Developmental Psychology Degrees and Career Profile
(found programs from 274 schools)

Online Programs in Developmental Psychology

There are many kinds of online degrees in developmental psychology, ranging from the online bachelor's in psychology degree with a specialization in child development to the online master's in leadership development and coaching. Some programs, like the bachelor's degree, are general, while others are specific. For example, some schools offer online graduate certificates in specific areas of developmental psychology.

The structure of online developmental psychology programs differs depending on the type of degree sought. However, most programs include courses on theories of child development as well as courses on how to apply those theories. Online master's programs in developmental psychology tend to have capstone requirements, such as projects or theses.

Choosing an online degree in developmental psychology may be more advantageous than choosing a face-to-face degree for students who have a great deal of work experience in the field of child development. Some online schools allow students to submit portfolios of prior work experience to fulfill class credits.

Online Developmental Psychology Degrees to Consider:

At Capella University, students can earn an online master's degree in psychology with a developmental psychology specialization. The program includes courses in child and adolescent development that range from prenatal development through the teen years. Courses include information in developmental psychology theories, application and research. The class culminates in an interactive project.

Kaplan University's online bachelor's degree in psychology offers a child development specialization. Many of the courses in this program explore issues regarding children with special needs. For example, students take courses in speech development and disorders and exceptional-needs children. Kaplan University offers credit for prior learning.

Finally, Walden University's online Master of Science in psychology with a specialization in leadership development and coaching instructs students in a different type of developmental psychology, focusing on how leaders develop. The program ranges from 54 to 61 credits, and can be completed in about one-and-a-half years.

Introduction to Developmental Psychology Careers

Without knowing it, most people will, at one time or another, rely on the lessons of developmental psychology. Whenever parents gauge whether their children are meeting language-acquisition milestones, juries consider a defendant’s ability to understand the consequences of criminal actions, or children express concern over their aging parents’ forgetfulness, they are asking questions that relate directly to developmental psychology. If you have thought about these issues, and want to help answer them, you should consider a career as a developmental psychologist.

Useful Resources

• Cognitive Development Society
• Society for the Study of Human Development

Developmental Psychology Job Description

Developmental psychologists study the manner in which humans (and sometimes animals) psychologically develop throughout their lifetimes, attempting to understand the mechanisms that underlie development.

Developmental psychologists can pinpoint their interests along two dimensions: stage and type. Stages of development include infancy, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle and old age. The principal types of development studied are physical (i.e., neurological), cognitive (thought processes), and social (emotions, interactions and personal identity).

Developmental Psychology Requirements

As undergraduates, candidates often major in psychology or a cognitive neuroscience. Graduate programs vary in their requirements concerning the specific undergraduate major. Typically, some collegiate exposure to psychology, biology and statistics is necessary. Graduate programs offer both master’s and doctoral level degrees in developmental psychology, and usually require that candidates have taken the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Developmental psychologists generally engage in research. Programs that offer clinical exposure in the form of patient care require a specialized course of study and supervised professional experience, which satisfies government and licensing requirements. There is no specific licensure for developmental psychologists, and those that aspire to a career in clinical practice often obtain licensure as clinical or educational psychologists.

Developmental Psychology Career Outlook

Developmental psychologists earn, on average, $55,000 to $65,000, though exact salary can be significantly higher (or lower) depending on experience, geographic location, and competence. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% growth in psychologist employment, so job prospects for graduates--particularly those with doctoral degrees--appear to be good. Developmental psychologists are usually found in research positions at universities, though some, particularly those who have obtained clinical licensure, work in schools, hospitals and mental health centers.

Developmental Psychology Trends

The field continues to grow as the modern era ushers in new questions and novel problems. For instance, as the average human lifespan increases, psychologists continue to explore the often uncharted territory of development into old age. Developmental psychologists have also become involved in studying the role of computers and other forms of technology in human development. New frontiers are likely to open as advances in genetics prompt a deeper understanding of development and the potential to genetically alter its course.

Developmental Psychology Degree Programs

Welcome to the most complete directory on the Web of Developmental Psychology programs. It contains all the nationally accredited programs, from 274 schools across the country.

Show me all the Developmental Psychology programs in: