Online child development psychology programs teach students the skills needed to understand the theories of child growth and development from infancy to adulthood. These programs are geared towards empathetic individuals who wish to learn how the developmental process works. Child development psychology degree programs are available at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Select schools may offer a certificate option.

Graduates may be qualified to work in juvenile corrections, childcare facilities, and non-profit organizations. These programs may provide the necessary skills and training for a career as a psychology assistant, research coordinator, education diagnostician, professor, or a psychologist.

Available Degree Levels

• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: Three to five years to complete

An online certificate in child development psychology teaches the theories of child growth and development by understanding how children develop intellectually, physically, and mentally. These programs may provide a comprehensive basic review of child psychology, including the study of growth patterns and change in a child’s life. Coursework may include child development, child psychology, and abnormal child psychology.

An associate degree may provide the basic skills and knowledge needed to work with young children by focusing on their health, development, and overall care. These programs may provide the skills needed to obtain the Child Development Associate Credential. Coursework may include social and cultural foundations, psychology of childhood and adolescence, and family systems.

An online bachelor’s degree in child development psychology may provide individuals with the training to examine the developmental stages of humans and the research methods required to study how people change over time. Coursework may include experimental psychology, lifespan development, and psychopathology.

Master’s degree programs may help develop individuals into practitioners who wish to assist in the developmental issues of children. Coursework may include child health practicum, psychology of the exceptional child, and child/adolescent personality assessment.

A doctoral-level online degree in child development psychology utilizes intensive scientific research to study the development of the human psyche. These programs may place a strong emphasis on cultural psychology and how it provides answers to questions about psychological theories. Coursework may include cognitive and affective behavior, survey of research methods, and social and emotional processes.

Career Options

Online child development psychology programs may provide individuals the skills to work in juvenile correctional facilities, childcare facilities, and non-profit organizations. Many graduates may prefer to work for a private practice or start a practice of their own. Upon graduation, individuals may have the skills to decipher the emotional needs of children, understand psychological theories, and assess the growth patterns of humans.

Possible career fields include:

• Psychologist Assistant
• Research Coordinator
• Education Diagnostician
• Professor
• Psychologist