Best Master’s in Child Psychology Degree Programs
The field of child psychology focuses on typical and neurotypical development patterns, behavior, and environmental issues impacting children. Each of these focus areas plays into how well a child performs in school and interacts with family, teachers, peers, and other adults in leadership roles.
Examples of job titles for those with a master’s degree in child psychology include special education teacher, recreational therapist, school counselor, and family therapist. In most situations, entering a career in child psychology will require more than a master’s degree, so students interested in those careers will need to continue their education after earning their graduate degree.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for adult and child psychologists is six percent, or approximately 11,300 jobs added annually. Psychologists at the mid-point of their careers earn an average yearly salary of $81,000.
2024 - Best Master's Degree in Child Psychology Programs
Choosing a master’s degree in child psychology can be a daunting task. With so many factors to consider, it can be difficult to determine which program is the best fit for you. Counselingpsychology.org has done the heavy lifting for you with its comprehensive ranking of the top programs in the country. Our methodology takes into account completion rates, affordability, program competitiveness, diversity of offerings, and faculty experience. To get a more in-depth look at our ranking system, please visit our Methodology page.
Capella University
Capella University is a private, online university located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It offers a range of degree programs, including a Master's Degree in Child Psychology. With nearly 40,000 enrolled students, Capella is one of the largest online universities in the United States and is home to some of the finest psychology programs.
Bellevue University
Bellevue University is located in Bellevue, Nebraska and is a private, non-profit university. With about 10,000 students, Bellevue University offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Master's Degree in Child Psychology. Bellevue is dedicated to providing accessible, career-relevant education with an emphasis on personal attention and support.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a private university located in downtown Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the largest graduate schools of professional psychology with over 5,000 students enrolled. The school offers a range of degree programs from the Master's to the Doctoral level, including a Master's Degree in Child Psychology. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has a diverse student body, with students from all over the world.
What Will I Learn in an Online Child Psychology Master's Degree Program?
Southern New Hampshire University teaches students assessment, intervention, and consulting strategies that enable them to best meet the needs of children and their family members. By the end of the master's degree program, students should feel comfortable working in diverse settings such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and medical clinics. SNHU’s Master’s Degree in Child Psychology is fully available online.
Below are several course titles for the master's degree program in child psychology from Capella University, an online school located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Capella University offers master's degree programs in school psychology, general psychology, clinical psychology, and applied behavioral analysis.
- Foundational Practices for School Psychologists
- Psychological Assessments for Children
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Program lengths of 12, 15, or 18 months are common across all schools that offer this type of graduate degree program. Some are entirely online, while others combine online and in-person instruction as part of a hybrid degree program. However, degree programs that students complete 100 percent online are becoming increasingly common.
Admission Requirements for a Master's in Child Psychology
All colleges and universities have unique requirements when it comes to applying for admission to a graduate program. Here are some of the most common across all types of schools:
- Have already earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field.
- A letter written by the potential student that describes why they want to enroll in the program, their future career goals, and why they chose that particular school.
- One or more letters of reference from instructors in previous degree programs, employers, volunteer directors, or internship directors.
- Passing score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), although not all schools require students to take this test prior to admission.
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) as established by the school. A GPA of 2.75 to 3.00 is a common requirement.
After earning a master’s degree in child psychology online, students may need to earn additional credentials depending on the career path they choose. For example, they may need to earn a passing score for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Most employers look for practical experience as well, even when accepting an entry-level position. The best master's degrees in child psychology offer internship experience in addition to practical coursework.
Students who plan to practice as a psychologist will need to earn a doctorate degree after completing their master’s degree. Those who have already carved out their career path before enrolling in a graduate degree program for child psychology should look for schools that offer post-graduate programs as well. At the very least, the school should assist students in the transition to a doctorate degree program at another college or university if their career interest requires it.
List of Child Psychology Master’s Degree Programs
Find an online or campus-based master’s program in child psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.
Jump to Your State Listings
Minnesota
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3389
(866) 808-4080
Nebraska
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE 68005-3098
(402) 291-8100
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