Online Master’s In Child Psychology Programs

If you are interested in a career helping children and adolescents in an in-demand field, a master’s in child psychology online can help become a certified counselor or enroll in a doctoral program. Explore the top master’s in child psychology online programs, including information about costs, common courses, and post-grad salaries.

A master’s in child psychology online can help launch your career making a difference in young people’s lives. With an online master’s in child psychology, you can begin a counseling career or pursue a doctorate to become a licensed child psychologist.

Issues facing children and adolescents include the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, online bullying, and an earlier onset of puberty, according to the American Psychological Association.

To address a continuing mental health crisis among children, 30 states enacted laws to address workforce shortages in 2022, reports the National Academy for State Health Policy. This legislation may lead to more career opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement for the pediatric mental health workforce.

Graduate tuition and fees averaged $12,596 per year at public colleges and universities and $28,017 at private institutions in 2021-2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Factors influencing these costs include attending an urban or rural school, paying in-state or out-of-state tuition, and accelerated study options or applicable transfer credits. In addition, be sure to budget for books and materials, commuting expenses, and housing and meals.

Online study has become more widespread and can save you money on relocation and transportation. Some schools may assess lower tuition rates for distance learning or offer in-state tuition regardless of residency. Master’s in child psychology online learners can qualify for financial aid, including assistantships, fellowships, and grants.

To become a child psychologist, you need a doctoral degree. A master’s in child psychology online can prepare you for a Ph.D., doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) program, or a career in counseling or therapy.

Substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn an annual median salary of $53,710, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2023. Doctorate-prepared psychologists, by comparison, make a median wage of $92,740 per year.

Median salaries can vary by workplace and industry, education level, experience, and the state or city where you work. For example, clinical and counseling psychologists in top-paying New Jersey average $148,360 per year, which is much higher than the national average of $106,600.

Master’s in child psychology online curricula include major courses and electives. Programs may offer child psychology concentrations in areas that include abnormal psychology, forensic psychology, or developmental psychology. Field-based internships and practicums are important curricular components, providing supervised, hands-on experience.

Listed here are three common courses.

Child psychologists who hold doctoral degrees can pursue state psychology licensure. State requirements vary, and candidates should check with their state’s licensing board to ensure compliance, particularly regarding the number of post-doctoral supervised training hours.

Master’s degree holders can apply for their professional counseling licenses without earning a doctorate. Again, state requirements differ but include supervised experience and a passing score on the national counselor’s exam.

Child psychology master’s program graduates can also pursue optional certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Certification indicates an elevated level of expertise and can result in higher salaries and upward mobility in child and adolescent counseling.

Listed here are certifications available from the NBCC applicable to those with child psychology master’s degrees.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Affordable Colleges Online. Page last reviewed June 14, 2024.