Accredited Child Psychology Degree Programs [2024 Guide]

Study Child Psychology

The term “child psychology” is confusing. Sometimes it includes adolescents, but usually it doesn’t. Another confusing aspect is that the term can also be applied to psychologists in any of three distinct fields within psychology: developmental, clinical and school psychology. We’ll discuss these three areas here:

Developmental psychology is the study of human development from birth to old age. This is a research-based field of psychology that doesn’t treat patients.

Developmental psychologists study learning disorders and other types of developmental disorders in order to form theories that might aid in developing new treatments for these conditions. Here, the term “child psychologist” refers to a developmental psychologist who specialized in studying children up to the age of puberty (or, in some cases, up to the age of twenty-one).

Clinical psychology, which also includes counseling psychology is the field of psychology that treats patients, normally through various types of psychotherapy. Here, a child psychologist is someone who treats patients up to the age of puberty.

A clinical or counseling psychologist who specializes in treating teenagers is called an “adolescent psychologist.” Clinical psychologists mostly treat patients who are institutionalized, while counseling psychologists usually treat clients who have less serious conditions.

School psychology is the branch of clinical psychology that specializes in treating primary and secondary students, particularly in regards to their problems in school. These problems can include learning disorders, bullies, peer pressure, misbehavior, grades, etc.

School psychologists also advise teachers and school administrators in designing systems and procedures that can aid students. They also consult with parents about their school children.

What is a Child Psychology Degree?

Child Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees

Candidates can pursue a Bachelor in Science in child developmental psychology. It focuses on child developmental psychology as a major. It spans over a period of four years with introductory courses in the beginning and child developmental specialization courses in the last 2 years (or last 3 semesters).

Students who are opting for careers in clinical, counseling or school psychology should opt for a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.

Child developmental psychology students should start with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, with a concentration in experimental and/or developmental psychology.

Typical courses in a child developmental psychology program include health psychology (specifically child health), psychopathology, brain and behavior, learning of children, and assessment of children with special needs. Along with these courses, students may also cover the strategies of quantitative analysis.

Child Psychology Master’s Degrees

A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for some counseling jobs in child services social work. A master’s degree in child psychology is the next step, and is sufficient for most jobs in the child services branches of social work and for some school psychology jobs.

Most master’s degree spans over either 2 year (full-time) or 2-4 years (part-time). GPA requirements differ across institutions but those pursuing their master’s degree may have to meet the requirements of bachelor’s in a related field of psychology and a minimum GPA of 3.00.

Child Psychology Doctoral Degree

A PhD degree is required to become a licensed psychologist. Based on an original research, you might be required to write a dissertation. Furthermore, one year might be required in the program of post-doctoral clinical training. This way, you might also be able to take part in the research studies as well as the trials.

What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Child Psychology?

A Master of Arts degree in child psychology can prepare individuals for a number of rewarding and lucrative careers.

Individuals who hold this degree are eligible for counselor licensure. However, as mentioned above, to become a licensed psychologist, you will need earn a doctoral degree.

Licensed counselors work in a wide variety of settings, including private therapy practices, community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, clinics, youth activity programs, camps, inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, research institutions, and academic programs.

Individuals in direct-care settings may provide assessment, treatment planning, psychological interventions, treatment, and testing to children and adolescents, as well as working with families and others pertinent to the client’s well-being, such as teachers.

Crisis assessment, intervention, and follow-up is frequently a part of the individual’s role across these settings, and they may also make recommendations for additional resources and supports in the best interest of the client.

In a school setting, individuals with a Master’s in child psychology may provide individual and group interventions for clients and their families, as well as organize and facilitate initiatives targeting positive behaviors and choices, healthy development, and relational well-being. They may act as advocates and liaisons between the client, family members, teachers, and administrators in order to promote successful outcomes during challenging times.

Program development and implementation is another significant area of opportunity for those with a Master’s Degree in child psychology.

Community organizations, educational entities, recreation outfits, faith-based and secular groups, and others often offer programming for young people, and seek experts to design, implement, further improve, or expand what they have to offer.

What is the Career Outlook for Child Psychologists?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that over the next several years, the field of psychology is anticipated to go strong further.

Most developmental child psychologists work in a research lab for a university, private company, health organization or governmental agency. Some work as teachers or consultants.

Most clinical child psychologists work in clinics, hospitals, mental health institutions or other health care facilities, though some set up their own private practices. A few work as consultants or teachers.

Most counseling child psychologists go into private practice, though some of them start off their careers by working for a health care agency before starting their own practice so that they can earn a regular paycheck before trying to start their own business.

How Much Can You Earn With a Degree in Child Psychology?

According to the Bureau of Labor, as of May 2023, the mean annual wage for psychologists in general is $106,420.

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