Online Child Psychology Degree Programs

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Online child psychology programs require some in-person hours for practicums, but an online degree can still save time and money for many students.

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Child psychologist playing with young child on toy mat Credit: aquaArts studio / E+ / Getty Images

Do you want to become a child psychologist but also want flexibility and convenience? Online child psychology degree programs may be right for you. You can complete your bachelor’s in psychology fully online, but your post-graduate work will require in-person clinical experience approved by your school.

Find out more about child psychologists, including their duties and work environment, and how to complete your degree online.

What Does a Child Psychologist Do?

Child psychologists study the mental, behavioral, and emotional development of children, focusing on birth to adolescence. These psychologists may treat children at different development stages by evaluating their:

  • Language
  • Cognitive function
  • Motor skills

Child psychologists also diagnose and treat children with mental or developmental conditions such as autism, depression, and issues resulting from trauma. They often use behavioral modification therapy, play therapy, journaling, and therapeutic intervention techniques. Child psychologists may counsel patients in:

  • Schools
  • Social service agencies
  • Government organizations
  • The juvenile justice system
  • Private practice

Child psychology includes several subspecialties, including pediatric, adolescent, and abnormal child psychology. Professionals in a subspecialty may work with specific patient groups, such as infants or adolescents, or focus on advanced behavioral conditions affecting various age groups.

Regardless of their specialty, all child psychologists must earn licensure in their state through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). For licensure, individuals typically need:

  • A doctoral degree from an accredited institution
  • Post-doctoral supervised experience
  • A passing score on a board examination

Popular Online Child Psychology Bachelor's Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Can You Get a Degree in Child Psychology Online?

Getting a child psychology degree online requires the same rigorous study as traditional campus-based programs. Online programs are flexible and convenient, allowing students to maintain full-time jobs and manage other responsibilities, such as caring for their families.

All states require aspiring clinical psychologists to hold a doctoral degree before earning licensure. Learners can explore many doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in psychology programs online alongside bachelor's and master's programs in subspecialties like child development psychology and clinical child psychology.

Online child psychology graduate programs typically include the same core and concentration coursework as on-campus programs. While online learners must still complete practicum hours in person, most online Ph.D. and master's in child psychology programs allow students to arrange clinicals and practicums near their homes.

Earning a child psychology degree online can enable some students to graduate sooner and help reduce transportation and tuition costs. Many online programs offer full and part-time options that allow students to take as many classes as they wish per term.

Online learning benefits many learners, including those who live in rural areas, parents without childcare, and full-time professionals who want to earn their degrees while continuing their jobs.

Are Practicums and Internships Required in an Online Child Psychology Program?

Like traditional on-campus programs, online programs in child psychology must adhere to state licensing board regulations to earn accreditation. Many psychology programs require an in-person internship or practicum requirement.

A key component of any child psychology graduate program, practicum courses allow students to put their skills into practice through supervised professional experiences under the guidance of a licensed psychologist. Practicum requirements are often standard for psychology graduate students, but they may need to find locations close to their homes to fulfill minimum clinical hours.

Online students may experience greater challenges securing a supervised practicum. However, they can maximize practicum placement opportunities by maintaining a high GPA and preparing thoroughly for each interview.

Students who complete field opportunities and research practicums early stand the best chance of finding the right fit. Throughout the process, learners must remain flexible with their options. They may need to complete a practicum in a broader practice area before finding an opportunity in their chosen subspecialty.

How Do I Become a Child Psychologist?

Professional child psychologists complete eight years of schooling and obtain licensure to practice in their state. Though tuition costs vary by school, students must complete their doctorate in child psychology to practice as child psychologists.

Students must first earn a bachelor's degree to enroll in a doctoral child psychology program. Some doctoral child psychology programs may require students to complete a master's degree to be eligible for enrollment.

Other doctorate programs, including a Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D., may allow students to earn their master's while completing their doctorate, only requiring a bachelor's degree to enroll. Students must also complete supervised practicums, typically 1,500-6,000 hours, depending on their state's requirements, plus a year-long internship experience.

To obtain licensure, students must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). EPPP registration requires a doctorate and costs $600, though many students pay extra for tutoring and practice tests. Learners may need to take a jurisprudence exam (costs vary) specific to their state's practice regulations and ethics.

While the path to licensure may seem daunting, earning a child psychology degree online provides some cost-saving opportunities. Online learners can save on tuition, commuting, and housing costs. They may also complete the program and begin their career in less time than a traditional degree.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Child Psychology

Child psychology degrees at the bachelor's level provide students with a broad, foundational education in psychology. Many schools offer concentrations in child psychology, while some programs focus more on this particular subdiscipline.

Graduates of undergraduate psychology programs can pursue entry-level jobs in education, social services, or health services. Whether students pursue a bachelor's as a stepping stone or a terminal degree, earning a child psychology degree online can save time and money. Online coursework allows learners to avoid traveling to campus and potentially graduate in less than four years.

