Texas is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. This population increase is due to migration to the state from other states and abroad, as well as steady birth rates in the Lone Star State.
With an increasing general population comes a larger population of children. As of the most recent census, children comprised more than one-quarter of the state’s population, or about 7.375 million kids. These kids come from all manner of backgrounds and have many types of life experiences. Some lead happy, healthy lives, while others might struggle to find basic care and necessities.
As Texas’ population of children increases, there will be an increasing need for licensed child psychologists. Experts in child development, child psychology, educational psychology, and related areas can help children learn, grow, and prosper into adulthood.
Child Psychology Masters and PhD Degree Programs in Texas
If you are interested in studying psychology in Texas, the child psychology programs listed below are excellent options. Here are some of the best child psychology degree options Texas has to offer:
- The University of Texas at San Antonio
- Grand Canyon University
- The University of Texas at Austin
- Capella University
- Texas Woman’s University
- Purdue Global
- Lamar University
The University of Texas at San Antonio
School Information
The University of Texas at San Antonio is one of several schools that are part of the University of Texas system. The school is widely respected and has earned many different accolades, including:
- Carnegie Foundation R1 Research Status
- A #26 ranking in the nation for social mobility
- A #40 ranking in the nation for affordability
UTSA is also a diverse school with a large Hispanic population. In fact, the university ranks ninth in the nation for degrees awarded to Hispanic students. With nearly 35,000 students on campus, UTSA is a rich learning environment with students from all backgrounds and walks of life.
In 2021, UTSA invested $140 million in research for its 32 research institutes and centers. One area in which UTSA is a research leader is cybersecurity. The school’s online cybersecurity program is among the best in the nation.
Program Information
This Master of Arts in Educational Psychology is a 36-credit-hour program that takes about two years to complete if you study full-time (or about three years of part-time study). The program can be tailored to your specific interests. For example, if you are interested in working with children, you can focus on human development, learning, and teaching.
Your studies can also include coursework in related subjects to help you build a solid foundation of skills for working with children. This includes studies in:
- Special education
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Bicultural and bilingual education
- Educational leadership
A thesis is not required to graduate. However, you can choose to complete a thesis and earn six credit hours.
The University of Texas at Austin
School Information
The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship school in the University of Texas system. With nearly 52,000 students and 18 colleges and schools, it’s also one of the largest universities in the U.S.
UT-Austin offers a wide range of academic programs. There are more than 150 undergraduate majors, 139 graduate programs, and 98 doctoral programs. You can also choose among more than 400 study abroad programs to get your education in another country.
The school is also highly respected for its academics. UT-Austin has 21 Rhodes Scholars, 112 Fulbright Scholars, and 23 Marshall Scholars to its name.
Program Information
The Developmental Psychology program from the University of Texas at Austin is a four-year doctoral program that culminates with a Ph.D. for successful graduates. This program focuses on research, and as such, it’s expected that you begin research in this field during your very first semester.
The background in research prepares graduates for work in academic settings as well as in research applications. As a student in this program, you’ll have access to the University’s Children’s Research Center, where you can work with children to explore a variety of developmental psychology issues.
Once you have completed the course requirements for the program, you will complete a dissertation as part of your Ph.D. candidacy. The dissertation component typically takes a full academic year to complete. Upon graduation, you will be eligible for psychologist licensure in Texas.
Texas Woman’s University
School Information
Despite its name, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is not a school just for women. Beginning in 1972, the school admitted men to get a liberal arts education. However, Texas Woman’s University is still primarily for women and is the largest such university in the United States.
What began as the Girls Industrial College in 1901 has grown into a large, comprehensive public university with a main campus in Denton and two health science centers – one in Houston and another in Dallas. Additionally, TWU has a robust online learning program for distance education.
TWU offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Degrees can be earned from one of five colleges:
- Arts and Sciences
- Business
- Professional Education
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
Program Information
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Child Development program at Texas Woman’s University is a 100 percent online degree that culminates in a Master of Science. This is a degree completion program designed for working professionals that want to advance their education in a flexible format.
Courses are seven weeks in length and are taken one at a time. This allows you to concentrate on studying for one course, and deepen your understanding of course material before moving onto the next subject. Sample courses include:
- Adolescent Development Within the Family
- Statistics for Family Sciences
- Play, Development, and the Young Learner
- Theories of Child Development
- Research Methods
You can choose between a thesis track (30 credits) or a professional track (31 credits) to finish your degree. Either way, this degree will equip you to work with children with mental health needs.
Child Psychology Work Opportunities in Texas
With a degree in child psychology or a related field, the opportunities for work in Texas are virtually endless. Education, for example, is a prime sector in which child psychologists work. Many elementary, middle, and high schools employ child psychologists to work with students that need help in the academic, social, and emotional realms.
Child psychologists are often employed in mental health clinics as well. For example, with a doctorate in child psychology, you can provide clinical services to children and their families. The same is true if you wish to work in private practice – a specialization in child psychology could lead to a very busy self-employed work life in Texas.
The wide-ranging demographics in Texas present unique opportunities for child psychologists as well. You can work with children with a myriad of needs, from psychological or behavioral disorders to substance abuse issues or neglect at home.
Likewise, Texas-based child psychologists are likely to work with children from varying racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. This necessitates finding a child psychology program that focuses on cultural diversity and working with kids in a manner that is sensitive to and respectful of their unique history.
Child psychology isn’t the highest-paying job in the world – you might expect a starting salary around $83,000 per year. However, this can be a very highly satisfying career and one that allows you to help children thrive in the present and the future, even if they haven’t in the past.
The opportunities for a higher income will present themselves as your career progresses, but the opportunities to have a life-changing impact on children are available right from the start.
Related Reading
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- How to Become a Licensed School Psychologist in Texas
- Best Texas Schools For Marriage & Family Therapy Programs
- Counseling Psychology Graduate Programs in Houston, Texas
- Industrial Organizational Psychology Programs & Schools in Texas
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