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Child and Adolescent Development Online Degree Concentration within the BA in Psychology Program
You're viewing a Program Concentration
Total courses 4 (of 40)
Term length 8 weeks
Concentration Overview Why focus on child and adolescent development?
If you want to make a difference in the lives of young people, choosing the child and adolescent development concentration as part of your bachelor's in psychology program adds a focus to this area of study.
The online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development from SNHU will take you through key developmental stages. You'll explore milestones from birth through adolescence, applying psychological theories and principles to better understand 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
Courses & Curriculum Career-focused child and adolescent development classes
The BA in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development covers the unique social, psychological, cognitive and physical needs of young people. Through research and application of theories and principles, your concentration courses will teach you how to support healthy psychosocial development in children
Note: The BA in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development program at SNHU will not lead directly to licensure.
Your 4-course child and adolescent development concentration explained
Your entire BA in Psychology degree consists of 40 courses (120 credits) total. This includes general education courses (42 credits), major courses (27 credits), major elective courses (12 credits) and other elective courses (39 credits). If you choose this concentration, you'll take 4 specific courses all related to child and adolescent development to meet the 12-credit major electives requirement.
Through your child and adolescent development concentration courses, you'll learn how humans actually acquire skills and knowledge and how they grow — socially and physically. Two of your courses will cover developmental psychology from childhood through adolescence. Then, you'll be able to choose two more courses from a list of related topics. This allows you to dive deeper into topics that interest you, like infant development, educational psychology and counseling — or even take on an internship.
Courses may include:
Educational Psychology
Course ID:
PSY 201
This course emphasizes the nature of human learning, with a study of the concepts of readiness, motivation, retention, individual differences, development, reasoning and measurement in relation to the learning process. Consideration of the psychological principles of testing and learning technology are also emphasized. Writing intensive course.
Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
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.
Counseling Process and Techniques
Course ID:
PSY 315
This course is designed to give students a broad overview of the process and techniques of counseling in the mental health professions. Students will examine theoretical perspectives, ethical considerations, and begin using theory to form their own identity as a mental health professional. Application includes practice of the skills and techniques learned in authentic situations.
Social Development: Child and Adolescent
Course ID:
PSY 319
The purpose of this course is to expose students to theory and research concerning infants', children's, and adolescents' social and personality development. This course will focus on how individuals become members of their social world, including how we conceptualize the social world, interact with parents and caretakers, develop social relationships with peers, and interpret, analyze, and respond to cultural messages and ideologies. We will discuss these issues through analysis of the theoretical and research literature.
Developmental Psychology: Childhood
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.
Developmental Psychology: Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
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.
Developmental Psychology: Prenatal and Infancy
Course ID:
PSY 330
In this course, students will focus on child development from conception through age two, a period characterized by rapid growth. Students will explore what development is, the role that both nature and nurture--including culture--play, and its major milestones. Special emphasis is given to understanding what puts infants and toddlers at risk, its long-term consequences, and what can be done to enrich their development.
Psychology Internship
Course ID:
PSY 443
Students participate in a supervised, career-related work experience in an area of psychology, encompassing a minimum of 150 hours during the term/semester. Students also complete coursework that gives them the opportunity to apply psychological concepts learned throughout undergraduate study and reflect on their internship experience.
Seminar in Child and Adolescent Development
Course ID:
PSY 450
In this course, students will focus on applying research to current issues, assessment methods, and communicating with children, adolescents, and their various caregivers. Research findings and theoretical perspectives of developmental psychology will be integrated in order to understand issues and themes central to development while students propose solutions to improve the quality of life for children and adolescents.
Visit the course catalog to view the full BA in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development curriculum.
The Commons: SNHU’s gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
A psychology certificate within your degree program
Get the opportunity to earn an embedded Certificate of Data Literacy in Psychology.
The certificate — provided to all eligible students in this degree program — helps you develop the sought-after knowledge and skills needed to synthesize data and effectively communicate your findings. Embedded means that it's earned as you complete your core psychology courses and is awarded when the degree is completed.
Apply for free in minutes
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: June 29, 2026 | August 31, 2026
Next term starts:
May 4, 2026
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.4% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2025 survey with 8,718 respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our psychology faculty members are dedicated to your success. Whether they're engaging with students on discussion boards, communicating concepts and ideas or helping you explore your passions, SNHU psychology instructors will strive to make your learning experience valuable and memorable.
Featured Faculty
Heather Gianatassio
Position
Adjunct Instructor
Joined SNHU
2014
Education
- MS in Child and Family Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi
- BA in Music and Child Life from Wheelock College
“This child and adolescent development concentration allows students to create, innovate, teach and become leaders in the child development field. They learn to use research and real-world experience to provide the best possible care to children and families in a variety of settings.”
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
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
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
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
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!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
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.
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
$342
$1,026
$41,040
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$250
$750
$30,000
*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:
$10,260 $15,390 $20,520 $25,650 $30,780If 30 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $30,780
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $25,650
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $20,520
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,390
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $10,260
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.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of tuition discounts for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
Career Outlook What can I do with my concentration in child and adolescent development?
The BA in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development can help prepare you to work with young people in different environments, including childcare facilities, schools, social service agencies and medical institutions.
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. It also provides an excellent foundation for graduate programs in psychology, counseling or social work.
Occupations
While the BA in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development does not lead directly to licensure, it does prepare you for entry-level roles in fields related to education, social services and healthcare, including:
Social & Community Service Manager
Support the community's well-being by coordinating and supervising beneficial programs and organizations.
Preschool Assistant Teacher
Support the learning of children to give students additional attention and track their development alongside a licensed teacher.
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.
9%
The projected job growth for social and community service managers through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$77,030
The median annual salary for social and community service managers in 2023, according to the BLS.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
After obtaining my degree at Southern New Hampshire University, I really feel my degree has given me the confidence that I've always lacked.
Child & Adolescent Development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is child and adolescent development?
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 BA in Psychology with a concentration 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.
Can I take child development classes online?
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.
Can I be a child psychologist with a bachelor's degree?
A BA in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development 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 bachelor's in psychology and a child and adolescent development concentration can prepare you for admission to these advanced degree programs.
How many years of college do you need to be a child psychologist?
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 (such as SNHU's BA in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development) 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
What is a concentration?
At colleges and universities, a concentration is a focused area of study within a larger degree program. A concentration generally replaces elective coursework in the major or discipline, allowing students to focus their studies on an area of interest.
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Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm (viewed Feb. 27, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
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)