Master’s in Child Psychology
Online

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

A Child Psychology degree draws knowledge from various disciplines like biology, chemistry, neurology, human development, family counseling, and cultural diversity, all crucial to understanding childhood and child development. In online Master’s in Child Psychology programs, one often encounters elements from General Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Behavioral Psychology. Within these programs, students delve into the effects of family, community, and culture on child growth, exploring physical, mental, social, and cognitive aspects in diverse conditions. The curriculum empowers learners to assess the evolving needs of children, helping improve their lives by understanding the transformations and challenges they face. 

Upon completing a Master’s in Child Psychology, graduates are well-equipped to stay updated on the latest developments in the field, applying cutting-edge knowledge to positively impact the lives of younger generations and their impressionable minds.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Masters in Child Psychology Online Programs

Being a concentration of Master’s in Psychology, almost all Master’s in Child Psychology online programs focus on behavior, Statistics, clinical intervention, research, and several Psychology-related subjects. Although the curricula of programs vary by college and program structure, in general, they tend to include Child Psychology courses, such as:

Child Psychology

This course helps one learn about cognitive, emotional, and social aspects unique to children. Some study topics include language acquisition, attachment, early socialization, and the impact of family dynamics on psychological growth. It helps one gain insights into behavioral patterns and interventions tailored to support the well-being of children.

Developmental Psychology

The developmental psychology course investigates psychological development from infancy to old age. One can examine individuals’ cognitive, emotional, and social changes at different life stages. Students also explore vital milestones, identity formation, moral development, and aging processes. By the end of the course, they can apply theoretical frameworks to understand the diverse aspects of human development.

Applied Statistics for Psychology

This course helps one understand the statistical tools necessary for psychological research and analysis. One can interpret and apply statistical methods relevant to psychological studies. It also helps one gain proficiency in statistical software, hypothesis testing, and data interpretation. Students develop the skills needed to evaluate research findings critically and contribute to evidence-based practices in psychology.

Child Advocacy Research Methods and Evaluation

Through this course, one can understand the methodologies and evaluation techniques essential for effective child advocacy. One also learns to design and research child welfare and advocacy issues. The course helps graduates understand the ethical considerations in child advocacy research and apply evaluative frameworks to assess the impact of interventions. 

Critical Issues in Child Development

Through this course, one can engage in critical discussions surrounding contemporary issues in child development. They analyze factors influencing child well-being, including cultural, social, and environmental elements. Students debate child psychology, such as nature versus nurture, and examine the implications for practice. They also develop an understanding of challenges and opportunities in promoting healthy child development.

Some additional courses that one can find across the online master in child psychology degree include:

• Intimate Relationship Development
• Lifespan Development
• Advanced Research Methods
• Child Welfare Policy
• Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Policy
• Cultural Competency in Children’s Mental Health
• Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health
• Ethics and Professional Conduct in Psychology
• Theories of Personality
• Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethics
• Marriage and Family Therapy
• Cultural Diversity in Counseling
• Career Development
• Trauma and Crisis Intervention
• Family Systems and Family Therapy
• Assessment of Intelligence

Upon graduating, students can expect to gain the following skills and learning outcomes:

• Assessment and Evaluation Skills: Acquire proficiency in using standardized tools and methodologies for psychological assessments.
• Intervention and Counseling Skills: Gain counseling skills to support children dealing with issues such as anxiety, trauma, and behavioral disorders.
• Research and Analytical Skills: Research child development utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Communication Skills: Enhance communication skills for effectively interacting with children, parents, and other professionals in multidisciplinary settings.
• Cultural Competence: Develop cultural competence to work effectively with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Advocacy and Policy Skills: Acquire skills in child advocacy to promote policies and practices that enhance the well-being of children.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work collaboratively with professionals from various disciplines, such as educators, social workers, and healthcare providers, to address holistic child development.
• Ethical Practice: Develop a solid ethical foundation for working with sensitive information and issues involving children and families.

Masters in Child Psychology Degree Types

Students who wish to pursue a Master’s in Child Psychology online program find two common types of degrees to choose from, including a Master of Arts or MA in Child Psychology and a Master of Science or MSc in Child Psychology. Although both types are founded on general psychology and share similar courses, each one is unique in its own right and caters to slightly different professional goals while also approaching the subject from different points of view.

Specializations in Masters in Child Psychology Programs

Individuals holding a master’s degree in Child Psychology can explore diverse specializations to deepen their understanding of specific aspects within the field. Among the various concentrations available, the online master’s degree in clinical child psychology emerges as a pivotal and widely pursued specialization. Some specialized programs in Child Psychology offer unique coursework tailored to the selected concentration, allowing graduates to develop targeted expertise in areas such as developmental disorders, educational psychology, behavioral interventions, or clinical child psychology. Some programs offer specializations that include unique coursework, such as

Graduation Timeline

Completing an online master’s degree in child psychology generally extends two years for full-time students and three to four years for those pursuing part-time enrollment. The timeline for program completion can be influenced by factors such as school start-date flexibility, consideration of transfer credits during admissions, and the selection of an accelerated program option. Typically, a Master’s program in Child Psychology takes about 18 to 24 months to finish. However, graduates often need to pursue a Doctoral Degree (e.g., Ph.D.) and fulfill licensure requirements in their respective state to become a licensed Child Psychologist. This process can extend the timeline to 2 to 5 years (at least) beyond obtaining a Master’s Degree. Opting for an accelerated format may expedite coursework completion within one to two years. The overall duration of the online master’s in child psychology program is shaped by the program’s flexibility and individual preferences.

Prospective students review the specific admission requirements of each program they are interested in. Detailed information can be found on the university’s official website or by contacting the admissions office for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Admission requirements for Master’s in Child Psychology programs vary among universities, but standard requirements often include:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants typically need a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While some programs may prefer a background in psychology or related fields, others accept students with diverse academic backgrounds.
• Minimum GPA: Many programs have a minimum GPA requirement for admission. Competitive programs may seek a solid academic record, often with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must often submit letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to their academic abilities, work ethic, or relevant experiences. 
• Statement of Purpose: A Statement of Purpose outlines one’s academic and career goals, showcases relevant experiences, and explains one’s interest in pursuing a Master’s in Child Psychology.
• Relevant Coursework: Some programs may require or prefer applicants to have completed specific coursework, including classes in psychology, child development, or related fields.
• Résumé: Programs may value applicants with relevant work or volunteer experience in psychology, counseling, education, or related fields. Highlighting such experiences in the Résumé can strengthen candidacy.
• Interviews: Several programs may require interviews as part of the application process. These interviews, whether conducted in person or virtually, offer an opportunity for the program to assess an applicant’s suitability and motivation.

Note: Standardized test scores such as GRE and GMAT are not required for admission, but this and other admission requirements depend on the college and program one is applying to. Students must check with the college’s admissions office or read the program guide/prospectus for updated and exact information.

Prerequisites

Applicants to a Master’s in Art Therapy online must have received a Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited university, much like applicants to other Master’s programs in the field of Health Care, such as Clinical Research, Counseling, Kinesiology Exercise Science, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Sports Psychology, and so on. They must have received an undergraduate Psychology Degree online or on campus or a Bachelor’s Degree in another discipline with undergraduate coursework in areas such as Introduction to Psychology, Social Science Statistics, Research Methods in a Social Science, etc., to be eligible for the online Master’s in Psychology program. Those who do not meet this requirement may have to take prerequisite courses in Foundations of Psychology, Foundations in Statistics, Foundations in Research Methods, etc.