If you’re fascinated by how we as humans become who we are, then you might be interested in a developmental psychology degree program.
As we humans grow throughout our lifetimes, we experience a number of cognitive, behavioral, and psychological changes that shape us into who we are.
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Developmental psychologists analyze these changes and their patterns across the human experience. They then use this understanding to assist in creating a better life experience for the people they serve.
Online Developmental Psychology Degrees
As human beings, we are constantly growing and changing throughout our lives. While many developmental milestones occur in early childhood and adolescence, there are still others that take place later on in adulthood.
Developmental psychology studies the patterns of behavior we exhibit throughout our lives, including the physical, mental, emotional, and intellectual turning points we reach. Understanding this growth pattern allows professionals to aid individuals specifically at certain stages of their lives.
If you go on to earn a graduate degree in developmental psychology, you’ll likely specialize in a specific age group or stage of life, allowing you to work primarily within that group. For example, those who specialize in infancy and early childhood may aid parents whose infants are struggling to bond.
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While there are career opportunities for students who earn their bachelors in developmental psychology, many jobs in this field require a masters or doctoral degree as well as state licensure. Employers that commonly hire individuals with a developmental psychology degree include:
- Psychiatric clinics
- Federal and state government agencies
- Assisted living homes
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Research facilities
Licensed counselors and psychologists may also end up self-employed or working under a private practice if they choose to practice clinically.
Students who earn a developmental psychology degree may go on to work in counseling or therapy, social work, education administration, or any number of additional rewarding careers. Coursework for a developmental psychology program typically covers topics like child psychology, foundational psychology, or family dynamics. This degree can also help you develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
If you are a compassionate individual with an interest in the development of human behavior, you may find this path both challenging and rewarding.
Developmental and Child Psychology Careers & Salaries
A developmental psychology program can help you build a foundation for a variety of career paths in psychology, education, clinical counseling, and healthcare.
Assistant behavioral therapist, social services caseworker, and psychiatric technician are just a few of the entry-level roles that graduates might pursue. A masters or doctorate can help you qualify for more opportunities, certifications, and licenses in the field. Counselors and psychologists, for instance, typically need a graduate degree.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are examples of potential developmental psychology careers.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Psychologists | $81,040 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Market Research Analysts | $63,920 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $61,570 |
| School and Career Counselors and Advisors | $60,510 |
| Social Workers | $50,390 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | $49,720 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $48,520 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $37,610 |
| Psychiatric Technicians | $36,570 |
Developmental psychology majors study lifespan development, child psychology, and group dynamics. Their unique insight into human behavior can be useful in many settings, from academia to marketing and clinical work. While some psychologists work alone, others work as part of a healthcare team or collaborate with physicians and social workers.
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Professionals in developmental psychology are also needed in schools as well as government institutions. Hospitals, nursing homes, research facilities, psychiatric clinics, homeless youth programs, and private practices all employ developmental psychologists.
Developmental Psychology Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses
The courses you take will depend on the requirements of your chosen school, but the following are some classes you may encounter while earning your degree:
- Behavioral Neuroscience: This course offers a survey of neural processes of sensory function, memory, and personality in order to emphasize the link between neurobiology and human psychology.
- Cognitive Psychology: This class examines psychology as it pertains to mental life, covering common theories and research in the areas of perception, attention, and consciousness.
- Developmental Phases: In this course, you’ll study the differences in how organisms interact with the environment over time, specifically as it relates to processes of maturation.
- Infant and Child Psychology: This course offers you the chance to study the formative years of human development, including the general processes of development through childhood.
- Language Acquisition: In this class, you’ll be introduced to the linguistic and psychological explanations behind the nature of language development.
- Personality and Temperament: This course will review recent research, studying the origins of temperament and the development of personality throughout an organism’s lifetime.
- Psychology of Adolescence: You’ll be presented with a description of adolescent development, and you’ll study existing research and theory surrounding psychological and social changes during teen years.
- Research Ethics: This class provides a general overview of the ethical standards required of research scientists, allowing you to explore these standards through real-world examples.
- Social Psychology: In this course, you’ll learn about the influence of social factors in individual and interpersonal behavior, including topics like interpersonal attraction and group behavior.
- Statistical Methods: This class introduces you to the methods used to sample and evaluate descriptive statistics as applied to psychology.
Developmental psychology programs can have different curricula, but in general, a bachelor’s degree in this field offers a wide array of critical and engaging coursework.
Should I Major in Developmental Psychology?
Whether or not a developmental psychology major is right for you depends on your specific career goals and aspirations. There are many benefits to earning this degree, including preparation for many lucrative career opportunities.
