Pursuing a masters in developmental psychology could help you gain an in-depth understanding of how people grow and develop over the course of their lifetime.
This knowledge can be useful in a number of different contexts, from working with children in school settings to helping aging adults in healthcare facilities. By better understanding the process of human development, professionals in the field of developmental psychology can help to improve the lives of people at all stages of life.
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Depending on your interests and goals, a masters in this field could help prepare you for a variety of career paths or for further doctoral studies.
Online Masters in Developmental Psychology Programs
Developmental psychology graduate programs consist of the scientific study of how humans grow, change, and adapt throughout their lifespan.
These programs are typically designed for working professionals who want to further their education and advance their career in the field of psychology. Students who enroll in an online masters in developmental psychology program can expect to receive advanced training in psychological theory and research methods.
Your coursework will generally cover topics like:
- Abnormal psychology
- Cognitive development
- Human growth and development
- Research methods
Many programs also offer the opportunity to specialize your coursework with a concentration. Common specializations allow you to focus on the development of a specific life stage, such as childhood or adulthood. Others emphasize the application of developmental psych to healthcare and social service settings.
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The average program is about 2 years long, although some schools offer part-time or accelerated options. Graduates typically work in education, healthcare, public policy, or research. Professionals in this field may design and conduct studies on topics like learning disabilities and social emotional development. They might also work with individuals and families to provide counseling and support services.
Here are some developmental psychology career paths associated with a masters-level education:
- Marriage and family therapist
- School counselor
- Education specialist
- Mental health counselor
- Behavior therapist
- Rehabilitation counselor
- Research assistant
A master in developmental psychology degrees could also benefit teachers who want to advance their craft or enter leadership positions. Earning a developmental psychology masters degree can also help you prepare for doctoral studies in the field. A doctoral degree is necessary for those who wish to become licensed developmental psychologists.
Developmental Psychology Careers & Salaries
During a degree program in developmental psychology, you will study human growth and development across the lifespan. Professionals in this field may work in clinical, research, or educational settings, and their work can have an impact on the lives of individuals and families.
Some graduates might work with children and families to address developmental issues, such as learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and social skills deficits. Others may work with adults to address midlife transitions or later-life issues, such as retirement planning and coping with chronic health conditions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some career paths related to the field of developmental psychology.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Psychologists, All Other | $102,900 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $82,510 |
| School Psychologists | $78,780 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers | $61,350 |
| School and Career Counselors and Advisors | $60,510 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $49,880 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | $49,720 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $48,520 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $38,560 |
Some professionals choose to specialize in a particular life stage, such as infancy or adolescence, while others focus on a specific issue, such as autism spectrum disorder or bereavement.
The positions and salary you may qualify for can depend on a number of factors, such as your degree specialization, credentials, work experience, and chosen industry. With further training or certification, you may even pursue a career in clinical practice, teaching, or administration. Most teaching, counseling, and therapy positions require professional certification.
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Licensed psychologists are typically required to have a doctoral degree in the field, and a masters could help prepare you for further studies.
Developmental Psychology Master’s Curriculum & Courses
A developmental psychology masters degree will examine a wide variety of topics, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Below are examples of courses that you might take in a master’s in developmental psychology online program:
- Child Development: This course covers physical, cognitive, and social development in children. Topics include Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, language acquisition, and socialization.
- Adolescent Development: This course covers psychological development during adolescence. Topics include identity formation, moral reasoning, and peer pressure.
- Adult Development: This course covers psychological development in adulthood. Topics include midlife crisis, retirement, and death and dying.
- Cognitive Development: This course covers cognitive development across the lifespan. Topics include memory, problem-solving, and decision-making.
- Language Development: This course covers the acquisition and development of language skills. Topics include phonology, morphology, and syntax.
- Social Development: This course covers social development across the lifespan. Topics include attachment, altruism, aggression, and morality.
- Emotional Development: This course covers emotional development across the lifespan. Topics include happiness, sadness, anxiety, and anger.
- Personality Development: This course covers personality development across the lifespan. Topics include trait theories of personality, type theories of personality, and life span perspectives on personality change.
- Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence: This course covers psychological disorders that typically develop in childhood or adolescence. Topics include ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and eating disorders.
- Culture and Development: This course explores how culture influences child development. Topics may include parenting styles, educational practices, and religion or spirituality.
The courses required to graduate do vary among masters in developmental psychology programs, with many offering room to choose electives and specializations as part of the curriculum.
