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

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market across all positions for psychologists is expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032.¹

Note: The title "psychologist" usually requires a doctoral degree.

Employment of clinical, counseling and school psychologists, in particular, is projected to grow due to the demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers and social service agencies.¹ Due to the unique toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on many individuals' mental health, including children, psychologists experienced an increase in demand and will likely continue to see demand rise over the coming years.¹

While child psychologists do have a broad background in psychology overall, their focus is on children and adolescents. This includes patients from the very young to age 19.

The work involves evaluating children for a range of disorders, such as anxiety and depression, learning disabilities or attention deficit disorder. On a daily basis, the work may include interviewing new patients and conducting assessments, performing psychotherapy or administrating diagnostic tests and determining a treatment plan.

The work may take place in a hospital or private practice, or perhaps in a clinic. Because child psychologists also work with adolescents up to age 19, the work may also happen at a university or even a prison or teen detention center.

With a master’s in child development, there are many opportunities available to make a real difference in the lives of others. Understanding child and adolescent development involves studying how people grow and adapt at different life stages. Expertise in this area allows you to help others reach their full potential, be it through clinical work, education or as an advocate.

Some possible career paths include:

• School psychologist: In this role, you might be part of a team to support the ability of students to learn. More specifically, you might be in a position to apply your professional expertise in mental health and child development to help students of all ages succeed academically and behaviorally. Becoming a school psychologist typically involves advanced education, training and licensure. Specific requirements can vary based on location.
• Clinical psychologist: This is a specialized role that requires licensure to work with others in a mental health setting. As a clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent psychology, you might diagnose and treat people in this age group who have a variety of mental, behavioral and emotional illnesses.
• School counselor: Working full time in a school, the person in this role may use their child development background to help students develop both academic and social skills. They may provide advice and guidance on career or college choices, and generally help direct students so they may move forward in school and in life with confidence. As with school psychologists, becoming a school counselor may require additional training and licensure.
• Social worker: A background in child development may be especially helpful for the person in this role. You may work to help others solve problems relating to their family structure and home life. You may help protect vulnerable children and families and provide support to ensure their safety. You may also receive additional training and licensure qualifying you to diagnose and treat a variety of mental, behavioral and emotional issues.
• Child advocate: In this role, you may work as a lobbyist, taking action to influence lawmakers to create more legal protections for children and families. You may work to ensure that a child’s behavioral, medical and emotional needs are met. Or, you may facilitate court-ordered family visitations or attend court hearings as an advocate to a child.
• Qualified intellectual disability professional: This is a specialized role where a strong background in child and adolescent development can be very helpful. In this role, you may work with individuals or small groups to help persons with intellectual disabilities learn life skills and job skills.

Note: Becoming a psychologist requires a doctoral degree. Many of the positions above require education, training or licensure beyond a master's degree.

Whichever career path you choose, you can have the opportunity to apply your understanding of how people learn and develop at different stages of life.

With a master's in child development, you'll have the unique training and understanding necessary to help others grow, adapt and reach their fullest potential in all areas of life.

Not only are child development classes available online, they're available at a high level of rigor and accessibility.

When considering an online program, it’s important to ensure that the school is accredited. You should also look for evidence that the school has a demonstrated commitment to student success. Internships and experiential opportunities can round out an online education and prepare you for the workplace.

Perhaps the best part of studying for a master's in child development online is the ability to customize the pace of your education. Courses are available 24/7, so you can complete your work on your schedule and at your own pace.

With SNHU, you can take courses such as:

• Developmental Psychology: This course provides a deep dive into the theoretical perspectives of child and adolescent development.
• Cognitive Neuropsychology: Closely examine the psychology behind how the brain works. The study of the brain and behavior are the hallmarks of this course.
• Intervention Strategies: Both contemporary and traditional intervention methods within child and adolescent development may be covered here. You may also have the opportunity to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Child and Developmental Psychology Seminar: This course may take a holistic view of child and adolescent psychology, integrating all skills learned throughout the master's in child development online program.

Each of these courses is designed to provide you with top-of-the-line instruction in the field of child development so that whichever direction you choose to take your career, you are ready to help others reach their fullest potential.

A great deal of formal education is required to become a licensed child psychologist. A bachelor’s degree online, or on campus, in a related field is the best place to start. From there, a master's in child psychology or a related field is a great next step.

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll get the opportunity to begin your career in psychology with us even if your existing bachelor’s degree is in another field. If needed, you’ll simply complete up to 3 foundational courses in general psychology and research methods to prepare you for the major coursework in the degree program.

While the child psychology master’s program does not directly lead to licensure or certification, students will find the coursework well-aligned with industry standards and expectations. You will also graduate with the preparation necessary for doctoral-level coursework should you choose to continue with your studies. It can also lead to a host of rewarding careers that allow you to help children and adolescents reach their fullest potential.

At SNHU, the child and adolescent developmental psychology degree can be completed in as little as 15 months. Our admission counselors and academic advisors can help ensure that you receive the maximum number of transfer credits possible based on any past coursework you may have taken. From there, you can take courses at the pace that suits your schedule.

To become a fully licensed child psychologist, you generally need a doctoral degree in psychology. A focus on an aspect of child psychology, child development or adolescent psychology is also needed.

No matter the area of specialty, every state requires licensure to practice as a clinician. While the MS program at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is not a clinical program and does not prepare you for state licensure, it does provide the foundation needed for a rich and rewarding career in child and adolescent psychology or related fields.

Our program includes 24 credits of major coursework, including such courses as:

• Social Psychology. Learn about the interactions between people and their environment and society. You may also study theory and perspectives of social psychology.
• Cognitive Processes. Study topics such as memory, language and decision-making for people of all ages.
• Measurement and Assessment. Where you may learn to apply psychometric techniques commonly used in the field of psychology. This could involve analysis and assessment of psychological test results, and the examination of related ethical issues.

The earning potential for psychologists looks bright. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for psychologists of all specialties was $92,740 in 2023.¹ Between 2022 and 2032, jobs for psychologists are expected to grow by 6%, which is on par with the national average for all professions.¹

Child psychologists may work in a variety of professional settings including local, state and federal government. They may also work in hospitals and clinics or in private practice. It’s also not uncommon for child psychologists to work in elementary and secondary schools, assisting students of all ages.