A developmental psychology degree provides graduates with valuable skills for in-demand fields like education, healthcare, and counseling. Jobs in developmental psychology include social service representative, caseworker, and behavioral therapist. Developmental psychology careers with a master’s degree include learning disabilities specialist, school counselor, and rehabilitation counselor. Developmental psychology graduates bring strong analytical thinking, research, and abstract reasoning skills, which benefit professionals in several growing fields.
What can I do with a degree in developmental psychology? Continue reading this guide for answers, including possible jobs for graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s in developmental psychology and required steps for earning a doctorate and becoming a developmental psychologist.
A developmental psychology degree prepares graduates for opportunities in the social services, mental health, and healthcare fields. Bachelor’s in developmental psychology jobs include caseworker, behavioral therapist, and psychiatric technician.
| Description | Caseworkers help clients access social services and manage daily problems. They assess client needs to determine necessary support services and they coordinate with other healthcare and social service professionals for further patient support. A background in developmental psychology prepares caseworkers to assess client situations. |
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| Salary | $49,470 |
| Growth Outlook | 11% (2018-2028) |
| Description | Behavioral therapists assist clients struggling with mental health or addiction problems. They help clients modify their behaviors, including connecting them with additional resources for support. These professionals may also provide treatment to individuals or groups and specialize in working with specific populations, such as children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. |
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| Salary | $44,630 |
| Growth Outlook | 22% (2018-2028) |
| Description | Psychiatric technicians care for people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities. They provide therapeutic care, monitor patient conditions on a daily basis, and work with healthcare professionals to carry out treatment plans. As psychiatric technicians, professionals gain practical experience in the mental health and healthcare fields. |
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| Salary | $30,864 |
| Growth Outlook | 12% (2018-2028) |
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
Earning a master’s degree in developmental psychology increases salary potential and qualifies candidates for a greater number of job opportunities. Several career paths, such as rehabilitation counselor, require a master’s degree.
| Description | Instructional coordinators support young learners by developing educational materials and teaching plans that meet children’s needs. They evaluate how students learn and suggest changes to curricula or activities to improve learning. A background in developmental psychology, particularly with a focus on learning and education, prepares graduates for careers as instructional coordinators. |
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| Salary | $64,450 |
| Growth Outlook | 6% (2018-2028) |
| Description | Rehabilitation counselors assist patients with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities. They help clients live independently and manage the effects of their disabilities. Most positions require a master’s in psychology or counseling with some training in group and individual counseling. Learn more about the scope of practice for rehabilitation counselors. |
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| Salary | $35,630 |
| Growth Outlook | 10% (2018-2028) |
| Description | Special education teachers evaluate children struggling with learning disabilities and develop treatment plans to strengthen their skills. These professionals coordinate with teachers and specialists to provide services, including working with parents. A background in developmental psychology, especially with a focus on learning disabilities, prepares professionals for careers as special education teachers. |
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| Salary | $59,780 |
| Growth Outlook | 3% (2018-2028) |
| Description | School counselors help students build academic and social skills to help them succeed in school. They evaluate student abilities and identify issues affecting school performance. School counselors create plans to help students improve and counsel students on career and college planning. A master’s in psychology meets the requirements for a school counselor license in many states. |
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| Salary | $56,310 |
| Growth Outlook | 8% (2018-2028) |
Bachelor’s in Developmental Psychology
Master’s in Developmental Psychology
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Potential doctoral students in psychology who gravitate more toward clinical practice than academia should consider the accredited online Psy.D. programs ranked here.
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