In a developmental psychology bachelors program, you’ll study a wide range of developmental domains. Graduates may go on to work in a variety of settings, such as clinical offices, academic facilities, or community programs. Whatever you choose to do, you could have the ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of the people around you.
Developmental psychology is a growing field, so the outlook for available positions post-graduation is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for psychologists is $81,040 a year, so this path has the potential to be both emotionally and financially rewarding.
While licensed psychologists and counselors typically hold a masters or doctoral degree, a bachelors can give you a solid foundation for graduate studies.
Admissions Requirements
Each school is different when it comes to admissions criteria, but if you’re applying for a bachelor’s degree, you may be asked to submit the following:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
Some programs have a minimum GPA requirement or a GPA guideline to alert potential students to the academic expectations and rigor of the program.
Accreditation
Accreditation is an important consideration when it comes to choosing a college or university. There are a lot of schools and programs out there, and you can tell whether a school is credible and of high quality based on its accreditation status.
Regional accreditation is a strict quality-assurance process for institutes of higher education. Regionally accredited schools are thoroughly reviewed to ensure that their faculty and educational offerings meet predetermined standards of excellence.
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Attending an accredited school can also affect the opportunities available to you after graduation. Employers and graduate degree programs tend to prioritize or only consider candidates who’ve received their undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited school.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
There are several financial aid options available to qualifying students. Common forms of aid include grants, student loans, work-study programs, and scholarships.
Grants and scholarships are financial awards that usually do not have to be repaid, while loans must be paid back with interest once you graduate. To apply for federal or state grants and loans, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
You can also apply for scholarships through your school or private organizations. They may be awarded based on merit, intended major, or your inclusion in a specific social or cultural group.
What Is Developmental Psychology?
Developmental psychology is an in-depth examination of the physical, mental, emotional, and social milestones that characterize human development and growth.
Studying the stages of life and the developmental expectations at those stages helps developmental psychologists gain a better understanding of human behavior. Developmental psychologists usually specialize in studying a certain age group or life stage, and their responsibilities vary depending on their specialty.
For example, professionals with early childhood experience may assist parents in making sure their children are hitting the proper developmental milestones for their age.
Is Developmental Psychology a Good Major?
Yes, developmental psychology is a good major for many undergraduate students. Not only does it have the potential to be personally rewarding, but it can also lead to a variety of applicable career paths. Entry-level roles in the field can include social services caseworker, behavioral health technician, and psychiatric technician.
Some students use their developmental psychology major as a foundation for graduate studies. Graduate students can pursue licensure to work in clinical settings as counselors or therapists, while others may become researchers or postsecondary teachers.
In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median wage for community and social service positions is higher than the median for all occupations.
What Can You Do with a Bachelors in Developmental Psychology Degree?
The critical thinking and communication skills you can develop through a bachelor’s program in developmental psychology are valuable traits in a variety of fields. While many developmental psychology careers require a graduate degree, a bachelor’s can help you qualify for jobs that do not require licensure.
Some graduates become social services caseworkers, behavioral health technicians, or program support specialists. Others pursue work as psychiatric technicians or assistant behavior analysts. A bachelors degree can also prepare you for graduate studies in developmental psychology.
What Degree Do You Need to Be a Developmental Psychologist?
The first step to becoming a developmental psychologist is to earn your bachelors degree. Many students choose to start with a bachelor’s in developmental psychology or child psychology, but it is not necessary to specialize right away.
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A doctoral degree is required for most developmental psychologists. Some students choose to earn a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), while others earn a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology). A PhD in Developmental Psychology tends to be more heavily focused on research and theory. A PsyD in Developmental Psychology is more practice oriented, preparing students to work with individuals in a clinical setting.
What Does a Developmental Psychologist Do?
Developmental psychologists study growth patterns during different stages of life to gain insight into the human condition. They can assess patients for issues and provide or recommend psychological intervention, depending on the nature of the problem.
Typically, developmental psychologists specialize in a certain age range in order to assist individuals in a specific developmental stage. Developmental psychology professionals might pursue opportunities in counseling or therapy, social work, life coaching, or assisted living care, among others.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Developmental Psychology Bachelor Degree Online?
How long it will take you to complete your developmental psychology bachelor’s degree online depends on several factors, including your enrollment status and the program you attend. Students who follow a traditional 16 week semester and are enrolled full-time can usually complete their bachelor’s degree in 4 years.
Students who follow an 8 week semester and attend year round may be able to finish a bachelors in less time. Some universities also offer fast online psychology degrees, which may allow students to complete their degrees in less time. For students who attend part-time, it will often take longer.
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Developmental Psychology Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor’s degree in developmental psychology is worth it for many students. This major can help you prepare for entry-level positions as well as graduate studies in this expanding field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12% job growth for community and social service occupations over the next ten years, which is faster than the national average. The job outlook for psychologists is also positive, with 8% job growth expected over the same period.
