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Child Psychology Degree Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Concentration

Latisha Aguilar, who earned her bachelor's in psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent development, wearing her cap and gown and holding her framed diploma.

Cost per credit $330

Total courses 40

Term length 8 weeks

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Program Overview Why get a child psychology degree?

Make a difference in the lives of young people with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development at Southern New Hampshire University. This program will take you through key developmental stages, from birth through adolescence, to give you a deeper understanding of the human experience. 

Skills you'll learn:

  • Application of research methods
  • Sociocultural and international awareness
  • Communication methods
  • Observation techniques
  • Child and adolescent development process
  • Application of ethics in real work situations
Sarah Childress, in cap and gown, smiling at a recent commencement ceremony at the SNHU arena.

Courses & Curriculum Online psychology classes that prepare you to work with children

Gain an in-depth understanding of the unique physical, social, psychological and cognitive needs of young people. Explore how to support healthy development from birth through adolescence.

Note: The BA Psychology – Child & Adolescent Development program at SNHU will not lead directly to licensure.

Degree Courses

Online child psychology courses

There are 12 credits in the child and adolescent concentration. While your child and adolescent courses are required, you'll have the opportunity to choose from other psychology topics that you're interested in to complete the remaining 2 courses in the concentration. These include an optional internship or an experiential learning project that you can use to build your resume and gain networking experience.

Courses may include:

Course ID: PSY 108
In this course, students will explore the complexities of the human mind by examining the science behind why we think, feel, and do. Students will experience the evolution of psychology through the early schools of thought, major branches, and core theories that guide contemporary perspectives. As students consider the broad influence of psychology on their perceptions, emotions, and everyday choices, they will acknowledge the idea that, in the human experience, "psychology is everywhere."
Course ID: PSY 211
In this course, students will explore the biological, sociological, and psychological influences that shape development between conception and death. Students will analyze traditional and emerging theories of development that increase their knowledge of human development as it relates to the field of psychology.
Course ID: PSY 223
How do psychologists organize, summarize, and interpret information? Students in this course study applications of statistical methods in psychological research and practice. The emphasis of the course is on the conceptual understanding of statistics so that students can read and conduct psychological research; those skills will be applied to students' original projects in Research II: Scientific Investigations. Computation of tests will be conducted on the computer. Students will build upon statistical knowledge and develop an in-depth conceptual and practical understanding of hypothesis testing, tests of significance, standardization, correlation, and analysis of variance in a wide variety of psychological uses. Students will learn the theory of statistical decisions, practical application of statistical software, and how to analyze journal articles. This course typically should be completed during the first semester of the sophomore year.
Course ID: PSY 224
Students in this course will develop an understanding a variety of research methods, including experimental, survey, correlation and case-history techniques. They will become aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each method and understand when each method is best used. Writing intensive course.
Course ID: PSY 314
This course focuses specifically on an introduction to the classification of disorders of childhood and adolescence and the treatment approaches that currently are available. Knowledge students obtain in PSY 314 is essential for understanding the etiology and manifestation of these disorders, as well as the impact on the individual, family and society. Current field research and case studies will be used.
Course ID: PSY 321
Students will explore the major milestones during the preschool and school-aged years and the role that nature and nurture play in it, including widening sociocultural influences of family, friends and peers, school, community, and culture. Students also examine normative development, risk, and how to enrich their development to promote resiliency. Applications include learning to speak with and observe this age group, fostering grit and prosocial behavior, and addressing bullying.
Course ID: PSY 322
In this course, students will examine the physical, cognitive, and social development of adolescents and emerging adults and the varying contexts in which these changes occur. Special emphasis is given to identity development, the impacts of transitional events during adolescence and emerging adulthood, and the interplay between areas of growth during this period.
Course ID: PSY 444
This capstone course integrates previous classroom and practical experience with a focus on current issues in psychology. This course likely will include cross-cultural aspects of psychology, ethics, recent career trends in psychology and other topics dictated by current events in psychology. Coverage may change over time, but the basic focus on integrating the past and anticipating the future for psychology seniors will be the major concern. Writing Intensive Course.

Visit the course catalog to view the full BA in Psychology with a concentration in Child & Adolescent Developement curriculum.

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Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: September 1, 2025 | October 27, 2025

Next term starts:
June 30, 2025

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
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Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online undergraduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750

If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800

If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850

If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook

By earning your BA in child and adolescent development, you could turn your passion for helping others into a successful career bettering the lives of young people. Whether you're looking to become more proficient in your current field or thinking about starting a new career, this program is designed to help you take advantage of more opportunities.

Occupations

While the bachelor's program does not lead to licensure, it prepares you to work in fields such as education, social services and health care. Earning your bachelor's degree at SNHU can also prepare you for careers beyond the field of psychology, like:

Study market conditions to help companies better understand what products customers want.

Support the community's well-being by coordinating and supervising beneficial programs and organizations.

Plan, coordinate and direct an organization's administrative functions and inform strategic planning for the company.