Example Courses

  • Introduction to Psychology

    This course introduces students to broad scientific concepts in psychology, including general behaviors, mental conditions, and diagnoses that psychologists commonly encounter. Students learn how to perform research, evaluation, and assessment techniques to prepare them for further exploration of a child psychology specialization.
  • Lifespan Development

    This course explores psychological development in humans from conception to death. Topics include biological, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Students also discuss the effects of environmental factors, genetic disposition, and cultural expectations on individuals during their lifetime.
  • Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence

    This course addresses how to diagnose and treat the specific psychological and behavioral conditions prevalent among children and adolescents. Through case studies and field research, students explore how these conditions affect individuals, their families, and communities.
  • Child Development

    This course is crucial to understanding children's biological, emotional, social, and cognitive psychology from infancy to adolescence. Through research and case studies, learners reference historical field precedents to discuss critical contemporary themes and theories in child development.
  • Adolescent Development

    This course focuses on pre-adolescence to young adulthood, exploring the many psychological changes that occur during this unique stage of life. Topics include puberty, sexuality, identity, relationships, and identifying the components of healthy psychological development not only throughout adolescence but in the context of a lifetime.

Online Master's Degree in Child Psychology

Students with a bachelor's degree in general or child psychology can pursue a master's in child psychology online. At this level, programs explore the specialty in more detail, building on the foundational skills from an undergraduate degree.

Significantly more specialized than undergraduate psychology degrees, master's degrees in child psychology sometimes offer further concentrations or concurrent certificates in spectrum disorders, play therapy, or applied behavior analysis. Graduates with a master's degree in child psychology and licensure from their state board may qualify for jobs as social workers, counselors, and mental health professionals.

As field experience is a major component of most graduate programs, earning a child psychology degree online allows students to complete most of their non-practicum coursework from home.

Example Courses

  • Social Psychology

    This course examines the effect of contemporary social issues on children's psychological development. Students discuss how humans interact with other humans and their environment, exploring ideas of identity, conformity, and obedience through case studies and field research.
  • Cognitive Processes

    This course encourages a more comprehensive investigation of the core processes of cognition, including language, learning, memory, and decision-making. Students discuss these topics in the context of current issues.
  • Intervention Strategies

    This course introduces learners to contemporary and traditional intervention strategies specific to treating children and adolescents. Through simulations and hands-on experience, students explore practical applications of intervention techniques, including play therapy and behavior modification.
  • Theories of Personality

    This course investigates various contemporary and historical theories of personality in the context of child psychology. By evaluating the texts of influential psychologists, including Sigmund Freud, learners discuss how such theories have impacted the psychology field and the treatment of individuals, historically and currently.
  • Ethical Practice in Psychology

    This course approaches ethics in psychology comprehensively, discussing the principles of confidentiality, professional conduct, conflict resolution, respect, and experimentation. Students prepare to practice psychology ethically and morally soundly, regardless of their position or career.

Online Ph.D. in Child Psychology

Aspiring child psychologists must earn a doctorate to obtain licensure in their state of practice. As the last step toward licensing eligibility, doctorates focus on intensive research in the field, typically in the form of a thesis or dissertation.

In addition to academic requirements, Ph.D. and Psy.D. candidates must complete clinical practicum and internship hours, putting years of schooling into supervised practice.

Many schools offer online psychology degrees to provide flexibility in course delivery, reduce the need for commuting, and alleviate the pressures of working full time while also earning the degree.

Example Courses

  • Development in the Digital Age

    This course explores the psychological development of children and adolescents in the context of social media and pervasive technology in the digital era. Students examine the effects of sexting, cyberbullying, and violence in the media on identity and social relationships, along with methods of positive behavioral intervention.
  • Gender and Development

    A topic of mounting interest among psychologists is the LGBTQ community. This course compares historical and contemporary theories of gender and sex differences in children and adolescents. Topics include body image, stereotypes, gender similarities and differences, transgender psychology, and gender-sensitive policymaking.
  • Advanced Mixed-Method Reasoning and Analysis

    This course encourages students to develop specialized knowledge and skills using quantitative or qualitative research. Learners prepare to employ various data analysis and research techniques at the doctoral level, combining methods as appropriate.
  • Principles/Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis for Children and Adolescents

    This course surveys common behavioral and developmental conditions affecting children and adolescents, such as autism. Students explore effective observation, assessment, and intervention techniques for this demographic.
  • Diversity in Child/Adolescent Development and Learning

    This course investigates the effects of diversity through language, gender, disability, and sexual orientation on children and adolescents. Learners discuss methods of encouraging positive learning and development through field research, self-reflection, and practical applications of psychological theory.

Required Licenses and Internships to Become a Child Psychologist

To become a child psychologist, professionals must meet a series of qualifications outlined by the American Psychological Association (APA).

