Best Master’s in Child Psychology Degree Programs

The field of child psychology focuses on typical and neurotypical development patterns, behavior, and environmental issues impacting children. Each of these focus areas plays into how well a child performs in school and interacts with family, teachers, peers, and other adults in leadership roles.

Examples of job titles for those with a master’s degree in child psychology include special education teacher, recreational therapist, school counselor, and family therapist. In most situations, entering a career in child psychology will require more than a master’s degree, so students interested in those careers will need to continue their education after earning their graduate degree.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for adult and child psychologists is six percent, or approximately 11,300 jobs added annually. Psychologists at the mid-point of their careers earn an average yearly salary of $81,000.

2025 Best Online Master's in Child Psychology Programs

Finding the best online master's in child psychology programs can help you advance your career while balancing life's demands. At counselingpsychology.org, we rank top programs to guide your choice. Online programs offer flexibility, making it easier to study from anywhere. This is especially useful for those who need distance learning options. Our rankings consider key factors to ensure quality education. Learn more about how we rank these programs at https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

Northcentral University

San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - nu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Northcentral University's online Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology is designed for professionals aiming to deepen their understanding of children's psychological development. This program, requiring no GRE for admission, offers a flexible online format with a one-to-one learning model, allowing students to tailor their education to their schedules. Over approximately 18 months, students complete 30 credit hours covering vital areas such as child psychopathology, gender development, and neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism. The program stands out for its year-round enrollment and optional 100-hour internship, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to enhance their expertise in child psychology without the constraints of traditional on-campus programs.

• Online flexible learning
• 30 credit hours total
• 18-month average completion
• No GRE required
• Year-round enrollment
• One-to-one learning model
• Optional 100-hour internship

*Data from: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023.

What Will I Learn in an Online Child Psychology Master's Degree Program?

Southern New Hampshire University teaches students assessment, intervention, and consulting strategies that enable them to best meet the needs of children and their family members. By the end of the master's degree program, students should feel comfortable working in diverse settings such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and medical clinics. SNHU’s Master’s Degree in Child Psychology is fully available online.

Below are several course titles for the master's degree program in child psychology from Capella University, an online school located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Capella University offers master's degree programs in school psychology, general psychology, clinical psychology, and applied behavioral analysis.

• Foundational Practices for School Psychologists

• Psychological Assessments for Children

• Child and Adolescent Development

• Industrial and Organizational Psychology

• Educational Psychology

Program lengths of 12, 15, or 18 months are common across all schools that offer this type of graduate degree program. Some are entirely online, while others combine online and in-person instruction as part of a hybrid degree program. However, degree programs that students complete 100 percent online are becoming increasingly common.

Admission Requirements for a Master's in Child Psychology

All colleges and universities have unique requirements when it comes to applying for admission to a graduate program. Here are some of the most common across all types of schools:

• Have already earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field.

• A letter written by the potential student that describes why they want to enroll in the program, their future career goals, and why they chose that particular school.

• One or more letters of reference from instructors in previous degree programs, employers, volunteer directors, or internship directors.

• Passing score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), although not all schools require students to take this test prior to admission.

• A minimum grade point average (GPA) as established by the school. A GPA of 2.75 to 3.00 is a common requirement.

After earning a master’s degree in child psychology online, students may need to earn additional credentials depending on the career path they choose. For example, they may need to earn a passing score for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Most employers look for practical experience as well, even when accepting an entry-level position. The best master's degrees in child psychology offer internship experience in addition to practical coursework.

Students who plan to practice as a psychologist will need to earn a doctorate degree after completing their master’s degree. Those who have already carved out their career path before enrolling in a graduate degree program for child psychology should look for schools that offer post-graduate programs as well. At the very least, the school should assist students in the transition to a doctorate degree program at another college or university if their career interest requires it.

List of Child Psychology Master’s Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based master’s program in child psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Joel Gill

Joel Gill is a writer with a background in psychology. He earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and has a deep interest in the human mind and behavior. Joel's writing often explores themes related to mental health, relationships, and personal growth. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys cycling, meditation, and spending time with his family.