledgeable developmental psychology professional, your program will likely include courses across subjects like:

• Lifespan development
• Cognitive development
• Theories of development
• Issues in child development

These represent only a few of the subjects you may encounter. Upon graduation, you will likely have accumulated a wide breadth of knowledge that you can use in your chosen career.

Because a deep knowledge of psychology can be applied to various industries, professionals with a PhD in Developmental Psychology may go on to many different career paths. Some potential career paths include:

• College professor
• Developmental psychologist
• Research consultant
• Policy researcher
• Early childhood education consultant
• Program director

These are only a few examples of potential career paths. Your degree specialization can also help you develop the necessary skill sets for your preferred career trajectory.

Common Online PhD in Developmental Psychology Specializations

A doctoral degree in developmental psychology gives you the option to focus your studies on a specific aspect of the field. Below is a list of some common specialization options:

• Administration and Leadership. Students apply their knowledge of developmental psychology to organizational behavior and leadership and consulting.
• Child and Adolescent Development. Students study the latest research on child development, behavior analysis, and health as they affect adolescents.
• General Program. This specialization teaches a broad understanding of how developmental psychology plays a role across the human lifespan.
• Health and Human Development. This specialization teaches students how to apply research on human behavior and development to healthcare, social services, and more.
• International Perspectives. Students learn about how culture and crises play a role in human development and how they can treat global populations.

While not always necessary for graduation, choosing a specialization can be a strategic way to deepen your knowledge of the field and develop specialized skill sets. You can often choose a concentration that aligns with your interests and career goals.

Developmental Psychology Careers and Salaries

Professionals with a PhD in Developmental Psychology may work in a variety of careers. Many graduates pursue licensure to work as developmental psychologists. These professionals may choose to work with a specific age group.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are some potential career paths, along with their median salaries, that are associated with the field of developmental psychology.

Outside of psychology, graduates may use their skills to further the field of developmental psychology as researchers. Researchers are responsible for the latest innovations and discoveries in any given field.

Some graduates become educators or counselors. This allows them to teach subsequent generations of psychologists or make a daily difference in the lives of the youth. It should be noted that a PhD in Developmental Psychology does not guarantee a specific career or salary.

Your qualifications may also depend on your degree specialization, chosen industry, level of experience, and prospective employer.

Developmental Psychology PhD Curriculum & Courses

A developmental psychology PhD program will expose you to many interesting courses. These courses can build your expertise and show you how developmental psychology plays a vital role in various aspects of society. Below is a list of courses you may encounter in your program:

• Foundations of Theory and Practice for Doctoral Psychology Learners: Students will discover the educational steps that will lead them to the completion of the program and work in various professional roles.
• Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology: This course teaches you about how ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and more affect the behavior of psychology professionals.
• Research Foundations of History and Systems in Psychology: You’ll learn various schools of thought—including behavioral and humanistic—to make you a better researcher.
• Quantitative Design and Analysis: You’re taught how to utilize quantitative research techniques to conduct proper research.
• Quantitative Research Methods in Psychology: This course prepares you for your dissertation, teaching you how to combine quantitative research and quantitative research design.
• Culture and Psychology: This course places a specific emphasis on how culture affects the development of an individual.
• Social Psychology: You’ll learn how social factors influence development and how psychologists can consider these factors in their treatment.
• Social and Emotional Development: This course introduces you to contemporary theory, research, and emerging methods for understanding social and emotional development.
• Language and Cognitive Development: This course teaches you about how cognition and language develop.
• Gender and Development: You’ll study the difference between gender and the many factors that affect gender identity.

Your specific coursework will depend on your program, but you can expect to encounter similar topics while obtaining your degree.

Admissions Requirements

Below is a list of admission requirements you’re likely to encounter while searching for a developmental psychology program.

• Online application
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• GRE or GMAT scores (not required by all schools)

Admissions criteria for a PhD in Developmental Psychology program can vary depending on the school. It’s beneficial to research your specific program to ensure you can meet its specific requirements.

Developmental Psychology Doctoral Programs Accreditation

There are many benefits to enrolling in a PhD program that comes from a regionally accredited school. Regional accreditation is the process by which a college or university passes a series of evaluations that testify to its high standard of education.

Only students from accredited universities may receive federal financial aid. Additionally, having a degree from an accredited university demonstrates your ability to excel in a rigorous environment. Many employers only recognize degrees from accredited schools. If you’re considering receiving a PhD, it could help to research accredited institutions to give yourself an added advantage.

Developmental Psychology Licensure and Certifications

If your goal is to work as a developmental psychologist, then it’s necessary to obtain state licensure after receiving your degree.

Some basic requirements for licensure include:

• Hold PsyD or PhD in Developmental Psychology
• Complete 2,000+ hours of internship experience
• Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
• Complete continuing education every 2 to 3 years to renew your license

The specific requirements for licensure vary by state, so it’s beneficial to research the specific requirements of the state in which you plan to practice.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many students require financial aid to help them meet the cost of their education. The first choice for many students is federal student aid administered by the government. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for student loans and other forms of need-based aid.

Scholarships and grants are forms of aid that students don’t have to pay back. They’re offered on both a state and federal level as well as through postsecondary schools and outside organizations. You can also see if your school offers any fellowship or assistantship programs for doctoral students.

What Can I Do with a PhD in Developmental Psychology?

Many graduates obtain a PhD in Developmental Psychology with the intention of becoming licensed and practicing developmental psychologists. These graduates may take their skills and join an established organization or start their own practice.

Other PhD graduates pursue work in academia, as researchers and postsecondary teachers. A degree in developmental psychology, though, is relatively versatile. It’s possible to use this PhD in service of many fields, from businesses to nonprofit organizations.

Some graduates become counselors, policy consultants, and program administrators. Your chosen degree specialization may impact your career trajectory as well.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online PhD in Developmental Psychology?

Obtaining a PhD in Developmental Psychology online generally takes between 3 and 5 years of full-time study. These programs typically require the completion of anywhere between 75 and 85 credits.

Most PhD programs require the completion of a dissertation. This is why some students may take as much as 7 years to fully complete their program. Ultimately, the amount of time it takes you to earn your degree depends on how long it takes you to complete your dissertation.

What’s the Difference Between a PhD in Developmental Psychology vs. Child Psychology?

Developmental psychology and child psychology programs bear some similarities, but these disciplines do have notable differences.

Having a clear idea of your academic and career goals can help you determine which program best fits your needs.

Is a PhD in Developmental Psychology Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Developmental Psychology is worth it for many professionals. This degree can help you qualify for a range of positions in the field of psychology. You can choose to pursue licensure to become a developmental psychologist, but you’re not limited to this profession.

For instance, some graduates pursue careers as nonprofit program administrators, postsecondary teachers, researchers, or policy consultants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth for psychologists and 10% job growth for psychology teachers over the next ten years.

Getting Your Doctorate in Developmental Psychology Online

Pursuing a PhD in Developmental Psychology degree online can be a strategic way to increase your knowledge of psychology and further your career. Much like with an on-campus or online social psychology degree , through your advanced studies in developmental psychology, you can learn how to apply these psychological principles in clinical, research, and educational settings.

Many graduates go on to become practicing psychologists, educators, or researchers, but the developmental psychology field is quite broad. Many doctoral programs allow you to choose a concentration to develop specialized skills and knowledge in an area that interests you. Your chosen specialty could also impact your future career path.

You can begin researching online psychology programs at accredited universities today to find the PhD program and specialty in developmental psychology that’s right for you.

Connect with Pitt Education

PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology

The PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) trains students to become world-class research scientists studying human development.

Our ADP faculty and students engage in applied research using a variety of methods and approaches, including in-depth observation, longitudinal modeling, and experimental designs.  ​

This 90-credit program can be completed in approximately five years. Students have the opportunity to learn and grow as researchers through the close mentoring relationships developed with our faculty.

Request Info

View Tuition

Program Facts

Degree Type

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Time Commitment

5 years on average

Enrollment Term

Admissions Deadline

Admissions Requirements

No GRE Exam is required

Program Overview

Our PhD program in Applied Developmental Psychology prepares you for research careers answering meaningful practice and policy questions relevant to improving the lives of children, youth, and families.