Admissions Requirements
While the admissions requirements for a masters degree in developmental psychology can vary from program to program, here are some general criteria that most schools require:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- GRE scores (not required by all schools)
One way to determine whether you meet eligibility requirements for admission is to contact an admissions representative at your school of choice.
Developmental Psychology Master Programs Accreditation
Regional accreditation is important because it ensures that a school meets high standards for educational quality and rigor.
If a school receives regional accreditation by a recognized accrediting body, it means that they have undergone a rigorous review process and have been found to meet all the necessary criteria. Earning your masters from an accredited school is a common prerequisite for certification boards as well as doctoral programs.
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There are seven regional accrediting bodies in the United States. You can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) online to verify that your prospective schools are accredited by recognized organizations.
Developmental Psychology Licensure and Certifications
If you plan on becoming a developmental psychologist, you can apply for a license from the state in which you wish to practice.
Licensing requirements can differ from state to state, but common requirements include obtaining an accredited doctoral degree in psychology and completing supervised work hours. All states also require applicants to pass the EPPP, the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.
After obtaining licensure, many psychologists choose to pursue certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). Earning a professional certification could help you demonstrate your proficiency in a specialty area.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid for a master’s in development psychology can come from many sources, including federal and state governments and employers.
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is generally the first step in applying for financial aid for college. This form is used to determine your eligibility for government grants, loans, and work-study programs. Employer programs may include tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness programs.
Scholarships are also available from many different sources, such as schools and private organizations. Scholarships are often based on merit, financial need, or other criteria.
What Can You Do with a Masters in Developmental Psychology?
Professionals with a masters in developmental psychology may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, healthcare facilities, or private practices.
Some careers in developmental psychology involve studying how people develop over their lifespan. This can include research on physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. Graduates may pursue certification as counselors or therapists. They may work as school, mental health, or rehabilitation counselors. Others may work as behavior therapists or marriage and family therapists.
Professionals with a background in developmental psychology can also go on to become educators or childhood education specialists. If you want to become a developmental psychologist, your masters could prepare you for doctoral studies in the field. In fact, a growing number of universities offer both on-campus and online PhD in Developmental Psychology programs.
How Long Is an Online Developmental Psychology Masters Program?
Most of the fastest online psychology degrees at the masters level can be completed in 1 to 2 years. The length of an online developmental psychology masters program depends on a few factors.
Most programs are between 36 and 60 credit hours. A 36 credit hour program may be completed in as little as 1 year with full-time, year-round enrollment. If you choose to enroll part-time, it will often take longer to finish your graduate program. A thesis requirement can extend your time to completion as well.
What Degree Do You Need to Be a Developmental Psychologist?
In order to become a licensed developmental psychologist, it’s necessary to hold a doctoral degree. It’s possible to pursue either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in the field.
A masters degree in developmental psychology could help you qualify for counseling positions in the field, and you can also use your specialized expertise in a number of contexts. A masters in the field can also help prepare you for a doctoral program in developmental psychology.
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If you plan to pursue a doctorate in the field, it’s helpful to earn a masters degree that allows you to specialize in your preferred area of study within developmental psychology.
What’s the Difference Between Developmental Psychology vs. Child Psychology Grad Programs?
Developmental psychology and child psychology are two distinct but related fields of study. Here are some of the key differences between the two programs.
| Child Psychology | Developmental Psychology |
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Both fields of study are important for understanding human behavior and development, but child psychology focuses solely on the early stages of life.
What’s the Difference Between Clinical vs. Developmental Psychology Masters Programs?
Here are some of the differences between clinical and developmental psychology masters programs.
| Clinical Psychology Program | Developmental Psychology Program |
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Both clinical and developmental psychology programs offer students a solid foundation in the field of psychology. The type of program you choose will likely depend on your specific interests and career goals.
Is a Master’s Degree in Developmental Psychology Worth It?
Yes, a master’s degree in developmental psychology is worth it for many students. Expertise in this field is applicable to a wide range of industries, such as healthcare, social services, public policy, and education.
Many careers associated with the field of developmental psychology are in high demand. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% and 16% job growth for school and career counselors and marriage and family therapists, respectively, over the next ten years.
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Earning a masters in developmental psychology can be a strategic way to further your professional qualifications. A masters can also help prepare you for further doctoral studies in the field if you wish to pursue psychologist licensure.
Universities Offering Online Masters 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.
