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.

2026 Best Online Master's in Child Psychology Programs

At CounselingPsychology.org, we understand the growing need for accessible education in child psychology. Our comprehensive rankings of the best online master's programs provide aspiring professionals with critical insights into top-tier distance learning opportunities. These virtual programs offer unprecedented flexibility for students balancing work, family, and academic pursuits, enabling them to advance their careers without sacrificing current commitments. Our carefully evaluated rankings consider factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, student support, and professional outcomes. Online master's programs in child psychology have become increasingly vital, allowing students to develop specialized skills in understanding child development, mental health interventions, and therapeutic approaches from the comfort of their homes. Our detailed methodology ensures transparent and rigorous program assessments.

#1

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA - Public 4-Year - washington.edu

Master's - M.A. in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Washington's online hybrid Master's in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology provides a comprehensive 36-credit program designed for aspiring mental health professionals. Students explore evidence-based approaches to diagnosing and treating childhood mental health challenges, with specialized training in social-emotional development and trauma interventions. The flexible evening and weekend course options accommodate working professionals, while practical experiences in clinical settings ensure graduates develop hands-on skills. Though a hybrid model, the program emphasizes online accessibility and provides multiple progression pathways—students can complete the degree in one or two years. Notably, the program is supported by a Top 10 Clinical Psychology Department and focuses intensively on professional mental health training.

• Top 10 Clinical Psychology Department
• 36-credit hybrid master's program
• Practicum in clinical settings
• One or two-year options
• Evidence-based treatment focus
• Flexible evening/weekend courses
• Mental health professional training

#2

National University

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

Master's - Master's Degree in Child & Adolescent Developmental Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

National University's online Master's Degree in Child & Adolescent Developmental Psychology provides an innovative pathway for professionals seeking advanced understanding of child psychological development. Students explore comprehensive developmental stages, examining intricate interactions between physical, cognitive, and socioemotional domains. The curriculum strategically addresses complex topics like child and adolescent psychopathology, with specialized insights into ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. Uniquely designed for working professionals, the program offers remarkable flexibility through year-round enrollment and no GRE/GMAT entrance exam requirements. An optional 100-hour internship enhances practical experience, allowing students to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world clinical contexts. Ideal for aspiring child advocates, counselors, and developmental specialists seeking a robust, accessible online learning environment.

• 30 credit hours
• Online format
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Year-round enrollment
• Optional 100-hour internship
• Focus on ADHD and autism
• Flexible scheduling
• One-to-one learning model
• No residency requirements
• Affordable tuition options

#3

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA - Private 4-year - liberty.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Applied Psychology – Developmental Psychology

Concentration: Developmental Psychology - Online Learning - Visit Website

Liberty University's fully online Master of Arts in Applied Psychology with a specialized Developmental Psychology concentration provides an immersive exploration of human psychological growth from infancy through adulthood. This comprehensive 36-credit program uniquely integrates psychological research with a biblical perspective, offering students a holistic understanding of developmental processes. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum features flexible 8-week courses and allows transferring up to 50% of credits. With no standardized testing required for admission, students only need a bachelor's degree and a 2.5 GPA. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in research, human services, and potential doctoral studies, while maintaining SACSCOC accreditation and offering military-friendly options.

• 36 credit hours
• 100% online format
• 8-week courses
• Transfer up to 50% credits
• No standardized testing
• Accredited by SACSCOC
• Biblical worldview
• Flexible for professionals
• Developmental Psychology focus
• Prepares for doctoral studies

*Source: IPEDS 2023 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

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.

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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.