You will study the following subjects in depth:

• The influence of individual, interpersonal, and contextual factors on learning and well-being outcomes for children and youth in school and out-of-school settings
• How human development and context interact to generate dynamic patterns of child and youth behavior
• The effectiveness of interventions to promote learning and wellbeing outcomes for children and youth

Students complete coursework in a diverse set of topics to learn academic writing skills, real-world applied research design, data analytic tools that match the complexities of the context under study, and authentic assessment strategies.

View Program Curriculum

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements can be found in our PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology Handbook (PDF)

Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisite requirements. However, prior research and/or professional experience working with children and families in community or school settings is preferred.

Our most successful students have a few post-baccalaureate years of child- and youth-serving work experience to develop first-hand knowledge of child development in context.

Take the Next Step

"I attended Pitt for all of my education. As a doctoral student, I've enjoyed instructing classes and conducting research both independently and collaboratively." Ashley Shafer - Pitt Alumni

Career Pathways

Our graduates go on to have successful research careers in a variety of settings including institutions of higher education and research centers.

Program Faculty

Program Coordinator

Brian Galla

Heather Bachman

Kevin Crowley

Shannon Wanless

Program News

PhD Student Meghan Orman Connects Ecology to Psychology in Iceland

PhD Student Meghan Orman Connects Ecology to Psychology in Iceland - Read more

Shannon Wanless to Lead AERA Special Interest Group

Shannon Wanless to Lead AERA Special Interest Group - Read more

• Top 10 Online Child Psychology Degree Programs

A graduate degree may be required for some careers, and some of the schools on this list offer advanced programs. All of them allow you to get the education you need without having to travel to a campus location on a full-time basis. In this list, we’ve included accredited programs with top academic reputation and better-than-average flexibility for the online student, at a range of price points, including cheap and affordable child psychology degree programs online.

To learn more about this list, please visit our page: How We Choose the Psychology Degree Programs We Consider to Be the Best

Online Child Psychology Degree Programs

Chicago school of professional psychology – online master of arts in psychology: child and adolescent development.

Executive Summary

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a not-for-profit institution that has been offering degree programs for over three decades. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The cost is $1,198 per credit hour.

Unique Features

The online MA in Psychology, Child and Adolescent Concentration focuses on mental health issues faced by people in this age group. It covers addiction, evaluating and treating young offenders, and crisis intervention.

More information on The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Eastern Kentucky University – Psychology Bachelor’s Degree, Child & Family Psychology

Eastern Kentucky University’s BS in Child & Family Psychology is a fully online program that features accelerated, eight-week courses, no campus visits, and six start dates per year. Courses include abnormal psychology, psychological interviewing and reporting, behavior therapy, clinical psychology, and more.

The cost is $409 per credit hour, or $250 per credit hour for active duty military.

Options to personalize your program through the university’s nice selection of minors and undergraduate certificates such as communication studies, early childhood director, infant/toddler care and education, and youth services (corrections).

Southern New Hampshire University – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Child and Adolescent Development

SNHU’s online bachelor’s degree programs have been ranked in the top 20 in the country, according to a survey conducted by SuperScholar.org.

Tuition is $320 per credit hour.

The BA in Psychology: Child & Adolescent Development program includes courses in childhood & adolescent disorders, educational psychology, and social development. Students have the option of choosing to complete an internship, independent study, practicum or elective as one of the requirements to graduate.

More information on Southern New Hampshire University

Liberty University – BS in Psychology, Developmental Psychology

Liberty University’s BS in Psychology in Developmental Psychology is a full-time, online program that’s designed to be completed in just 3.5 years. This program features an innovative, online learning platform and the opportunity to network and connect with faculty and peers. Niche.com ranked Liberty University is best online college in the nation in 2017!

The cost is $390 per credit hour.

Liberty University is focused on ‘Training Champions for Christ,’ a unique approach that allows students to integrate their faith and profession.

Florida Tech University – Online Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology: Child Advocacy

Florida Tech University has been ranked as a Tier 1 Best National University by U.S. News & World Report. It has also been recognized as one of the best schools in the country in the Fiske Guide to Colleges.

Tuition at Florida Tech is $510 per credit hour.

The BA in Applied Psychology – Child Advocacy online curriculum includes a foundation in liberal arts courses. It also includes courses in child advocacy, child development, and community psychology.

More information on Florida Tech University

The Women’s College (Bay Path University) – BA in Psychology: Child Psychology

The BA in Psychology is delivered via an asynchronous, online format that allows students to study whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for them. Program can be delivered on a full- or part-time basis.

The cost is $400 per credit hour ($350 per credit hour military rate).

Program features the college’s innovative SOUL technology that offers accelerated courses offered through a personalized learning experience and educator coaches who help you reach your educational goals.

Baker College – Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Baker College is the largest private college in Michigan. This not-for-profit school is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Program website

This school charges $405 per credit hour.

The Bachelor degree in Psychology is only available online and not through any of the school’s on-campus locations. Students can choose to take classes in child and adolescent psychology. The program also includes classes in cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, learning and motivation, sensation and perception, and cross-cultural psychology.

More information on Baker College

Middle Tennessee State University – Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology

MTSU opened its doors to students in September of 1911. The University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College and Schools.

In-state students pay $420 per credit hour, and out-of-state learners are charged $1,198 per credit hour.

The Psychology degree online is a cohort program in which learners stay together for the duration of their program. Full-time students can complete their degree in as little as two years.

More information on Middle Tennessee State University

University of Calgary – Online Masters in Education: School and Applied Child Psychology

The University of Calgary was founded in 1966. It is a comprehensive research institution that serves approximately 31,000 students.

Canadian residents pay $432 per unit, and international students pay $444 per unit.

The MEd School and Applied Child Psychology program is offered in a blended/online format. The University operates four terms during the academic year (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer).

More information on the University of Calgary

Brandman University – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Child Psychology Concentration

Brandman University was established by a university founded in 1861, and its original purpose was to educate Marine Corps members stationed nearby. Today it enrolls over 13,000 students and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Tuition is $500.00 per credit ($250.00 per credit for active duty service members and their spouses).

100% of the faculty at BU who specialize in psychology hold a doctoral degree . Since rankings for the school began in 2012 it has consistently placed among the best in the nation according to US News and World Report . While the BA in Child Psychology is offered completely online, students also have the option to complete it as a hybrid program at 21 campus locations nationwide.

More information on Brandman University

Additional Online Degree in Child Psychology Lists

Top 10 Online Bachelors in Psychology Degree Programs Top 10 Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs Top 10 Online Forensic Psychology Degree Programs Top 10 Online Sports Psychology Degree Programs

