The Best Online Child Psychology Master’s Programs for 2025
A master’s in child psychology degree builds on the foundational knowledge you gain in a bachelor’s degree in psychology program and delves deeply into the specialty area.
According to a recent American Psychological Association (APA) survey, nearly half of the psychologists reported an increased demand from adolescents, but many of them were not experienced in serving this age group. Explore this page to see how you can start on the path to help fill this emerging treatment gap.
Best Online Child Psychology Master’s Programs
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$35,781
- Out-of-state$35,781
- In-State$19,235
- Out-of-state$19,235
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled2,465
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,496
- Out-of-state$34,410
- In-State$18,468
- Out-of-state$28,578
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled54,890
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Our Ranking Methodology
Psychology.org ranks education programs using data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that assesses datasets for accuracy.
Psychology.org reserves the right to exclude any schools that lack significant data from the rankings to ensure accurate calculations. This list is for 2025. For more about how Psychology.org evaluates and ranks education programs, visit our full ranking methodology.
How To Choose an Online Child Psychology Master’s Program
Researching and selecting the right online child psychology program can seem overwhelming. To help you narrow your choices, we’ve listed the most important factors to consider, including accreditation, admissions requirements, and costs. Eliminating the programs that aren’t accredited or those charging tuition you can’t afford can streamline your decision-making.
Accreditation
It’s important to choose both an accredited school and an accredited online child psychology master’s program. Accreditation ensures that a program’s curriculum is reviewed regularly to determine its continued academic quality. Look for institutional accreditation recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and programmatic accreditation from the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
Admission Requirements
Online child psychology master’s programs list their admissions requirements on their websites. They typically include a bachelor’s degree, undergraduate GPA, and standardized test scores, such as the GRE. Carefully review the requirements as some programs may specify a particular undergraduate major (such as psychology), prerequisite courses, or minimum GPAs and GRE scores. Make sure you meet the requirements before adding a program to your list.
Career Relevance
The programs you choose should help you achieve your career goals. For example, if you want to become a child psychologist, make sure the curriculum prepares you to enter a doctoral program, which is the prerequisite degree for state licensure. If you’re interested in working with a specific population, such as autistic children or teens managing substance use disorders, verify that the programs offer courses and field experiences in those areas of interest.
Flexibility
Online programs offer varying levels of flexibility and convenience. Asynchronous learning allows the most flexibility with course materials you can access 24/7, enabling you to study at any time of the day or night. Synchronous course delivery means that you attend class virtually but at a set time. Hybrid programs combine online study with on-campus class attendance.
Cost and Financial Aid
The costs of a master’s in child psychology are a top consideration for many prospective students. School and program websites should clearly state the tuition and fee rates, along with the types of financial aid available. As a general rule, in-state public schools cost less to attend than out-of-state public universities and private institutions. Online programs sometimes offer an in-state or lower tuition rate regardless of residency.
How To Apply to an Online Child Psychology Master’s Program
Now that you’ve finalized your list of online child psychology master’s programs, it’s time to apply. This section walks you through the steps you can expect to take throughout the admission process.
- 1
Take any required entrance exams
Confirm on the programs’ admission website whether you need to provide GRE scores. If so, register to take them before applying to the program, and allow yourself plenty of time to prepare and study for the exam.
- 2
Ask professors and employers for recommendation letters
If the program requires academic and/or professional recommendations, arrange for these in advance to allow your references time to submit them. Some admission departments may have forms you can provide to your recommenders, which you can download from the school’s website.
- 3
Order transcripts
If official transcripts are required for admission, order these from each undergraduate and, if applicable, the graduate institution you’ve attended. Again, give yourself plenty of time to ensure they arrive by the application deadlines.
- 4
Prepare your admissions essay
Child psychology master’s programs typically ask for an admissions essay or personal statement, in which you explain why their program will help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Start the writing process early so you can tailor your essays for each school.
- 5
Complete the application
Admission applications may require other documentation, such as a background check (for internships and practicums), a program requirement form, or a resume.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Child Psychologist
Child psychology master’s degrees typically take 2-3 years to complete. Online students may graduate sooner through accelerated or self-paced coursework. Part-time learners will need more time to finish than full-time enrollees.