The APA does not accredit fully online child psychology programs. To be eligible for licensure, students should seek an APA-accredited hybrid or in-person doctorate in child psychology.

Most accredited child psychology graduate programs develop their curriculum according to APA industry standards, meaning graduates of an accredited program meet requirements for employment or licensure in their state. Aspiring child psychologists need:

  • A doctoral degree
  • 1,500 to 6,000 hours of supervised clinical experience (including practicum, internship and postdoctoral hours)
  • A passing score on the EPPP (to obtain licensure)
  • A passing score on a supplemental state exam if required in their state.

Field experience is perhaps the most crucial component of an emerging career in child psychology.

Though requirements vary by state, the APA estimates that students require an average of 4,000 supervised clinical hours to earn licensure, divided equally between internship and postdoctoral hours.

Learners typically fulfill most of these required field hours through an internship or practicum during the master's degree. Those who plan to pursue a doctorate must continue logging field experience hours toward the minimum required for licensure in their state.

Learners may pursue additional optional certification in a subspecialty, such as autism spectrum or applied behavior analysis.

Popular Online Child Psychology Master's Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Careers for Child Psychology Degree Holders

Those who graduate from an online child psychology program can pursue a variety of careers, including but not limited to clinical practice. They can also pursue opportunities in therapeutic counseling, social service, and teaching.

Child psychologists need education and experience and should demonstrate empathy, excellent communication skills, and boundary-setting abilities. These professionals also need superior critical thinking skills.

Child psychologists may work with clients of a certain age, such as infants or adolescents, or in a specific area, such as autism or early childhood development.

Adolescent Psychologist

These psychologists specialize in understanding the psychological development of pre-teens and teenagers, ages 12-18. They assess and potentially treat common behavioral and developmental conditions affecting adolescents, including criminality, depression, abuse, and eating disorders.

These psychologists may work in schools, healthcare, the juvenile justice system, or private practice.

Developmental Psychologist

These psychologists need a variety of skills to treat their patients' developmental needs at all stages of life. They study the evolution and maturation of the individual, helping clients grow and adapt to social, psychological, physical, intellectual, and emotional changes from childhood to old age.

Developmental psychologists may work in a school, senior living facility, government agency, or private practice. They may also work as postsecondary teachers with a teaching license.

Clinical Child Psychologist

A subspecialty of the broader field of child psychology, clinical child psychologists focus on treating behavioral, socioemotional, and cognitive issues affecting children. This can include trauma, advanced developmental disabilities, and mental conditions.

These psychologists treat patients from infancy to adolescence. Whether they work in education, healthcare, social services, or private practice, these professionals need a doctorate and a state-issued license.

Child Psychologist

Child psychologists often counsel patients from early childhood to adolescence, potentially providing client assessments and evaluations to families, school officials, or other health professionals.

More acute subspecialties include developmental and pediatric psychology. Professionals need a doctoral degree and must obtain licensure to practice in their state.

Pediatric Psychologist

These psychologists treat patients from infancy to adolescence, specializing in early childhood conditions and development. They are responsible for recognizing conditions commonly diagnosed in early childhood, such as ADHD and autism.

Pediatric psychologists generally approach the treatment of young patients at this critical development stage holistically, as they are dependent on their families and may be vulnerable to environmental and societal concerns. Pediatric psychologists need a doctorate in this specialty with licensure.

Salary For Child Psychology Degree-Holders

Child psychologist salaries vary by subspecialty, location, education, and experience. The chart below lists salary information for some common subspecialties. The average annual salary of clinical psychologists is more than $15,000 higher than general child psychologists.

Psychology Careers and Salaries
Position Average Annual Salary
Adolescent Psychologist $75,430
Clinical Psychologist $90,270
Child Psychologist $72,860
Source: Payscale (February 2024)

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Psychology

What is child psychology?

Child psychology focuses on assessing and treating the behavior and mind of children from prenatal development through adolescence. The discipline focuses on how children grow physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially.

Why is child psychology important?

Understanding child development helps professionals pinpoint factors that can lead to psychological problems during childhood, including self-esteem issues. Child psychologists can help children develop in healthy, appropriate ways.

Is child psychology a good career path?

Child psychologists can pursue careers across a variety of settings, including large clinics, private practices, and schools. These professionals typically work normal business hours in full-time roles.

According to Payscale, child psychologists make an average annual salary of $72,860 as of February 2024. More experienced professionals can earn higher salaries of $89,400 on average.

What can I do with a child psychology degree?

You need a doctorate in child psychology to become a child psychologist. Master's in child psychology graduates can pursue opportunities as school counselors, school psychologists, and family therapists.

How do I become a child psychologist?

State regulations typically require child psychologists to earn a doctoral degree. After earning their degree, professionals often must complete 1-2 years of supervised training before they can practice professionally.

Page last reviewed on February 23, 2024

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