• Psychology Education
• Bachelors in Psychology
• Masters in Psychology
• Doctorate in Psychology
• Psychology Resources
• Psychology License
• Psychology Salary
• Psychology Career
• Psychology Major
• What is Psychology
• Up & Coming Programs
• Top 10 Up and Coming Undergraduate Psychology Programs in the South
• Top 10 Up and Coming Undergraduate Psychology Programs in the Midwest
• Top 10 Up and Coming Undergraduate Psychology Programs in the West
• Top 10 Up and Coming Undergraduate Psychology Programs in the East
• Best Psychology Degrees Scholarship Opportunity
• The Pursuit of Excellence in Psychology Scholarship is Now Closed
• Meet Gemma: Our First Psychology Scholarship Winner
• 50 Most Affordable Clinical Psychology Graduate Programs
• 50 Most Affordable Selective Small Colleges for a Psychology Degree
• The 50 Best Schools for Psychology: Undergraduate Edition
• 30 Great Small Colleges for a Counseling Degree (Bachelor’s)
• Top 10 Best Online Bachelors in Psychology Degree Programs
• 10 Best Online Forensic Psychology Degree Programs
• Top 10 Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs
• Top 15 Most Affordable School Psychology Programs
• Top 20 Most Innovative Graduate Psychology Degree Programs
• Top 8 Online Sports Psychology Degree Programs
• Recent Posts
• Does Psychology Require Math? – Requirements for Psychology Majors
• 10 Classes You Will Take as a Psychology Major
• Top 15 Highest-Paying Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Psychology
• The Highest Paying Jobs with an Associate’s Degree in Psychology
• The Highest-Paying Jobs with a Bachelor’s in Psychology
• Should I Major in Psychology?
• How to Become a CBT Therapist
• What is a Social Psychologist?
• How to Become a Clinical Neuropsychologist
• MA vs. MS in Psychology: What’s the Difference?
• PsyD vs. PhD in Psychology: What’s the Difference?
• What Can You Do with a Master’s in Psychology?
• What Can You Do With A PhD in Psychology?
• Master’s in Child Psychology Guide
• Master’s in Counseling Psychology – A Beginner’s Guide
• Master’s in Forensic Psychology – A Beginner’s Guide
• 8 Reasons to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist
• What Do Domestic Violence & Abuse Counselors Do?
• What Training is Needed to Be a Psychologist for People of the LGBTQ Community?
• 15 Inspiring TED Talks on Intelligence and Critical Thinking
• The 30 Most Inspiring Personal Growth and Development Blogs
• 30 Most Unethical Psychology Human Experiments
• 30 Most Prominent Psychologists on Twitter
• New Theory Discredits the Myth that Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome Lack Empathy
• 10 Crazy Things Famous People Have Believed
• Psychology Infographics
• Top Infographics About Psychology
• The Birth Order Effect [Infographic]
• The Psychology of Dogs [Infographic]
• Can Going Green Improve Your Mental Health? [Infographic]
• Surprising Alternative Treatments for Mental Disorders [Infographic]
• What Can Humans Learn From Animals? [Infographic]

2024-25 Academic Catalog

Doctor of philosophy in clinical child psychology, clinical child psychology graduate program.

The Clinical Child Psychology Program (CCPP) at the University of Kansas is a graduate program leading to the doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Clinical Child Psychology.  The CCPP is accredited by the American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation as a clinical psychology doctoral training program with a special emphasis on children, adolescents, and families. The Program is affiliated with the Departments of Psychology and Applied Behavioral Science, and has strong ties with the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Kansas School of Medicine (KUMC) and with Children's Mercy Hospital.  The program does not offer a terminal Masters degree. However, students admitted to the Doctoral program without a Masters degree will obtain a MA in Clinical Child Psychology en route to the Ph.D.

The mission of the CCPP is to develop leaders in the research, dissemination, and practice of clinical science for children, youths, and their families. As such, doctoral training in the CCPP develops clinical scientists capable of conducting innovative research and developing and delivering interventions for a range of human problems, particularly those involving children and families.  In service of its mission, the CCPP is designed to promote profession-wide competencies in nine specific domain areas (e.g., Research, Assessment, Intervention, Individual and Cultural Diversity, Ethics and Legal issues ), as well as program specific competencies in two domains ( Administration/Management , and Professional Leadership and Communications ).  This is accomplished through broad and general training across the substantive areas of the science of psychology (i.e., behavioral, social, cognitive, affective, and biological bases of psychology), specialized training in research methodology and statistical analytic methods, and specialized clinical training through basic and advanced practica.  Subdomains of the professional competency and substantive knowledge areas are detailed in the CCPP Training Manua l .  A particular strength of the program is the developmental perspective that pervades all core courses. 

The field of psychological science is changing rapidly, with advances in our understanding, assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of a range of conditions. Our goal is to train the professionals who are at the forefront of these advances in research, dissemination, education, and service. The program’s didactic and practical experiences prepare graduates for the many roles open to clinical child psychologists.  Graduates hold research/teaching positions in universities, medical schools, colleges, and internship programs, and direct service delivery positions in mental health centers, hospitals, and schools.

In its fulfillment of the training model of clinical psychology known as the “scientist-practitioner model,” the CCPP utilizes guidance from the report of the National Conference on Scientist-Practitioner Education and Training for the Professional Practice of Psychology. This conference defined the model as “an integrative approach to science and practice wherein each must continually inform the other” in which the scientific research base is related to clinical practice, and practice elements are inherently interrelated to research.  The CCPP places an extremely high priority on the development of research skills and competencies. 

Students can complete course work, practicum requirements, and research requirements for the doctoral degree in 4 years of full-time study followed by a 1-year doctoral clinical internship at an approved site, although some students take longer.  Students are expected to, and indeed want to, participate maximally in research and clinical experiences to ensure the breadth of their training.  An empirically-based master’s thesis (if not obtained prior to admission), qualifying examination, and doctoral dissertation are formal milestones of research progress in addition to regular evaluation in courses, clinical practica, and annual faculty reviews. 

The Director of the Program serves as the official Academic Advisor for all students in the program. As such, the Director bears responsibility for assisting the student in course selection, articulating career goals, assisting with program requirements (e.g., internship applications), and designing experiences consonant with career goals.   Each student in the Clinical Child Psychology Program also selects a Research Advisor who provides individualized guidance with regard to course selection, developing and articulating career goals, and designing experiences consonant with career goals. 

Admission to Graduate Studies

An applicant seeking to pursue graduate study in the College may be admitted as either a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student. Policies and procedures of Graduate Studies govern the process of Graduate admission. These may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.

Please consult the Departments & Programs section of the online catalog for information regarding program-specific admissions criteria and requirements. Special admissions requirements pertain to Interdisciplinary Studies degrees, which may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.

Graduate Admission

Admission to the CCPP is highly competitive.  All completed applications are reviewed and incoming students are selected by an admissions committee chaired by the Program Director and comprising core CCPP faculty members and student representatives.  Essential requirements for admission include (a) a Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS) from an accredited institution, (b) a record of scholarly achievement that shows strong promise of success in course work, research, and clinical work, and (c) at least 15 credit hours in psychology coursework, including statistics and research methodology.  Preferred qualifications for admission include a strong record of research experience and evidence of research productivity (e.g., presentations, posters, honors theses).  Non-native speakers of English must meet English proficiency requirements .

The Admissions committee will use the following when determining suitability for admission: The applicant’s transcripts and grade point averages (GPAs) from previous educational institutions; a professional statement of interests/goals provided by the candidate; the candidate’s résumé or CV; 3 letters of recommendation from professionals who can address the candidate’s potential in a doctoral training program; and a personal statement as outlined on our admissions page . Applicants may also submit a writing sample that demonstrates their technical/professional writing skills.  Highly rated applicants will be invited to interview with CCPP faculty and students prior to admissions decisions.  Financial aid is available.  Please visit the program’s website for information regarding student admissions, outcomes, and other data. 

Submit your graduate application online (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Psychology — Clinical Child Psychology Program) as well as all supplemental materials.

Clinical Child Psychology Curriculum

The Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Child Psychology requires the completion of 95 credit hours. The following curriculum meets criteria for APA accreditation and KU general requirements.

Psychology Core

Clinical child psychology specialty skills, psychopathology, psychodiagnosis, and psychological assessment, intervention and therapy procedures, clinical practica, required (17 credit hours, 275 contact hours):, ethics/professional standards.

Students are expected to function within the code of professional ethics of the American Psychological Association in their behavior and personal demeanor. Adherence to these ethical principles is part of the regular evaluation of students for completion of the degree in clinical child psychology.

Consultation and Supervision

Research and statistics core courses, research skills and responsible scholarship, responsible scholarship requirement.

Responsible Scholarship in the CCPP involves pertinent areas of protection of human subjects, collaborative research, conflicts of interest, authorship, publication, plagiarism, copyright, data management, professional practices, mentor/student responsibilities, maintenance of confidentiality, approach research conduct and research misconduct, HIPAA, and ethics of publishing clinical case material, among other related topics. This requirement must be met before taking the Comprehensive Oral Examination.

Students in the CCPP fulfill the Responsible Scholarship Requirement through

• The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Human Subjects Protection and HIPAA online tutorial

Research Skills Training Requirement in CCPP

The additional Research Skill requirement is fulfilled by 1 additional course above the 2 required courses in statistical or data analysis (quantitative, applied behavior analysis, qualitative). No course is specified, but must be approved by the student’s research advisor and the program director.

