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Earning a master’s in child psychology is an essential step to becoming a licensed child psychologist or entering counseling, therapy, or social work careers. Learn what to expect in a child psychology master’s program and potential career paths and advancement opportunities.
Degree Snapshot
- Typical Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field; minimum 3.0 GPA; prerequisite coursework in developmental psychology, research methods, and statistics; experience working with children; criminal background check
- Time to Completion: 15-24 months
- Common Courses: Approaches to child and adolescent treatment; developmental psychopathology; ethics in developmental psychology; foundations of child and adolescent developmental psychology
Popular Online Counseling Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Get a Master's Degree in Child Psychology?
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1
Eligibility for a doctorate
Earning a child psychology master's degree qualifies graduates for doctoral study, which state boards require for child psychologist licensure. -
2
Favorable job outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for psychologists will grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. -
3
Filling a crucial gap
A national child mental health crisis and a shortage of mental health professionals means that child counselors and psychologists are in high demand. -
4
Meaningful work
Child psychologists can change young people's lives and set them up for success as adults. -
5
Pay increases
Payscale reports an average annual salary of $79,760 as of May 2024, with pay ranging from $51,000-$111,000, depending on experience.
Example Child Psychology Courses
Child psychology master's programs offer specialized coursework in children and adolescents' development processes and psychological needs, along with the influence of family and social contexts on children's mental and behavioral health.
Students learn how to effectively treat patients experiencing behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and psychological conditions; health-related problems; stress and difficulty coping; and trauma and loss.
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Approaches to Child and Adolescent Treatment
Students learn about evidence-based treatments and their applications within culturally, economically, ethnically, and sexually diverse families. Learners gain an understanding of the most effective treatments for childhood disorders and how to make treatment decisions. -
Developmental psychopathology
This course explores links between brain development and mental disorders or impairments that emerge during childhood or adolescence. It covers primary theoretical models and examines the risk factors created by the presence or absence of specific developmental influences. -
Ethics in Developmental Psychology
Enrollees in this course learn and apply ethical concepts and principles in the context of child and adolescent development. Course content includes state laws and regulations, how they may differ from national standards, and an assessment of cultural and personal values and how they impact professional behavior. -
Foundations of Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology
This course introduces students to child and adolescent development. They explore current and historical theories, developmental principles, and research.
What Can You Do With a Master's Degree in Child Psychology?
Child psychology master's program graduates do not qualify for psychology licensure, as state boards require a doctorate. However, master's degree holders can pursue positions related to child psychology, including child counseling and school or guidance counseling.
Counselors can become licensed with a master's degree and postgraduate supervised experience. Specializations include grief and trauma, marriage and family, school, mental health, and substance use — all of which can provide opportunities to work with children and adolescents.
School psychologists only need a master's, and most earn an education specialist degree, which takes less time than a doctorate.
Career Advancement
You'll need a state psychology license to practice child psychology to advance your career. To qualify for licensure as a child psychologist, you'll need a doctoral degree.
Doctoral Programs
Licensed child psychologists earn either a Ph.D. in child psychology or a Psy.D. specializing in child psychology. Either degree can qualify you for a license. Both Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs include coursework, internships, and culminating research projects.
Licensure
In addition to a doctoral degree in child psychology, licensure requires a post-doctoral internship and a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Some states may also require additional exams. Be sure to check with your state psychology licensure board for specific requirements.
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations offer networking opportunities for child psychologists and child psychology students.
The Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, a division of the American Psychological Association, hosts conferences, events, and special interest groups for practitioners and students.
The Society of Pediatric Psychology supports its members with an annual conference, practitioner and student email lists, volunteer opportunities, and a mentorship program.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Master's Degree in Child Psychology
How long does it take to get a master's degree in child psychology?
Most child psychology master's programs take eighteen months and two years to finish. The length of time can vary, depending on full or part-time enrollment, how many transfer credits you have, and whether the program offers accelerated or self-paced learning.
What is the highest degree in child psychology?
A doctorate is the highest degree in child psychology. Students can enroll in a Ph.D. or Psy.D program depending on their interests. A Ph.D. focuses on teaching methods and research. Graduates with Ph.D.s in child psychology usually pursue careers in teaching at the university level and conducting research. A doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) focuses on clinical practice. Graduates usually pursue careers in clinical practice.
What is the best major for a child psychologist?
To become a child psychologist, you can earn a bachelor's degree in psychology. But graduate programs also accept applicants with undergraduate degrees in education, sociology, social sciences, health sciences, or related fields.