American Public University offers an online program for a Master of Arts in Psychology. Students can choose from concentrations in Developmental, General, Industrial-Organizational, Military and Trauma, and Child Life Psychology. The program requires 39 credits, though students may transfer in up to 15 approved credits from outside institutions. Courses start monthly for incoming students.
American Public University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ball State University offers a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology. This program may be an excellent fit for students eager to support learners and children throughout the developmental spectrum. Courses cover essential topics such as research methods, assessment, human development, instructional design, and social emotional learning. All classes can be attended entirely online.
Ball State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Bay Path University offers a fully online program for a Master of Science in Developmental Psychology. Graduates often pursue careers as behavioral therapists, adolescent development specialists, psychological examiners, education consultants, and developmental psychologists.
The program requires the completion of 36 credits of coursework and 160 hours of community-based work in the field. Students can choose to attend full-time or part-time.
Bay Path University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Capella University offers a Master’s in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development. The program is designed to help students develop in-depth skills to assist children with social, mental health, and educational issues. The program consists of 10 courses, all of which can be attended online. Students culminate their studies in an integrative project.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
CUNY School of Professional Studies offers a Master of Arts in Psychology. Students passionate about supporting children and families may find the Developmental Psychology track to be an ideal next step. Courses cover topics like cognitive development, social behavior, psychopathology, and group dynamics. Students can complete their coursework in a fully online setting.
The CUNY School of Professional Studies is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Liberty University offers a Master of Arts in Applied Psychology. Individuals pursuing careers in which they’d work closely with children may select a specialization in Developmental Psychology. The program consists of 36 credit hours, all of which can be earned online. On average, students can complete the program requirements in just 1.5 years of full-time study.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Master’s in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Developmental Psychology. This specialty is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to assess and treat children. Potential courses include Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Neuropsychology, and Intervention Strategies. Full-time students can usually complete the 36 required credit hours in 1 to 2 years.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Texas A&M University offers a Master’s in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Developmental Sciences. Students can choose to complete their degree as a Master of Education or Science. Typical coursework covers topics like lifespan development, educational neuroscience, behavioral issues, and interpersonal relationships. Classes can be attended either in-person on campus or virtually online.
Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas Woman’s University offers a Master of Science in Child Development. Potential careers for graduates include roles in childcare administration, child advocacy, community outreach, parent education, and early childhood intervention. Students may be able to finish their 31 required credits in just 12 months. Classes can be completed 100% online.
Texas Woman’s University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a Master of Arts in Psychology. Individuals seeking future employment in child-centered settings may be interested in the Child and Adolescent concentration. This program is held fully online. Students attending full-time can typically finish in 1 year, while part-time students typically finish in 2 years.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
The University of Arizona offers a Master of Arts in Psychology. The program aims to provide in-depth education in key psychological areas, including developmental, social, and physiological psychology. To graduate, students must complete 36 credit hours with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Classes are attended online, and each one is 6 weeks long.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Minnesota offers a Master of Arts in Applied Child and Adolescent Development. The curriculum covers developmental, cognitive, biological, and social aspects of child psychology. This program may be an excellent option for students seeking work in advocacy, community service, or healthcare settings. Students may also benefit from the flexible online learning model.
The University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Phoenix offers an online program for a Master of Science in Psychology. It emphasizes skills in communication, scientific mindedness, and ethical responsibility. Core courses include Developmental Psychology, Biological Basis of Behavior, Professional Ethics, and Research Methods. On average, students can complete the program’s 36 required credit hours in just 18 months.
The University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Pittsburg offers an online program for a Master’s in Applied Developmental Psychology. It can typically be completed in 2 years of full-time study, though part-time options are available. Available concentrations include Behavioral Health in Schools, Infant Mental Health, Child Youth Development, Children with Special Health Care Needs, and more.
The University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Walden University offers a fully online program for a Master of Science in Developmental Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development. It is intended for students pursuing careers that do not require licensure. The curriculum consists of 48 quarter credits. Courses cover key topics like child development, abnormal psychology, behavior analysis, and health promotion.
Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Masters in Developmental Psychology Online
There are many accredited universities that offer masters in developmental psychology programs online. These programs can help prepare you to work with people in a variety of settings, such as healthcare, social services, and education.
An accredited masters program can also act as a foundation for doctoral studies in developmental psychology. If you are interested in developing your expertise in this field, you can start by exploring accredited schools that offer masters programs in developmental psychology.
With so many options available, you can search for the program and specialization that best meet your needs and interests.