Professional Competencies

Students in the program must demonstrate profession-wide competencies and program-specific competencies before being approved to apply for the required Doctoral Internship.  The competency assessment process includes evaluation of the student’s professional artifacts (i.e., work products) as well as the student’s self-evaluation of how the artifacts collectively demonstrate the professional competencies. 

Master’s Degree and Thesis

Requirements for completion of the master's degree may be found on the M.A. Degree Requirements catalog page.

Ph.D. Preliminary Examination: The Task

The program uses the Task system for its preliminary examination in research methodology, teaching, or applied/clinical area. Details are available in the Clinical Child Psychology Program Training Manual, available on the program's website .

Ph.D. Oral Comprehensive Examination

Upon completion of all course requirements for the Ph.D. and of the Task, except for dissertation and internship, the student must pass the oral comprehensive examination. This examination normally should be taken prior to the completion of four calendar years in the case of students entering with the bachelor's degree and three years for students entering with a master's degree.

All students, regardless of date of entry to the program, must successfully complete the oral comprehensive examination (Dissertation Proposal) before Stop Day of the Spring semester in the calendar year in which they intend to apply for internship. If a student does not pass by this date, the CCPP Faculty will not approve them for internship readiness in that year.

Additional details are available in the Clinical Child Psychology Program Training Manual, available on the program’s website .

Doctoral Dissertation

The Ph.D. dissertation must be based on an original, empirical investigation. A minimum of 12 hours in dissertation in clinical child psychology ( ABSC 998 / PSYC 998 )  is required.

Given that students must complete a doctoral internship, timing of the dissertation defense should be carefully considered. We strongly encourage students to defend their dissertation prior to leaving for internship. However, it may be necessary for students to defend their dissertation during the internship year in some cases. If a student does not defend the dissertation before the end of their internship year, they must return for the semester following completion of the internship and must remain in residence until the dissertation is successfully defended and the dissertation document has been approved.

Doctoral Internship

An 11-month clinical internship at a setting accredited by the American Psychological Association is required. Students apply to accredited internships through the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) and are matched to an internship by National Matching Services, Inc. Upon matching, students enroll in   ABSC 963 / PSYC 963 for a total of 3 credit hours. The PhD in Clinical Child Psychology may not be awarded until the internship is successfully completed. 

Electives/Independent Study

In order to complete the 95 credit hours required for the doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Clinical Child Psychology, the student will take additional courses chosen with approval of the student’s academic advisor and research advisor.

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

2023-24 Entire Catalog

All pages in the Academic Catalog

Search NYU Steinhardt

Doctor of Philosophy Developmental Psychology

The mission of the PhD in Developmental Psychology is to provide you with a strong foundation in developmental theories along with the research skills required to advance the science on development in context.

Degree Details

Official degree title.

PhD in Developmental Psychology

Students holding a master's degree or graduate credits in developmental psychology or related field complete 39-48 credits; the total required credits are determined on admission based on alignment of previous coursework with program curriculum. Students admitted with a BA/BS must complete 51 credits.

Admissions Information

Degree components, degree goals and objectives, careers and outcomes, international students, information session :.

  RSVP Link

• Please note the GRE is optional for applications for the Fall 2024 admissions cycle.
• NYU Steinhardt offers a competitive funding package for PhD students who study full-time.   Learn more about Steinhardt's funding opportunities .
• If you have questions regarding admission requirements,  please review our " How to Apply " page.
• If you have any additional questions that are not addressed on the "How to Apply" page, please contact us at  [email protected] .

Our Developmental Psychology doctorate emphasizes intersections among biology, culture, and context in developmental processes across areas of social, cognitive, language, and emotional development. You will apply a variety of methods (e.g., experimental, quasi-experimental, survey, observational, semi-structured interviews) to the study of individual and environmental influences on the development of infants, preschoolers, children, and adolescents at multiple, nested levels. You will be required to take classes in developmental content areas and analytic methods and research, and advanced seminars on theories of change and theories of culture.

You’ll engage in community- and/or laboratory-based research for the entire length of your studies under the supervision of primary and secondary faculty mentors. We conduct our research in laboratories at New York University and in the homes, daycares, schools, hospitals, neighborhoods, and community settings of the multiethnic and richly diverse city of New York.

Additionally, international research is a cornerstone of the program, with faculty and students engaged in studying developmental processes and contextual influences across countries such as China, India, South Africa, Korea and Peru. We work closely with our affiliated global faculty at NYU Shanghai and NYU Abu Dhabi.  

What expertise do doctoral students acquire in the Developmental Psychology doctorate?

• A strong foundation of knowledge on domains of development (e.g., social, cognitive, emotional, language) and how research methods and theories can be applied to current issues in developmental science.
• The ability to think critically and creatively about the ways that research on development, context, and culture advances theories and knowledge of human development.
• The understanding and skills required for the application of theories and knowledge in developmental science to the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions, programs, and institutions that serve children and families.
• Expertise in the use of multiple methods and research designs—including longitudinal, survey research, experimental, quasi-experimental, observational, ethnographic, narrative, and case study methods—and the application of a range of statistical tools in the analysis of findings.
• The ability to generate and disseminate scientific knowledge to scholarly and community audiences and to be a productive member of a community of scholars.

We demonstrate extraordinary success in placing our students in postdoctoral fellowships, academic positions, and research and policy organizations immediately upon graduation, with placements occurring in the final year of study. 

More specifically, over 90% of our graduates continue to engage in cutting-edge research in developmental science through traditional academic and research tracks. The remaining minority of students pursue work in related fields, including NGOs (such as Promundo) and nonprofit foundations and community agencies (including leading Head Start and Early Head Start programs).

If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Most students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students in our program may also be eligible for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) OPT extension, allowing you to extend your time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years. For more information on who can apply for this extension visit  NYU’s Office of Global Services: STEM OPT .

Take the Next Step

Advance your personal and professional journey – apply to join our community of students.

Home / Discover Psychology Degree Programs / Online Child Psychology Programs

Online Child Psychology Programs

Choosing the right online child psychology degree program, which child psychology degree is right for me, child psychology degree program curriculum, child psychology degree program clinical requirements, list of online child psychology degree programs.

Child psychologists work with kids ranging from preschool to grade-school age. They can help with mental disorders, trauma processing, trouble in school, difficulties interacting with peers or parents, and more. Different opportunities are possible at different degree levels, so people can typically work in this field even before attaining a doctorate.

Many options exist online for those looking to get their degree in child psychology and start a child psychology career . To learn more about the many online programs available in this rewarding field, continue reading the sections below.

A variety of online degree programs exist to prepare you for work in child psychology. Some are fully online, some are traditional offline programs, and others may hybridize the two methods. It is more likely to find an all-online program at the bachelor’s level than higher. Many of the higher degree programs require some practical experience, necessitating an offline or physical portion, however, some online programs will accommodate online learners by allowing you to complete these hours locally.

The master’s degree opens the door to well-paying positions, and many students choose this option. However, a doctorate is needed to be a licensed clinical child psychologist and to make the most money, so it is definitely worth considering.

No matter which degree program you choose, it is imperative to make sure that it is accredited. Accreditation ensures that your degree will be useful for employment, licensing, or as a prerequisite for a higher-level degree program. For psychology degree programs, the American Psychological Association’s accreditation is the one to look for.

Bachelor’s Degree

The full name of this degree depends on the school. For example, at Southern New Hampshire University, the online bachelor’s degree program in child psychology provides credits toward a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent development. Non-licensed positions in health care, social services, and education are possible at this level. At the child psychology bachelor’s level , the curriculum is heavy on foundational psychology courses as well as unrelated subjects meant to ensure that you are a “well-rounded” graduate.

Master’s Degree

Moving up to a master’s degree in child psychology opens the doors to career paths that can pay a comfortable salary. In some states, this degree allows you to be licensed as a school psychologist, among other options. At this level, the coursework is more specialized. Some typical online courses you may take include Ethics and Law in Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Multicultural Issues in Psychology, and Measurement and Assessment. The specific names of these and other courses may vary by institution.

