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Many bachelor's programs in psychology offer concentrations in child psychology. These courses explore personality development, childhood disorders, and behavior modification. But what are the benefits of majoring in child psychology? And what can you do with a child psychology bachelor’s degree? Learn more about child psychology bachelor's degrees in this guide.
Degree Snapshot
- Typical Admission Requirements: High school diploma or the equivalent; SAT or ACT scores (optional at some schools); letters of recommendation; college essays
- Time to Completion: 4 years for full-time students (minimum of 120 credits)
- Common Courses/Subjects: Child and Adolescent Development; Behavior Modification; Abnormal Psychology; Family Dynamics; Childhood Psychopathology
Popular Online Psychology Bachelor's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Get a Bachelor's Degree in Child Psychology?
A child psychology bachelor’s degree offers several benefits, including:
- Exploring the psychology field: As a child psychology major, you’ll explore human behavior, social psychology, and experimental psychology.
- Preparing for social services and mental health careers: While you’ll need a doctorate to become a child psychologist, a bachelor’s degree can lead to opportunities as a caseworker, assistant behavior analyst, or child advocate.
- Meeting graduate school requirements: If you’re interested in graduate-level psychology programs, a child psychology major meets the admission requirements. You’ll complete prerequisite coursework and strengthen the skills needed for graduate school.
- Strengthening critical thinking and analytical skills: As a social sciences major, you’ll develop strong critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills during your degree. Employers in diverse fields look for candidates with these abilities.
- Specializing in children: Only a handful of college majors focus on early childhood and adolescence. Specialize your degree by focusing on child psychology and prepare for careers that interact with children.
Example Child Psychology Courses
In a child psychology concentration, you’ll take core psychology courses and upper-division child psychology courses. You'll learn foundational topics in child psychology, childhood development, and research methods. You’ll also complete general education requirements and electives.
While each child psychology program has different requirements, many include the following courses:
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Child and Adolescent Development
Psychology majors investigate the developmental stages of children and adolescents, including development theory, the psychology of learning, and influences on development. -
Family Dynamics
The internal dynamics of a family have a significant influence on child development. Explore family conflict, stress, and the impact of family dynamics on child psychology. -
Personality Development
Discover the factors that influence a child's personality development, including the influence of parents and other adults. The course covers socialization theory, behavior research, and moral development. -
Childhood Psychopathology
Examine the causes of common childhood disorders, including ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. You’ll also learn about research methods for childhood mental health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Bachelor's Degree in Child Psychology
Is child psychology the same as developmental psychology?
Child psychology and developmental psychology are related fields. However, child psychology focuses on children and adolescents, while developmental psychology covers lifespan development.
What is the best major for a child psychologist?
Majoring in psychology or child psychology prepares graduates to become child psychologists. These majors cover foundational knowledge and skills in child development, childhood psychopathology, and research methods.
Where do child psychologists make the most money?
Child psychologists report the highest salaries in Nevada, California, Oregon, and Virginia, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Child Psychology?
A bachelor’s in child psychology prepares you for careers in education, mental health, and social services. For example, you can become an assistant behavior analyst, caseworker, or child advocate with a bachelor’s degree. In these roles, you’ll improve the well-being of children of all ages.
Psychology majors also pursue diverse career paths. The analytical and critical thinking skills you’ll develop during a child psychology degree can also lead to careers in business, marketing, criminal justice, or human resources.
Career Advancement
If you’re interested in career advancement in the child psychology field, you’ll likely need a graduate degree. You need a graduate degree to become a child psychologist, mental health counselor, applied behavior analyst, or school counselor.
Graduate Programs
You can advance your career in child psychology by earning your master’s in child psychology. Most master’s programs require two years and cover advanced topics in child development, psychology research, and behavioral analysis.
Careers as a licensed child psychologist require a doctorate in child psychology. While some programs admit applicants with a bachelor’s degree, earning a master’s in child psychology can help you gain admission.
Licensure
In every state, psychologists who practice independently need a license. That means earning a doctorate, passing a licensure exam, and meeting supervised clinical experience requirements. School psychologists may also need a license from their state board of education. For more information, research the licensure requirements in your state.
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations can help you network and advance your career. The American Psychological Association is the largest professional organization in psychology and oversees the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. If you’re interested in school psychology, you can also learn more about the National Association of School Psychologists.
Take the Next Steps
Ready to get started on your bachelor’s in child psychology? Learn more about popular programs to advance your education and launch a career in this rewarding field.
Page last reviewed on March 24, 2024