Also known as developmental psychology, child psychology concerns the biological and social forces affecting children's cognitive, social, and physical development. Child psychologists' training and experience allow them to treat developmental disorders. Doing so promotes positive outcomes for children and their families.
Professionals need more than a child psychology bachelor's degree to practice. State licensure requirements include a doctorate in psychology. A doctorate may take up to eight years, depending on the type of degree students earn. States also require supervised training and passing one or more exams.
Recent high school graduates and nontraditional learners interested in this career path should consider a child psychology degree online program at the bachelor's level. A psychology degree exposes students to different psychology subfields while preparing them for graduate school.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Best Online Child Psychology Degrees
Our Methodology
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric — affordability — accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
What Are the Requirements for a Child Psychology Degree?
Child psychology degrees require a high school or GED diploma for admission. Schools may recommend standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and an essay. Most colleges and universities require FAFSA results for financial aid purposes. Incoming students should speak with an academic or enrollment counselor before signing up for courses.
Child psychology programs feature unique graduation requirements such as experiential learning and an internship. Experiential learning involves developing hands-on skills and setting short-term and long-term career goals. In an internship, students spend at least 150 hours working at one or more job sites serving children and families.
Accreditation for Child Psychology Degrees
Schools offering child psychology programs need two forms of accreditation. Six regional accrediting agencies use U.S. Department of Education standards to evaluate the United States' postsecondary institutions. Please avoid colleges and universities without regional accreditation, as graduates may experience difficulty attaining employment or admission to another academic program.
Colleges and universities awarding online degrees also need national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Online learners attending a DEAC-accredited school receive the same educational experience as their on-campus peers.
Private agencies and organizations confer programmatic accreditation on exemplary degree-granting programs. Although child psychology degrees at the bachelor's level cannot attain programmatic accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA), reputable doctoral programs must possess it. Many states' licensure requirements include graduating from an APA-accredited doctorate in psychology program.
Certifications and Licensure for Child Psychology
Although licensure requirements vary by state, candidates must possess a doctorate in psychology, work under a licensed psychologist for at least 2,000 hours, and pass the Examination for the Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards developed this exam and provides licensure candidates with guides and other test-preparation materials.
California requires the EPPP and the California Psychology Law and Ethics Exam. Other states require a similar exam covering relevant laws and regulations. Licensure candidates also submit to a criminal background check and provide work references. The California Board of Psychology contacts references to determine if candidates possess at least 3,000 hours of supervised work experience.
Like other states, California requires psychologists to complete continuing education (CE) to renew their license. Professionals must attain at least 36 CE credits every two years, 25 of which they may complete through online coursework.
Child Psychology Specializations
Child psychology degrees allow students to customize their education in different ways, such as through electives, minors, and study abroad experiences. Another option involves specializations. Also known as concentrations or tracks, specializations feature in-depth coursework in a single psychology topic. Students choose a specialization after exploring different psychology subfields during their first and second years.
Not all colleges and universities offer the specializations below. Students earning a child psychology degree online without specializations achieve the same result through electives on a single topic. Degree-seekers work with an academic advisor to choose courses aligning with their education and professional goals.
Developmental Psychology
Many colleges and universities do not offer a child psychology degree at the bachelor's level but instead award a bachelor's in psychology with a concentration in developmental psychology. This degree provides a broad overview of the psychology field and specialized coursework in childhood development, brain function, and mental health disorders specific to children and young adults.Child and Family Psychology
Child and family psychology blends developmental psychology fundamentals with the social forces affecting child development. Typical courses include psychological interviewing and reporting, psychological perspectives of parenting and childcare, and the psychology of adoption. Learners also examine school psychology, as education plays a significant role in children's emotional, social, and intellectual development.Psychology and Early Childhood Education
An interdisciplinary option, psychology and early childhood education prepares degree-seekers for a career as a licensed K-2 educator. Curriculum requirements include courses in the foundations of educating children with disabilities, teaching English as a second language, and diverse perspectives on education fundamentals. Schools may offer this specialization as part of a combined BA/MA program.
Child Psychology Degree Questions
How do I become a child psychologist?
Child psychologists must possess either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. Other licensure requirements vary by state but may include an exam, criminal background check, and supervised experience.
How much money does a child psychologist make?
Psychologists in the United States earn a median $92,740 annual salary. Factors affecting salary include years of professional experience, geographic location, and employer.
What can you do with a child psychology degree?
Potential careers for graduates with a bachelor's degree include social worker and art therapist. Some related jobs, such as middle or high school teacher, may require additional training.
What is the difference between child psychology and child development?
Child psychologists study the numerous biological and social factors affecting children's mental development. Child development experts also study mental development but focus solely on learning's role.