Doctorate Degree

A doctorate degree in child psychology is needed for becoming a licensed clinical child psychologist and also opens the doors to positions of higher authority within the framework of school psychology and other child-centric mental health professions. There are two forms that apply: the PsyD and the Ph.D. If you want to do research and academic work, go for the Ph.D. If you’d rather work in clinical practice, choose the PsyD. In this program, you’ll gain clinical experience under an already-licensed child psychologist, so be sure to look for programs that allow local practicum for online learners.

Online degree programs in child psychology focus on learning related subjects such as child development, general psychology, and measurement and assessment of youthful patients. At the bachelor’s level, you can also expect to learn general educational subjects such as English, history, and various forms of math.

• Bachelor’s Degree: 120 credits are typically required. If you take and successfully pass 15 credits’ worth of classes every fall and spring, you’ll get the degree in four years.
• Master’s Degree: 30 credits are all that are needed to move up to a master’s degree, but a dissertation may also be required by some universities.
• Doctorate Degree: There is a bit more variance in credit requirements when it comes to the doctorate degree, with a range of credit hours starting in the mid-80s. However, you will also need to accumulate practicum hours in a real-life counseling setting in order to get the degree. This, as well as a requirement for a doctoral thesis, puts the average time for getting this degree at four years.

Becoming licensed requires between 1,500 and 6,000 hours of clinical experience. The best doctoral programs will include at least some of this as part of the degree requirement so that you can apply for a license soon after you graduate. For this requirement, you will be placed under the supervision of a practicing child psychologist. The practicum aspect of your education may be referred to as an internship, externship, or by some other name. Details will vary by institution.

During this time, your supervisor may assign you specific tasks, talk to you about the details of your interactions with patients, and answer your questions about how they approach patients or specific cases. Practicum experience not only gives you a chance to take on real-world cases but also to iron out the details of concepts that you have heretofore only heard about in class. As previously mentioned in the article, it’s important to consider that some online doctorate programs will allow you to complete practicum or internship hours in your local community, but not all will have this option, so be sure to do your research thoroughly before enrolling.

Looking for an online child psychology degree program near you? Browse our state-by-state school listings below.

Jump to Your State Listings

The chicago school of professional psychology at chicago.

• Certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychology

Capella University

• MS in Psychology-Child and Adolescent Development

University of Central Missouri

• Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science

Bellevue University

• Master of Science in Child, Youth, and Family Studies

Pennsylvania

Lackawanna college.

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Course-Certificate Program

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Other Psychology Degree Program Profiles

Best Online Master's in Child and Adolescent Psychology

Genevieve Carlton

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated April 24, 2024

Scott Harris

Contributing Editor

Reviewed by

Megan Pietrucha

Contributing Reviewer

Our Integrity Network

TheBestSchools.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

• Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
• Provide specific, corrective feedback.
• Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for TheBestSchools.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

A child psychology master's degree can lead to many fulfilling career paths in counseling and therapy to help children with developmental issues, behavioral challenges, or mental health disorders

A child psychology degree provides focused training for careers working with children. The degree builds strong analytical, research, and clinical skills. Graduates apply their degrees as school counselors, behavioral therapists, and child therapists. The degree also prepares students for additional education in child psychology at the doctoral level.

Many online colleges offer psychology graduate programs . In addition to child psychology, degree-seekers can specialize in educational psychology or school psychology. This guide ranks the best online master's programs in child and adolescent psychology. Prospective applicants can use the ranking to find the right fit for their interests and career goals.

The Best Online Master's in Child and Adolescent Psychology Programs

The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

#1 Best Online Master’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology

Capella University

• Minneapolis, MN

Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Capella University offers an online master's in psychology, child and adolescent development. The program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles with increased earning potential. A master's degree often helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.

The curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in psychology. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants without a background in the field may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling.

Online learners can often complete professional internships at approved locations in their own community. Those who live near campus can enjoy amenities and facilities such as the library and gym. The master's program encourages graduate students to attend networking events to expand their professional connections.

Capella University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private, for-profit, four-year

Total Online Master's Programs: 78

Graduate Tuition In State: $14,767

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $14,767

#2 Best Online Master’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology

National University

• San Diego, CA

The online master's in child and adolescent developmental psychology degree at National University, located in San Diego, California, prioritizes flexibility. The program helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.

The curriculum explores psychology research and methodologies. Learners can choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in psychology.

Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. The psychology program encourages graduate students to attend networking events to expand their professional connections.

National University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year

Total Online Master's Programs: 26

Graduate Tuition In State: $16,983

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $16,983

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools  cannot buy better rankings  at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

• Affordability
• Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The  Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System  (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's  National Center for Education Statistics  (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the  College Navigator .

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from  AcademicInfluence.com , subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About our ranking factors.

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

• Collapse All

Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%, online enrollment - 10%.

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through  contact page .

We thank you for your readership and trust.

Best Online Master's in Child and Adolescent Psychology Programs

What is an online master's in child and adolescent psychology.

An online master's in child psychology degree trains graduate students in advanced psychological assessment, research methods, and treatment. Psychology degrees prepare graduates for careers working with children and doctoral programs in child psychology.

Graduate programs in child psychology may appeal to professionals seeking roles as child psychologists, school psychologists, child therapists, and behavioral therapists. Students often have undergraduate degrees in psychology or related social sciences.

Most master's programs require each candidate to possess an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA. Applicants also submit recommendation letters, personal statements, and resumes.

During a master's program, a psychology degree-seeker completes 30-40 credits of coursework in child development, psychology research methods, and child psychopathology. Many programs offer specialized courses in relevant topics such as bullying, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders. Graduate learners often complete supervised practicum training to develop and strengthen clinical skills.

What's the Difference Between a Master of Arts and Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Psychology?

Master of arts (MA) and master of science (MS) degrees in child and adolescent psychology train students to assess and treat mental health disorders. Both programs emphasize psychology research and experiential training. However, an MA offers a greater focus on counseling approaches, while an MS emphasizes research. Some master's in psychology programs offer MA and MS tracks.

Master's Degrees in Child and Adolescent Psychology

Ma in child and adolescent psychology.

Focuses on:

Counseling and therapy skills. An MA typically focuses on treatment approaches rather than psychological research and methodologies. Graduates can go on to pursue doctoral degrees in psychology, particularly those that emphasize clinical work.

Best for these career paths:

• School counselor
• Child and adolescent therapist

MS in Child and Adolescent Psychology

Research and the scientific approach to psychology. An MS generally emphasizes research methods, behavioral studies, and human development. The degree prepares students for research-focused doctorates in psychology.

• Postsecondary psychology teacher
• Psychology research assistant

What Can I Expect When Pursuing an Online Master's in Child and Adolescent Psychology?

Online child and adolescent psychology programs blend classroom and clinical training to prepare graduates for careers working with children. Master's students strengthen their training through psychology courses and experiential learning. Most programs include a supervised practicum or field experience for enrollees to develop practical skills.

Many graduate students focus on a subfield of child and adolescent psychology. Common concentrations within child and adolescent psychology include:

• Child psychopathology
• School psychology
• Human development

Common Courses in Master's in Child and Adolescent Psychology Online Programs

Master's students in child and adolescent psychology study developmental psychology, ethics, assessment and treatment, and research methods. Each child psychology program sets a distinct curriculum, but below are some common master's-level courses.

• Current Issues in Child and Adolescent Psychology: Graduate students examine current research in the field and core psychological and developmental theories. The course introduces learners to graduate-level study in child and adolescent psychology.
• Developmental Psychology: The course covers typical and atypical social and emotional development for children and adolescents. Students examine emotional regulation, attachment, and social behavior. The course evaluates internal and interpersonal processes.
• Ethics: Clinicians and counselors must follow strict ethical guidelines, particularly when working with children and adolescents. This course introduces ethical considerations when conducting psychological research or offering clinical treatment.
• Psychological Assessment: Learners examine the assessment process for common mental health disorders encountered during childhood and adolescence. The course introduces the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic process and research on assessment techniques. It also teaches how to assess child psychopathology.
• Research Methods: This course introduces graduate-level psychology research techniques. Students review current research in the field and examine research methodologies. They learn to critically assess research, design scientific inquiries, and follow ethical guidelines.

