Master's in Child Psychology & Development Online MS in Psychology Concentration

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

Prior coursework and work experience could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 12 credits from your previous institution. You could also earn college credit for previous work experience.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality. 

Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

• “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
• A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
• Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium

Network

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 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.

93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:

• Completed free application
• Undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms.

The online master’s in psychology degree program requires individuals to have earned an undergraduate psychology degree online, or on campus, or a bachelor’s degree in another discipline and have completed undergraduate coursework in the following 3 areas:

• Introduction to psychology
• Social science statistics
• Research methods in a social science

For those who do not meet the minimum requirements, one or more of the following courses may be required:

• PSY-500: Foundations of Psychology
• SCS-501: Foundations in Statistics
• SCS-502: Foundations in Research Methods

This program does not prepare you for state licensure.

If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:

• Complete free graduate application
• Submit undergraduate transcripts
• Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through application process

Notes: 

• Laptop or desktop?  Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility. 

• Note:  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. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10. 

• Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government. 

• Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market across all positions for psychologists is expected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031.¹ 

Note: The title "psychologist" usually requires a doctoral degree.

Employment of clinical, counseling and school psychologists, in particular, is projected to grow due to demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers and social service agencies.¹ Due to the unique toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on many individuals' mental health, including children, psychologists experienced an increase in demand and will likely continue to see demand rise over the coming years.¹

While child psychologists do have a broad background in psychology overall, their focus is on children and adolescents. This includes patients from the very young to age 19.

The work involves evaluating children for a range of disorders, such as anxiety and depression, learning disabilities or attention deficit disorder. On a daily basis, the work may include interviewing new patients and conducting assessments, performing psychotherapy or administrating diagnostic tests and determining a treatment plan.

The work may take place in a hospital or private practice, or perhaps in a clinic. Because child psychologists also work with adolescents up to age 19, the work may also happen at a university or even a prison or teen detention center.

With a master’s in child development, there are many opportunities available to make a real difference in the lives of others. Studying child and adolescent development involves studying how people grow and adapt at different life stages. Expertise in this area allows you to help others reach their full potential, be it through clinical work, education or as an advocate.

Some possible career paths include:

• School psychologist: In this role, you might be part of a team to support the ability of students to learn. More specifically, you might be in a position to apply your professional expertise in mental health and child development to help students of all ages succeed academically and behaviorally. Becoming a school psychologist typically involves advanced education, training and licensure, depending on local requirements.
• Clinical psychologist: This is a specialized role that requires licensure to work with others in a mental health setting. As a clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent psychology, you might diagnose and treat people in this age group who have a variety of mental, behavioral and emotional illnesses.
• School counselor: Working full time in a school, the person in this role may use their child development background to help students develop both academic and social skills. They may provide advice and guidance on career or college choices, and generally help direct students so they may move forward in school and in life with confidence. As with school psychologists, becoming a school counselor may require additional training and licensure.
• Social worker: A background in child development may be especially helpful for the person in this role. You may work to help others solve problems relating to their family structure and home life. You may help protect vulnerable children and families and provide support to ensure their safety. You may also receive additional training and licensure qualifying you to diagnose and treat a variety of mental, behavioral and emotional issues.
• Child advocate: In this role, you may work as a lobbyist, taking action to influence lawmakers to create more legal protections for children and families. You may work to ensure that a child’s behavioral, medical and emotional needs are met. Or, you may facilitate court-ordered family visitations or attend court hearings as an advocate to a child.
• Qualified intellectual disability professional: This is a specialized role where a strong background in child and adolescent development can be very helpful. In this role, you may work with individuals or small groups to help persons with intellectual disabilities learn life skills and job skills.

Note: Becoming a psychologist requires a doctoral degree. Many of the positions above require education, training or licensure beyond a master's degree.

Whichever career path you choose, you can have the opportunity to apply your understanding of how people learn and develop at different stages of life.

“While a bachelor’s provides required knowledge in the field, pursuing an advanced degree affords learners the opportunity to expand on the foundational knowledge and focus on a specialized area within the field,” said Dr. Nickolas Dominello, associate dean of social sciences at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

With a master's in child development, you'll have the unique training and understanding necessary to help others grow, adapt and reach their fullest potential in all areas of life.

Not only are child development classes available online, they're available at a high level of rigor and accessibility.

When considering an online program, it’s important to ensure that the school is accredited. You should also look for evidence that the school has a demonstrated commitment to student success. Internship and experiential opportunities can round out an online education and prepare you for the workplace.

Perhaps the best part of studying for a master's in child development online is the ability to customize the pace of your education. Courses are available 24/7, so you can complete your work on your schedule and at your pace. At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), our instructors are professionals working in their respective fields, so you will benefit from their professional expertise as well as from the subject matter.

With SNHU, you can take courses such as:

• Developmental Psychology: This course provides a deep dive into the theoretical perspectives of child and adolescent development.
• Cognitive Neuropsychology: Closely examine the psychology behind how the brain works. The study of the brain and behavior are the hallmarks of this course.
• Intervention Strategies: Both contemporary and traditional methods for interventions within child and adolescent development may be covered here. You may also have the opportunity to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Child and Developmental Psychology Seminar: This course may take a holistic view of child and adolescent psychology, integrating all skills learned throughout the master's in child development online program.

Each of these courses is designed to provide you with top-of-the-line instruction in the field of child development so that whichever direction you choose to take your career, you are ready to help others reach their fullest potential.

A great deal of formal education is required to become a licensed child psychologist. A bachelor’s degree online, or on campus, in a related field is the best place to start. From there, a master's in child psychology or other related field is a great next step.

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll get the opportunity to begin your career in psychology with us even if your existing bachelor’s degree is in another field. If needed, you’ll simply complete up to 3 foundational courses in general psychology and research methods to prepare you for the major coursework in the degree program.

While the child psychology master’s program does not lead to licensure or certification, students will find the coursework well aligned with industry standards and expectations. You will also graduate with the preparation necessary for doctoral-level coursework should you choose to continue with your studies. It can also lead to a host of rewarding careers that allow you to help children and adolescents reach their fullest potential.

At SNHU, the child and adolescent developmental psychology degree can be completed in as little as 15 months. Our admission counselors and academic advisors can help ensure that you receive the maximum number of transfer credits possible based on any past coursework you may have taken. From there, you can take courses at the pace that suits your schedule.

To become a fully licensed child psychologist, you generally need a doctoral degree in psychology. A focus on an aspect of child psychology, child development or adolescent psychology is also needed.

No matter the area of specialty, every state requires licensure to practice as a clinician. While the MS program at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is not a clinical program and does not prepare you for state licensure, it does provide the foundation needed for a rich and rewarding career in child and adolescent psychology or related fields.

Our program includes 24 credits of major coursework, including such courses as:

• Social Psychology. Learn about the interactions between people and their environment and society. You may also study theory and perspectives of social psychology.
• Cognitive Processes. Study topics such as memory, language and decision-making for people of all ages.
• Measurement and Assessment. Where you may learn to apply psychometric techniques commonly used in the field of psychology. This could involve analysis and assessment of psychological test results, and the examination of related ethical issues.

The earning potential for psychologists looks bright. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary across psychologists of all specialties was $81,040 in 2021.¹ Between 2021 and 2031, jobs for psychologists are expected to grow by 6%, which is on par with the national average for all professions.¹

Child psychologists may work in a variety of professional settings including local, state and federal government. They may also work in hospitals and clinics or in private practice. It’s also not uncommon for child psychologists to work in elementary and secondary schools, assisting students of all ages.

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at: https://www.bls.gov/OOH/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm (viewed Feb. 1, 2023)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.