Child psychology programs examine how people learn, develop, and adapt over the course of their lives. To understand how identities are formed, students may participate in discussions about topics like “nature versus nurture.” Typically, individuals who wish to work in child psychology must hold a doctoral degree and be licensed.
Compulsory coursework and fieldwork may be combined in child psychology degree requirements. Some programs might let students select a focus area that could serve as the basis for independent research projects.
To help prepare graduates for careers in a variety of psychology-related fields, including clinical psychology and forensic psychology, many of Georgia’s colleges and universities offer best undergraduate and graduate psychology degree programs.
Child Psychology Graduate Programs in Georgia
Below is a list some of the popular schools offering child psychology degree programs in Georgia:
- Georgia Gwinnett College
- University of Georgia
- Grand Canyon University
- West Georgia University
- Capella University
- Augusta State University
- Southern New Hampshire University (Online)
Georgia Gwinnett College
School Information
In 2005, Georgia Gwinnett College was established as a public college. The campus is 260 acres in size, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,949 (fall 2021), and is located in a suburban area. It has expanded quickly, from the initial 118 students in 2006 to more than 12,000 in 2019. The institution is categorized as a baccalaureate institution.
The academic calendar is based on semesters. Georgia Gwinnett College is ranked #54 in Regional Colleges South in the 2022–2023 edition of Best Colleges.
Child Psychology Program Information
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology program at Georgia Gwinnett College offers four concentration options for psychology majors: clinical and personality psychology, cognitive psychology and neuroscience, development and educational psychology, and social and applied psychology.
In addition to the 60 credits required for psychology majors, there are also three credits in physical education and wellness that must be completed. Up to two internships may be completed by psychology majors, one of which may be substituted for the senior capstone project.
Typically, internships take place at a community center, in a lab, on campus, or by observing a working professional.
University of Georgia
School Information
The University of Georgia was established as a public university in 1785. It is located in a city, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 30,166 (fall 2021), and has a 767-acre campus. The academic calendar is based on semesters. The University of Georgia is ranked #49 nationally in the 2022–2023 edition of Best Colleges.
The University of Georgia made history when it was established as the first public, state-funded university in America. The school’s thriving student body is now a point of pride. The NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference is home to the spirited Bulldogs sports teams, and UGA’s college town of Athens was named one of the best college towns in the nation by U.S. News.
Child Psychology Program Information
The University of Georgia offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology degree program. In addition to psychology core and elective courses, the 121-credit undergraduate program mandates that students complete general college requirements in math, science, English, physical education, and history.
Research design, research analysis, and one course from each of biological psychology and social psychology are required of all psychology majors. The psychology department encourages students to join the campus chapter of Psi Chi, the national honor society for psychology students, and the Neuroscience Student Association, and provides both internship and research opportunities within the department.
West Georgia University
School Information
The University of West Georgia was established as a public university in 1906. The campus is 645 acres in size and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 9,569 (fall 2021). It is located in a rural area. The academic calendar is based on semesters. University of West Georgia is ranked #331–440 in the National Universities category in the Best Colleges 2022–2023 edition.
Program Information
Graduate students have the choice of pursuing a thesis track or a non-thesis track in the Master of Arts (MA) in Humanistic Psychology program at the University of West Georgia. Graduate students should choose the thesis track if they intend to continue in a doctoral program.
For degree requirements, students must complete 33 credits for the thesis track and 45 credits for the non-thesis track. Students who are not on the thesis track are allowed to take up to 12 credits in another field. All graduate students are required to enroll in two foundational courses in humanistic psychology and human development.
The graduate program at the university distinguishes itself from conventional master’s programs by emphasizing a holistic approach that includes in-depth study of the field’s thinkers, like Freud. Students may take part in a practicum, which typically focuses on psychotherapy, regardless of their chosen track.
Augusta State University
School Information
Publicly funded Augusta University was established in 1828. There are 5,496 undergraduate students enrolled in total (fall 2021), the campus is 670 acres in size, and the location is urban. The academic calendar is based on semesters. In the National Universities category of the Best Colleges ranking for 2022–2023, Augusta University is ranked #331–440.
Child Psychology Program Information
Featuring a Master of Science (MS) in Psychology, Augusta State University. Graduate students in the full-time program are required to attend classes all year long, which enables them to finish their degree requirements in five semesters. There are only daytime classes available.
In areas like social psychology, learning psychology, and developmental psychology, graduate students will take a wide range of psychology courses. Graduate students can receive a stipend and a tuition discount by applying for one of the few limited number of graduate assistantships available.
Graduate students have the opportunity to participate in on-campus activities like Psi Chi, the annual fall lecture series, and the Yancey Mental Health Golf Tournament.
What Issues Does Child Psychology Address?
The scientific study of human growth is the primary focus of the majority of child psychology programs. With the goal of assisting individuals in realizing their potential, child psychologists look into a variety of changes from early childhood to young age. In light of how people interact and learn, the findings of child pssychology may be instructive.
Some students may choose to focus on patterns of development and behavior in children and adolescents within this broad context. Others might be fascinated by the challenges that older people face as they age.
What Does a Child Psychologist Study?
Graduate students in child psychology learn about the cognitive, perceptual, personality, social, emotional, and physical aspects of growth processes.
In order to test and evaluate these ideas, students also learn relevant best practices research techniques. The psychology of aging as well as child and adolescent behavior therapy may be highlighted by research.
Research and theory on early perceptual, cognitive, and social/emotional development are examined in developmental psychology in infancy. They may give particular focus on the interaction of biological and environmental factors in the early years of life.
Children’s cognition, perception, representation, language, affect, personality, and sexuality are emphasized in child psychology. The role of the family and the school in influencing these aspects of childhood is discussed.
Child Psychology Employment Options in Georgia
Candidates in Georgia must hold a doctoral degree in a related field in order to practice child psychology. Candidates must finish 1,500 hours of doctoral-level supervised work experience in order to obtain their license. 500 hours of patient contact must be included in the SWE, and a board-certified psychologist must oversee the course.
In Georgia, psychologists make an average salary of $90,000, or more than $43 per hour. Although there is a wide range in pay, entry-level professionals in the field can anticipate earning around $39,000, while the top 10% of earners in psychology earn more than $153,000 annually.
Child psychologists work in educational settings and help children with emotional, academic, and social issues. In their jobs, child psychologists have a lot of freedom.
Counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, psycho-educational assessment, social skill development, advocacy, behavioral interventions, academic interventions, and research are some of the typical roles.
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