Choosing an Online Master's in Child and Adolescent Psychology Program

Which child psychology school should you choose? Many applicants research tuition and fees , discounts for in-state residents or online learners, and credit requirements to identify their ideal program. Prospective enrollees must also research specialization options, graduate advisors, and field experience options to identify the right fit for their unique needs.

Many of the top-ranked psychology programs offer child and adolescent psychology specializations. Online programs should also work with students to find local practicum opportunities. In addition, make sure the program meets the requirements for accreditation and licensure.

Accreditation for Online Master's in Child and Adolescent Psychology Degrees

Prospective graduate students should always choose accredited universities . Accredited schools meet the highest standards for educating students and granting degrees. Colleges and degree programs earn accreditation after undergoing rigorous review.

During an accreditation review, independent accrediting agencies evaluate schools on their student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements. Degrees from accredited programs meet the requirements for state licensure for clinical practice and admission to doctoral programs.

Child and Adolescent Psychology Careers

Many careers with a psychology degree draw on the analytical, counseling, and treatment skills gained during a master's in child psychology degree. With a master's degree, professionals work in psychology research, school psychology, school counseling, and behavior therapy.

Some career paths, including becoming a psychologist, require a doctorate. A master's degree can prepare graduates for doctoral-level study in child psychology. Psychiatry is different from psychology and requires an MD. This section introduces common career paths for individuals with a graduate degree in child and adolescent psychology.

Psychologist

Median Annual Salary: $117,750

Psychologists examine human behavior in scientific and clinical settings. They research cognitive processes and diagnose mental health disorders. Child psychologists specialize in developmental issues and behavioral challenges specific to children and adolescents. Other specialties that work closely with children include school psychology. Psychologists must hold doctorates and state-issued licenses.

School Counselor

Median Annual Salary: $61,710

School counselors work closely with students, parents, teachers, and school administrators to help young learners strengthen their academic and social skills. At the high school level, they advise students on higher education and career paths. They also recommend approaches to improve academic performance, educate students about social and emotional health, and help learners manage behavioral issues. A school counselor must possess a master's degree and acquire certification. In some states, they must also have a background in education.

Child and Adolescent Psychology Professional Organizations

Professional associations help child psychology students enter the workforce and advance their training. These organizations host conferences and events with networking opportunities. They also offer professional development tools, educational resources, and career advice, including job boards. Learn more about professional associations in child and adolescent psychology below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Psychology Degrees

Can you become a child psychologist with a master's degree.

No. Child psychologists must hold a doctorate in psychology and a state-issued license. However, several research-focused psychology careers and school psychology careers in many states only require a master's degree.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Child Psychology?

A master's in child psychology typically takes two years for full-time students. Part-time students may take 2-4 years to complete their degrees. After earning a master's degree, graduates can enter the workforce, pursue licensure at the master's level, or pursue doctorates in child psychology.

How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Child Psychologist?

A child psychologist typically spends at least five years in graduate school to complete a doctorate and apply for licensure as a psychologist.

Genevieve Carlton holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University. After earning her doctorate in early modern European history, Carlton worked as an assistant professor of history at the University of Louisville, where she developed new courses on the history of science, Renaissance Italy, and the witch trials. Carlton has published five peer-reviewed articles in top presses and a monograph with the University of Chicago Press. She also earned tenure with a unanimous vote before relocating to Seattle. Learn more about Carlton's work at genevievecarlton.com .

Reviewed by: Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D.

Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist who currently practices in the Chicago area. She holds a bachelor's in psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University and a master's and doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. Her clinical interests include the treatment of eating and body image concerns, college student and student-athlete mental health, mood disorders, health and wellness, mindfulness, sport and performance psychology, and consultation. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Pietrucha has served as the training director for an APA-accredited internship program and has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology. She has also worked with high school and college athletes and teams, as well as recreational fitness programs, to provide mental skills training for athletic performance and fitness adherence.

Learn more, do more.

More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge., popular with our students..

Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.

Take the next step toward your future with online learning.

Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.

We are training the next generation of academic leaders and scientists in the field of developmental science. Our comprehensive training is designed to form scientists, policy-makers, and scientifically-informed professionals who will work toward positive change in the lives of infants, children, adolescents, and families from diverse backgrounds. Faculty research specialties include culture, race, and ethnicity; family, school, and peer influences; and neurobiological bases of health and development.

The Developmental Program maintains a flexible curriculum, understanding that each student’s preparation is unique. We have close affiliations with the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and the Carolina Consortium on Human Development . We offer dual-program studies with other programs in the Department (i.e., Social, Cognitive, Quantitative, Clinical, and Behavioral Integrative Neuroscience), and closely collaborate with these programs. Students in the Developmental Program can work with several faculty members whose primary appointments are in other programs. Click here to see our faculty . Learn more about our curriculum , mission and values , and our application process .

Psychology, PhD (Developmental)

On this page:.

The PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Developmental psychology aims to understand and improve the lives of individuals and families across the lifespan.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: Psychology, PhD

The PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Developmental psychology aims to understand and improve the lives of individuals and families across the lifespan. Faculty in the Developmental Psychology Program study infancy, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and midlife into old age. Through the innovative combination of basic science, community-based interventions, and use of contemporary methods of analysis, the Developmental Psychology training area offers unique opportunities for students to build both skills and relationships across the university and local communities. Your research at ASU will have practical applications and you will be able to see the difference that you make in the lives of real people. For a full list of labs,  visit the Developmental Labs section of the website here .

The Doctor of Philosophy program in psychology with an emphasis on developmental psychology offers training in the theories and methods of developmental psychology and how they are applied in real-world settings. By development, we mean the transformations and changes that occur across the lifespan and the processes that influence not only behaviors, emotions, and cognition, but also the underlying genetic and biological mechanisms.

Developmental psychologists work in a variety of settings, including academia, government agencies, health care facilities, and schools. Those working at universities tend to focus primarily on research and teaching. Others work in applied settings, such as nonprofits and health care facilities. Developmental psychologists may work with individuals at any age. The majority of the graduates of our Developmental Psychology program have gone on to research and teaching careers in academia or government and industry.

IMPORTANT: To be considered for PhD program, you must complete the application through ASU's online portal AND submit your material through  Slideroom .

Explore the Developmental Faculty Here

Current Developmental Students

Developmental FAQs

Developmental Research Laboratories

Adolescent Stress and Emotion Lab  (Doane)

Child Emotion Center  (Lemery-Chalfant)

Courage Lab  (Pina)

Lifespan Developmental Lab  (Infurna)

Emerging Minds Lab (Lucca)

Science of Learning and Educational Technology (SoLET) Lab  (McNamara)

Genes, Environment, Youth and Development (Su)

Theory of Mind / Father and Divorce Labs  (Fabricius)

Heart Healthy Experiences Across Relationships and Transitions Lab  (Ha)

Learning and Development Lab  (Benitez)

Application requirements are found in the  doctoral admissions  pages. To apply for doctoral training in Developmental Psychology register with the graduate college  HERE .

Faculty Fingerprint

Fingerprint comes from data mining our scientific contributions. Learn more about us. Check out our global fingerprint and enjoy the visualizations:

Viridiana Benitez

Robert Bradley

Nancy Eisenberg

William Fabricius

Frank Infurna

Kathryn Lemery

Kelsey Lucca

Armando Pina

Danielle McNamara

Student Handbook

Graduate students in the Developmental Psychology training area receive coursework training in the areas listed below. The total number of hours required by the Graduate College for the PhD is 84; 42 of coursework and 42 of research/reading & conference. Other courses offered by developmental faculty, affiliated faculty, visiting professors, or offered in other departments may be substituted by approval of the developmental faculty.

Courses and electives

Expand the options below to see what courses are available in each required area. Graduate students are expected to complete 84 credit hours. 