15%

Increase in employment of marriage and family therapists, projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Latisha Aguilar, a 2021 graduate from SNHU with a bachelor's in psychology
Latisha Aguilar, a 2021 graduate from SNHU with a bachelor's in psychology

After obtaining my degree at Southern New Hampshire University, I really feel my degree has given me the confidence that I've always lacked.

Latisha Aguilar '21
Child & Adolescent Development

Frequently Asked Questions

Child and adolescent development explores how humans grow and adapt at different life stages between birth and adolescence. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), child developmental psychologists can work with parents, doctors and educators to help children experience healthy physical and psychological development.2

With a psychology degree in child and adolescent development, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to work with young people in a variety of settings, including day care centers, schools, clinics, social service agencies and hospitals.

"This area of psychology promotes research and the application of scientific knowledge to educational, childcare, policy and related areas,” said Dr. Jay Greiner, SNHU adjunct professor of psychology.

Of course! SNHU's BA in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development is an online degree program. That means all of your coursework will be completed online, giving you the flexibility to work towards your degree on your schedule.

Throughout the program, you'll have 24/7 access to learning resources and course materials, so you can attend class when it’s convenient for you. And with six 8-week terms each year, you can earn your degree at your own pace.

Even though this is an online program, our dedicated faculty and staff aim to facilitate a learning environment that helps you connect with other classmates and gain real-world experience. That was something Latisha Aguilar '21 wasn't expecting when she started her program.

"Making connections with other online students was very surprising. At a certain point in time, it becomes fun to interact with your classmates," said Aguilar. "It wasn't isolating at all."

No matter how you decide to earn your degree, rest assured that each course at Southern New Hampshire University is taught by a committed instructor with real-world experience. Whether you're taking courses online or on campus, they're dedicated to helping you earn your degree.

A child psychology bachelor's degree can prepare you to work with young people in different environments, including childcare facilities, schools, social service agencies and medical institutions.

While working as a psychologist requires an advanced degree and state licensure, this child development degree concentration can give you the knowledge you need to start working with young people right away. It also provides an excellent foundation for graduate programs in psychology, counseling or social work.

Possible jobs for child development majors include:1

  • Childcare worker: Monitor the safety and well-being of children in your care, organizing activities, mealtimes and sleep schedules and watching for signs of emotional or developmental problems in children.
  • Preschool teacher: Educate and care for children who have not yet entered kindergarten, teaching language, motor and social skills and keeping records of the children’s learning progress and development.
  • Teacher assistant: Support the learning of students from kindergarten through high school, working with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and track students’ development.
  • Social services assistant: Provide support for families and help clients find benefits and community services in a wide variety of fields, including psychology, rehabilitation and social work.
  • Market research analyst: Design methods of gathering data on consumers, competitors and market conditions and use the findings to examine potential sales of a product or service.

A child development bachelor’s degree can be a great first step toward working as a child psychologist, but you’ll need more advanced education to pursue psychology licensure and begin practicing.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)1, most psychologists need either a PhD in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree before working in a clinical setting. Earning an online BA in psychology with a concentration in child development can prepare you for admission to these advanced degree programs.

You can also use your bachelor’s degree to start working in child development and psychology right away, gaining more experience while you continue your education.

The knowledge you gain from your online psychology courses can set you up for success in a number of career paths. You could work as a social and community services manager, which should see 9% job growth through 2032, according to the BLS.1 Other careers include market research analyst, which should see 13% job growth through 2032, and preschool teachers – with 3% projected growth – in the same time period.1

You could also choose to pursue a career in healthcare as a community health worker, which has a projected job growth rate of 14% through 2032 according to the BLS.1

The best online college for psychology is the one that prepares you for the career you want and provides the necessary support for you to succeed.

A good online psychology degree in child development will ensure you have a strong understanding of the way that children grow and evolve - physically and psychologically. You’ll prepare to work with young people in multiple ways and also prepare to enter a graduate program in psychology or a related field.

At SNHU, a psychology bachelor’s degree with a concentration in child development will teach you how to use research skills and real-world experience to provide the best possible care to children and families. And with 24/7 access to your online courses, dedicated instructors and a full range of advising and tutoring services, SNHU is designed to help you succeed.

It depends. A doctoral degree is typically required to gain licensure and work as a child psychologist, according to BLS.1 But how you earn this degree – and the degrees you earn leading up to it – can vary.

Students must earn a 4-year psychology bachelor’s degree before moving on to a more advanced degree. Some students go on to earn a master’s degree in psychology, which is typically a 2-year degree.

But it is possible to move straight into a research-based PhD or clinical-based PsyD degree program after receiving your bachelor's degree. According to the APA, a psychology doctoral degree takes an average of 7 years to complete.2

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm (viewed Feb. 27, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm (viewed Feb. 27, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm (viewed Feb. 27, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm (viewed Feb. 27, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm (viewed Feb. 27, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm (viewed Feb. 27, 2024)

2American Psychological Association, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide/bachelors (viewed Jan. 13, 2023)
  • https://www.apa.org/action/science/developmental/education-training (viewed Jan. 13, 2023)
  • https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/02/datapoint (viewed Jan. 13, 2023)