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Developmental psychology professionals may work in a variety of sectors, such as counseling, social work, education, healthcare, and human resources.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Developmental Psychology Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
At Bay Path University, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Psychology is designed for individuals who are passionate about working with children. This program typically spans 4 years of full-time study, during which students will study essential physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and moral developmental concepts.
Bay Path University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Campbell University offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology that can be completed entirely online. Students must complete 124 credit hours to graduate, and each course is just 8 weeks long.
The program aims to graduate well-rounded students with research, statistical, and critical thinking skills by providing a curriculum that combines core psychology categories. It covers developmental, physiological, social, abnormal, and cognitive psychology.
Campbell University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Concordia University—St. Paull offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The program is designed for students interested in working in human-centered fields, such as social work, counseling, human development, research, and education. This 120 credit program covers topics like cognition, memory, learning, family systems, and the physiological aspects of psychology.
Concordia University – St. Paul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Fayetteville State University’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program centers its curriculum on the biological, social, and cultural aspects of behavior. The program’s general education requirements typically take 2 years of full-time study to complete. In addition to these, students must complete 59 psychology-specific credits and 23 credits from their minor or from a list of elective courses.
Fayetteville State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida International University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research, and analytical skills in order to prepare students for a variety of careers within the field of psychology. This 120 credit program can typically be completed in 4 years. It includes courses like Psychology Career Development, Psychology Methods and Analysis, Neuropsychology, and Psychopathology.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Individuals fascinated in the human mind may find an excellent fit in Fort Hays State University’s psychology degree program, which is offered as a bachelor’s in arts or sciences. Students in both programs must complete general education and psychology core and elective courses. BA students must take foreign language courses, while BS students must complete additional math and science courses.
FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
At Liberty University, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is designed for students with a passion for supporting children’s’ developmental and social growth. On average, students can complete their general education and major-specific requirements in just 3.5 years of full-time study, with individual courses lasting only 8 short weeks.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Saint Leo University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The program aims to help students harness qualitative and quantitative research methods and develop professional empathy and critical thinking in order to provide the best support possible. The degree can typically be earned in 4 years. The curriculum is based on benchmarks provided by the American Psychological Association.
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor’s in Psychology. The curriculum covers best practices in research methods, communication and critical thinking skills, and concepts regarding the developmental growth of children. Students can transfer up to 90 qualifying credits from outside institutions toward the program’s 120 required credits. They may also earn a data literacy certificate as part of their studies.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Central Florida offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. It offers students 6 tracks: Clinical Psychology, Experimental Psychology, General Psychology, Human Factors Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and Neuroscience. To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours. New students are admitted 3 times a year.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Colorado—Denver offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. In addition to general education requirements, students in the program must also complete 37 credits of psychological core courses.
The curriculum is designed to prepare students for diverse psychology careers by providing a broad foundation in psychology. It emphasizes critical thinking, scientific problem-solving, and analytical reasoning and interpersonal, ethical, communication, and writing skills.
The University of Colorado – Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Louisville offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. It is designed for students fascinated by the way human psychology impacts everyday function and decision-making. Key concepts covered by the program’s curriculum include abnormal psychology, mental health, cognition, lifespan, human development, and behavior.
The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Massachusetts—Lowell offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that can be completed fully online, typically in 4 years of full-time study. The program aims to prepare students for a wide variety of future careers in the field of psychology. Graduates often pursue careers in substance abuse treatment, social work, career and educational counseling, therapy practice, and psychiatry.
The University of Massachusetts – Lowell is accredited by the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission.
At the University of Nevada—Las Vegas, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program is designed to provide students with a broad education in many aspects of the field of psychology. Major-specific courses make up 54 of the 120 required credits. They cover essential topics such as cultural anthropology, statistical and research methods, and neuroscience and developmental, abnormal, social, and cognitive psychology.
UNLV is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The University of New Mexico offers a Bachelor’s in Psychology. The program strives to graduate students with a mastery in critical thinking, data analysis, behavior assessment, and clear communication. All courses are offered online, and the curriculum is developed by expert faculty. Each class is just 8 weeks long. The program admits new students 5 times a year.
The University of New Mexico is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Bachelors in Developmental Psychology Degree Online
If you’re interested in how understanding human development can better the world around you, you might consider earning your degree in developmental psychology online.
This major can allow you to develop a foundational understanding of this enriching field. A bachelors in developmental psychology can help you qualify for entry-level roles in the field as well as prepare you for further studies. You can also develop versatile skill sets that are applicable in a variety of sectors, such as communication, education, marketing, and human resources.
You can start your educational journey by exploring available developmental psychology degrees from accredited schools.