+ Core Courses (24 credit hours)

Developmental Theory Courses . Students are required to take at least one course:

• CDE 531 Theoretical Issues in Child Development
• PSY 591 Advanced Developmental Psychology
• PSY 591 Lifespan Developmental
• PSY 591 Theories of Development

Developmental Methods Courses . Students are required to take at least one course:

• PSY 600 Developmental Research Methods
• CDE 533 Research Issues in Child Development
• PSY 555 Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs
• PSY 600 Research Methods
• PSY 536 Methods in Prevention Research
• PSY 591 Methods in Developmental Psychobiology

Quantitative Courses.  Students are required to take at least four of the following courses:

• PSY 530 Analysis of Variance
• PSY 531 Multiple Regression Analysis
• PSY 532 Analysis of Multivariate Data
• PSY 533 Structural Equation Modeling
• PSY 591 Multilevel Modeling
• PSY 591 Longitudinal Data Analyses
• PSY 591 Statistical Mediation Analyses
• PSY 591 Missing Data Analyses
• PSY 591 Multivariate Analysis of Variance
• PSY 539/540 Meta-Analysis
• PSY 591 Advanced Regression and Graphics
• PSY 591 Item Response Theory
• PSY 537 Longitudinal Growth Modeling
• PSY 538  Advanced Structural Equation Modeling

Plus others that may be offered outside the Department of Psychology, such as longitudinal modeling, categorical data analysis, qualitative data analysis, time series analysis, subject to approval by the developmental faculty.

+ Electives (6 credit hours)

Depth Courses: Topical Courses of a Developmental Nature . Students are required to take at least four courses with at least two from developmental faculty:

• PSY 542 Social Development
• PSY 591 Social-Cognitive Development—Theory of Mind
• PSY 591 Language Development
• PSY 591 Research in Cognitive Development
• PSY 591 Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
• PSY 591 Emotional Development
• PSY 591 Moral Development
• PSY 591 Home Impact on Child Development
• PSY 591 Childcare, Early Education, and Child Development
• PSY 591/CDE 612 Children’s Peer Relationships
• PSY 591 Successful Aging
• PSY 591 Resilience Processes and Development
• PSY 591 Developmental Behavior Genetics
• PSY 578 Developmental Psychopathology
• CDE 534 Risk and Resilience
• CDE 610 Gender and Development
• CDE 634 Prevention and Child Development

Plus others that may be offered outside the Department of Psychology, such as speech and language development, subject to approval by the developmental faculty.

Professional Development.  

• PSY 591 Teaching of Psychology
• PSY 501 Supervised Teaching
• PSY 591 Professional Writing and Reviewing
• PSY 591 Grant Writing/Professional Development
• PSY 680 Topics in Professional Development (1-3 credit option)

Breadth Courses: Psychological Foundations . Students are required to take at least two courses from other areas within the department that will provide the student with a broader perspective including the social, cognitive, and/or biological bases of human behavior. These courses are taught by Department of Psychology faculty; coursework from other departments or schools are subject to approval from the developmental faculty.

+ Research (42 credit hours)

Research: Reading & Conference, Master’s Thesis . Students are required to take 42 research credits and this requirement could be satisfied with some combination of masters, dissertation, RA, and supervised research via the courses listed below. When those 42 credits are completed, there are no more research requirements.

• PSY 592 Supervised Research or PSY 590 Reading and Conference (at least 9 credits)
• PSY 599 Master’s Thesis (at least 6 credits)
• PSY 792 Post-Master’s Research or PSY 790 Reading and Conference (at least 15 credits)

+ Dissertation (12 credit hours)

• PSY 799 Dissertation Research (at least 12 credits)

Transfer students : with the approval of the degree program and ASU's Graduate College, students may include a maximum of 12 graduate-level credit hours with grades of “B” or better that were not used towards a previous degree. Preadmission credits must have been taken within three years of admission to the ASU degree program to be accepted. The PhD program can also accept an admitted students Master’s degree and this would count as 30 credits towards the 84 required  for the program. 

At a Glance

• Location:   Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement:  No

Degree Requirements

The 84 credit-hour program of study includes a master’s thesis, comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. Coursework covers theory, methods, advanced statistics, professional development (e.g., grant writing and teaching), general psychology breadth courses, and developmental psychology depth courses. Prospective doctoral candidates should have a passion and interest in developmental psychology, have demonstrated research skills through experience in a research lab or senior thesis, and have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA. 

The FAQ tab on the left contains more information on the graduate program and application process. The faculty take a holistic approach to evaluating applications of prospective students, including the review of their written statement, research experience, GPA, and letters of recommendation. We also understand that applying to graduate school can be an expensive process. Please contact us if you have financial need and/or assistance with application fees.

Applicants who are interested in learning more about the faculty’s current research projects and whether they are accepting students are encouraged to  reach out  to them or a member of their lab directly. Click to read about  faculty who are accepting graduate students for the 2024-2025 academic year and contact information for current graduate students in their lab .

Admission Requirements

The Department of Psychology application process is completed online through  ASU Graduate Admissions . Prospective students must submit the admission application form along with the fee and official transcripts.

For the department’s doctoral programs, students must submit supplemental application materials through  SlideRoom , which requires an additional fee. For complete instructions for applying to the PhD program, visit our  Doctoral Admission requirements  page.

Next Steps to Attend ASU

Learn about our programs.

Request information

Apply to a program

Visit our campus.

Schedule a visit

Global Opportunities

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs.

Request Information

If you have questions related to admission, please  click here  to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.

Online Students

For All Online Programs

International Students

On Campus, need or have Visa

Campus Students

For All Campus Programs

Master's in Child Psychology & Development Online MS in Psychology Concentration

Earn a Master's in Child Psychology

• $637/credit (36 credits total)
• Transfer up to 12 graduate credits
• Learn from faculty with real-world experience
• Work with children and adolescents
• Learn valuable research skills
• No application fee or GRE/GMAT scores required

Master's in Child Psychology Concentration Overview

If you want to make a difference in the lives of children and adolescents, then consider an online Master of Science in Psychology (MS) with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Psychology with Southern New Hampshire University.

Focus on the study of research methods, cognitive psychology, social psychology, personality, learning theory, ethical practice and more. You’ll learn how people grow and adapt at different stages of life, while helping them reach their full potential.

In the master's in child psychology online program, you'll develop assessment, evaluation and treatment strategies that address the unique individual, cultural and psychological needs of children and families. Hone your research methods and learn about developmental psychology and intervention strategies in depth, specifically as they relate to children and adolescents.

While the child psychology master’s program does not lead to state licensure, the degree program can prepare you for a rich and rewarding career working with children and adolescents, as well as prepare you to pursue doctoral studies.

.st0{fill:#21386D;} What You'll Learn

• How to support the psychological well-being of all people
• How to design, conduct and evaluate research
• Developmental psychology specific to children and adolescents
• Appreciation for collaboration and diversity of perspectives
• Ethical practices in all aspects of the profession of psychology

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

8 Types of Psychology with Real-World Perspective

The study of psychology can be personally and professionally rewarding. Among the many concentrations in the field you can find diverse opportunities to learn about how people interact with one another in relationships, in the workplace and more.

Career Outlook

The MS degree in child and adolescent developmental psychology degree typically attracts others who want to help young people, either immediately after graduating or upon completion of a doctoral degree.

While the master's in psychology online  program does not lead to licensure or certification, it does prepare you to continue your education or to enter a number of fields.  

Where Could You Work?

Child welfare agencies.

Investigate reports of possible child abuse or neglect, provide services to families in need of assistance or arrange for protection and care of children who are victims of neglect. 

Use your expertise in psychology to help children of all ages with their mental and behavioral health, social skills or even academics. 

Group homes

Provide support or other treatment to assist children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral and other needs.

Parenting programs

You can also use your skills to assist parents who need training in basic parenting skills to help children stay safe and in the home. 

Healthcare facilities

There are many opportunities within healthcare facilities to assist children and families with stress, mental illness or other behavioral challenges. You could teach classes for parents, families and educators about parenting skills and classroom management techniques.

Your skills can translate to virtually any setting where children, adolescents and families need professional guidance or intervention.

Graduates of the child and adolescent developmental psychology program can enter the psychology career field confidently possessing the knowledge and skills in research, analysis, assessment, human behavior and professional collaboration necessary to succeed in the job of your choice.

