How to Become a Child Psychologist
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Key Takeaways
- Child psychologists diagnose behavioral, cognitive, and emotional conditions in kids, offering support for trauma and stress.
- To become licensed, you need about 10 years of education, including a doctorate, and licensure.
- The field shows strong growth potential, with a projected 7% job growth from 2023 to 2033.
Child psychologists help children and their families by diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
Do you enjoy working with children, are a good collaborator, and want to help them grow and learn? You may find a fulfilling career as a child psychologist. This guide includes information on the required education, licensing requirements, and potential salaries for child psychology careers.
Steps to Become a Child Psychologist
Beginning with an undergraduate degree and a license, it typically takes at least 10 years to become a child psychologist. Licensure is regulated at the state level, and requirements vary slightly among jurisdictions, but they generally include the following:
- 1
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Your journey begins with a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes about four years of full-time study. Ideal majors include general psychology or child psychology. These programs build the foundations upon which your later learning will grow.
- 2
Consider a Master’s Degree
Master’s degrees in child psychology act as an important bridge between foundational and advanced studies. If you did not specialize in child psychology at the bachelor’s level, a concentrated master’s degree can help you address knowledge gaps.
Note that some doctoral programs accept candidates without an advanced degree. However, a master’s degree will likely support your success at the doctoral level. Schools also offer intensive graduate programs leading to combined master’s and doctoral credentials.
- 3
Earn a Doctoral Degree
To become a child psychologist, you will need a doctoral degree. Some states additionally require that you earn a doctorate specifically accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Psychology doctorates come in doctor or psychology (Psy.D.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) variants. Psy.D. degrees generally emphasize applied clinical skills, while child psychology Ph.D. programs focus more on research and pedagogy. Both degree designations qualify you for licensure.
- 4
Satisfy Internship and Supervised Clinical Requirements
Along with a doctorate, you must complete thousands of hours of supervised clinical training experiences to qualify for a child psychologist license. Graduate programs work some of these experiences into their curricula, but you must continue accruing hours beyond graduation. Specific requirements vary by state, with the APA citing a range of 1,500–6,000 hours.
- 5
Pursue State Licensure
You can proceed with licensing after completing your education and accruing the necessary number of clinical experience hours. You must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) to earn your initial license. Some states also require jurisprudence and/or ethics tests.
How Long Will Becoming a Child Psychologist Take?
Becoming a child psychologist takes at least 10 years. This includes earning an undergraduate degree, master’s degree, doctorate, and gaining licensure.
The following table compares the time it takes for other specialized psychology careers.
| Job | Time to Become |
|---|---|
| School Psychologist | 6-8 years |
| Educational Psychologist | 8-10 years |
| Clinical Psychologist | 8-12 years |
| Counseling Psychologist | 10-16 years |
How Much Does a Child Psychologist Make?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% job growth for psychologists from 2023–2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Salaries vary by location and experience. According to the BLS, psychologists (including child psychologists) earn the highest average salaries in California, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, and Massachusetts.
According to Payscale data from November 2024, salaries range from $65,015 for entry-level child psychologists with less than one year of experience to $96,000 for those with 20-plus years of experience.
$81,417
Average Annual Child Psychologist Salary
$43.60
Average Hourly Child Psychologist Salary
Payscale, November 2024
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Child Psychologist
Becoming a child psychologist takes at least 10 years, including an undergraduate degree, master’s degree, doctorate, and licensure.
