Master’s Degree in
Child & Adolescent
Developmental Psychology
NO Residency
NO Group Work
100% Online Learning
National and Northcentral have merged, and this program is now offered by NU. Learn more.
Master’s Degree in Child & Adolescent Developmental Psychology
The field of child and adolescent development is incredibly diverse and can offer many career directions — whether it’s working with the helping professions, industry, government, and for-profit or nonprofit organizations. The Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology program helps prepare you for a career with or advocating for, children, adolescents, and their families.
Throughout your studies, you’ll have an opportunity to take an in-depth look at developmental stages and explore how the impacts of family, school, peers, society, and culture intertwine and affect the development of children and adolescents.
Children Are Your Future
The MS in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology program seeks to expose students to a deep understanding of physical, cognitive, gender, and socioemotional development that is acquired through critical analysis of research, as well as the theories of development that have arisen from this research. Students will also learn about child and adolescent psychopathology and get an in-depth understanding of ADHD, as well as autism spectrum disorders.
At the culmination of this master’s in child development program, you have the option of completing a 100-hour internship working in the field. This gives you the opportunity to demonstrate a wide range of professional competencies, and apply what you have learned in your studies to develop real-world applicable skills.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Course Details
Online Masters in Child & Adolescent Developmental Psychology Course Listings
The Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology program can be completed in 30 credits.
All Master of Science programs require the foundation course to be completed prior to enrolling in specialization courses. If students choose the capstone, this course will be completed as the last course in the degree program.
Course Name
Program at a Glance
- Total Credit Hours: 30 Credit Hours
- Courses: 10 Courses
- Recommended Completion Time: 16 Months
- Next Start Date:Every Monday
- Classroom Size: One
The Master of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology requires a total of 30 credits for completion.
The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credits in transfer toward the Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology for graduate course work completed at an accredited college or university with a grade average of “B” or better. See the Transfer Credit policy for additional information.
- PSY-5703 must be completed at NU
Graduation requirements for the MS in Child & Adolescent Developmental Psychology vary according to specialization selected.
All NU master’s degree programs have the following graduation requirements:
- A minimum of 18 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through the University
- Completion of subject area competency requirements for the graduate program
- Elective courses must be relevant to the department’s graduate program
- Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
- Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited academic institution
- Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
- All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their complimentary diploma or degree posted transcript
If you are interested in taking your education even further, The Master’s in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology provides the academic experience and knowledge to continue into doctoral-level studies.
Program Outcomes
At National University, you can earn your MS in Child & Adolescent Developmental Psychology degree online, when it’s convenient for you. And although you attend class online, you still receive the personal support and guidance you deserve thanks to our one-to-one learning model. We also have no residency requirements, no GRE/GMAT requirements, and no group projects. This offers the flexibility you need to fit higher education into your busy schedule.
MS in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of National University’s MS in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology program, graduates will be able to:
- Synthesize theories and principles applicable to the field of child and adolescent developmental psychology through written communication
- Appraise research methods and data analysis applicable in the framework of child and adolescent developmental psychology
- Investigate empirically supported interventions for research, administration, or practice of child and adolescent developmental psychology
- Employ ethical principles of psychology in academic and professional matters of child and adolescent developmental psychology
- Examine diversity issues in the context of child and adolescent developmental psychology
Note on Licensure: NU’s psychology programs are not licensure programs, and do not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology or counseling professional. Students in the MS in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology program may choose a non-clinical internship.
Hear From Our Faculty
Watch our video to learn more about the Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology program from Dr. James Billings, Dean for the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Admissions
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Behavior Analyst
- Day Care/Preschool/Child Development Center Director
- Clinical Case Manager
- Family /School /General Social Worker
- Health Educator /Coach
- Mental Health Educator
- Mental Health Assistant
- Social /Human Services Manager
- Youth Counselor /Worker
And many more, in public and private facilities of different sizes!
If you have your sights set on a doctoral degree, the Master’s in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology gives you the academic experience and knowledge needed to continue into doctoral-level studies.
*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program-specific requirements with an NU advisor. Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), The median annual wage for all psychologists was $81,040 in May 2021. Working in different industries, practices, and states will also affect the potential median annual wage.
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.