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } Job Growth

With a predicted 6% increase in job outlook across the entire psychology profession from 2022 to 2032, career prospects are strong. 1

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary across psychologists of all specialties was $85,330 in 2023. 1

Understanding the Numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Child Development Degree Concentration

Start your journey toward an online psychology degree flexible with no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. affordable as part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. in fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. prior coursework and work experience could also help you save time and money. snhu’s transfer policy  allows you to transfer up to 12 credits from your previous institution. you could also earn college credit for previous work experience . respected founded in 1932 , southern new hampshire university is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. snhu is accredited by the new england commission of higher education (neche), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.  recently, snhu has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education: “most innovative” regional university honors from u.s. news & world report each year since 2015 a $1 million grant from google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth recognition as a 2017 digital learning innovator by the online learning consortium network at southern new hampshire university, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities. 93.2% of online students would recommend snhu according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents. discover why snhu may be right for you . admission requirements expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. that’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials: completed free application undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms . the online master’s in psychology degree program requires individuals to have earned an undergraduate psychology degree online , or on campus, or a bachelor’s degree in another discipline and have completed undergraduate coursework in the following 3 areas: introduction to psychology social science statistics research methods in a social science for those who do not meet the minimum requirements, one or more of the following courses may be required: psy-500: foundations of psychology scs-501: foundations in statistics scs-502: foundations in research methods this program does not prepare you for state licensure. how to apply if you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going: complete free graduate application submit undergraduate transcripts work with an admission counselor  to explore financial options  and walk through application process if (typeof accordiongroup === "undefined") { window.accordiongroup = new accordion(); } accordiongroup.init(document.getelementbyid('f72d0fdeee6240389537115cd35fe05d')); help someone reach their full potential.

“Developmental psychologists study how people grow and adapt – physically and psychologically . . . and conduct research to understand and support people to reach their full potential,”

Courses & Curriculum

In this master's program, you'll learn to apply psychology research and theories to real-world contexts. Courses are taught by instructors with professional credentials and industry experience.

"Psychology’s status as a science is grounded in the use of the scientific method," said Dr. Nickolas Dominello, associate dean of social sciences at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). "Psychologists base their professional practice in knowledge that is obtained through verifiable evidence of human behavior and mental process." The curriculum for the master's in child psychology at SNHU was designed with this in mind.

The degree program consists of 36 credits total, with 24 major credits in general psychology and 12 credits that focus specifically on child and developmental psychology. All students must have a bachelor's degree that includes coursework in introduction to psychology, social science statistics and research methods in a social science. Students without this coursework are still eligible for the child psychology master's program, but may have to complete comparable foundational coursework prior to beginning major coursework.

Major Courses

Throughout all courses, you'll deepen your understanding in crucial areas of psychology including cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology and cognitive neuropsychology. Major courses may include:

• Research Methods in Psychology. Learn how to gather and analyze data to plan and conduct research in real-world applications.
• Social Psychology. Examine contemporary and classic theory on how people interact with their environment, technology and society as a whole, and how that affects their behavior.
• Theories of Personality. Explore the theories and approaches that pertain to personality and its many variations throughout disparate populations.
• Ethical Practice in Psychology. Study moral principles within the field of psychology and where you may learn to apply expected professional standards of conduct.

In addition to these areas, you'll also sharpen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills while applying theory to practical applications. All coursework integrates how mental processes such as memory, language, attention, learning and decision-making inform the practice of psychology.

Concentration Courses

To build on this foundation in general psychology, you can then add key coursework to prepare you for a career working with children and adolescents. Child and developmental psychology concentration courses include:

• Developmental Psychology. Dive into a variety of theoretical perspectives leading to an understanding of contemporary topics central to childhood and adolescent development.
• Cognitive Neuropsychology. Examine the neuropsychological approach to examining the connection between the brain and cognitive processes. Studying dysfunctions from birth to adolescence, you'll learn techniques used to study the brain and behavior.
• Intervention Strategies. Cover the major intervention strategies in child and adolescent development. Contemporary and traditional strategies in the field may be examined. Students may also practice applying these strategies to real-world scenarios.
• Child and Developmental Psychology Seminar. Integrate all skills and knowledge gained throughout the program to demonstrate your proficiency in developmental psychology, cognitive neuropsychology and intervention strategies.

Across all courses in the program, you'll hone key transferable skills that can position you to apply these skills in the study of psychology across the profession. Such skills include written and oral communication, statistics and research methods.

The master's in child development online culminates in a capstone course for all students. This course is designed to allow you to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills you've gained in the study of child and developmental psychology. Rather than introduce new concepts, the aim of this course is to support student success in readying you to apply the scientific method and use observation, experimentation and analysis throughout your career.

Minimum Hardware Requirements Component Type   PC (Windows OS)   Apple (Mac OS)   Operating System  Currently supported operating system from Microsoft.   Currently supported operating system from Apple.  Memory (RAM)  8GB or higher  8GB or higher  Hard Drive  100GB or higher  100GB or higher  Antivirus Software  Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students.  Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students.  SNHU Purchase Programs  Visit Dell   Visit Apple   Internet/ Bandwidth  5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency  5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency  Notes:   Laptop or desktop?   Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.  Note:   Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.  Office 365 Pro Plus  is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for  Microsoft 365 plans  for business, education and government.  Antivirus software:  Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.  if (typeof accordionGroup === "undefined") { window.accordionGroup = new accordion(); } accordionGroup.init(document.getElementById('f756dce5bd874c61855f6f6e92d88470')); University Accreditation

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs: Course Materials ($ varies by course). Foundational courses may be required based on your undergraduate course history, which may result in additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can You Do With a Homeland Security Degree?

SNHU Spotlight: Katlyn Genovese, BS in Criminal Justice Grad

Academic Spotlight: Dr. Nickolas Dominello, Senior Associate Dean of Social Sciences

1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at: https://www.bls.gov/OOH/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm (viewed Oct. 30, 2023)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

• Developmental Psychology

New Research Suggests That Pre-K Could Protect Kids Who Face Systemic Disadvantages

Tc’s tyler watts explains his recently published research on pre-k effects in north carolina.

Start Your Career in Developmental Psychology

Our master's graduates work in research labs, biomedical institutions, educational and child care agencies, foundations, public policy settings, state and local governments, community programs, and as instructors in community colleges.

The National Library of Medicine featured Dr. Sonya Troller-Renfree’s senior-authored paper, Fostering Inclusion in EEG Measures of Pediatric Brain Activity.

View the full paper here. 

Welcome to the Developmental Psychology program

The Developmental Psychology programs focuses on the development of individuals across their lifespan within the context of family, peer groups, child-care and after-school programs, schools, neighborhoods, and larger communities and society. We consider the well-being of children, youth, and adults, vis-a-vis the cognitive, emotional, social, academic, and health domains. Our research focuses on the disparities among groups as well as the ways in which equity among groups may be promoted via educational and societal strategies. Our curriculum stresses theory and research in the service of policy and practice.

Choose Your Degree

• Master of Arts
• Doctor of Philosophy

In the Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology program, graduate students acquire familiarity with basic theoretical and research orientations as well as exposure to substantive knowledge in the areas of cognitive, language, personality, and social functioning and development. Students study deviant as well as normal psychological functioning within a developmental framework.

• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Developmental Psychology - 32 credits

The doctoral degree prepares students for faculty positions in colleges, graduate schools of education, and universities, and for positions as research associates in laboratories, biomedical schools, foundations, policy research firms, governmental agencies, and NPOs.

Throughout their program, our doctoral candidates work in a close apprentice relationship with a faculty advisor of their choice. All Ph.D. degrees require an empirical research dissertation.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Developmental Psychology - 75 credits
• View as grid
• View as list

Admissions Information

Application requirements.

• Developmental Psychology (Psychology-Developmental)

Fund Your Degree

• Tuition & Fees
• Financial Aid
• Request Info

Program Director : Dr. Kimberly Noble

Contact Person: Jonathan Chastain

Phone: (212) 678-4190

Email: hud1@tc.columbia.edu