Find Schools offering Child Psychology Degree Programs

• Child psychologists are usually required to have a PhD.
• Child psychologists are trained to work hand-in-hand with parents to work out the issues in a child's life.
• There are many different places for child psychologists to work, including private practice offices and universities.

What is the field of child psychology?

Child psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on the social and mental development of children only. Those working in the field of child psychology work on improving lives through behavior change, just like other psychologists, but they focus only on children.

What is the difference between the field of psychology and the field of child psychology?

Child psychology is a specialization within the field of psychology. Child psychologists are only licensed and trained to counsel and treat children. Sometimes a child psychologist will work hand-in-hand with parents and children, but the focus is primarily on the improvement of a child's mental well being.

What are the different kinds of degrees in the field of child psychology?

A child psychology student can graduate from school with many different levels of degrees, depending on how long they want to stay in school. A specialized degree is required to become a child psychologist. The process begins by earning a Bachelor of Arts in psychology (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science in psychology (B.S.). These degrees take between four to five years to complete. The B.A. and B.S. differ only in the number of science courses required; a Bachelor of Science in psychology requires more science coursework than the Bachelor of Arts degree. The next step on the road to becoming a child psychologist is a master's degree. This is usually another year or two of course work following a bachelor's degree. Students can choose to enter a terminal master's program, one that offers only a master's degree, or enroll in a program that allows a student to earn a master's degree in conjunction with a PhD. These extended programs last anywhere from four to eight years, depending on a student's ability and specialization. A master's or PhD. degree allows a psychology student to specialize in child psychology.

Usually students with a master's or PhD will work in a research facility at a university or go into practicing as a counseling psychologist. Most child psychologists hold a Master's or PhD. degree. A PsyD. degree is another psychology degree that is specifically designed for those who only want to be a practicing doctor of psychology. A person with a PsyD can open their own practice, or work within a mental health institution, but they don't have the qualification to work in the research field.

What career opportunities are available for someone with a degree in child psychology?

Child Psychologists work in a variety of settings and institutions. They can work as a teacher or researcher for a university, professional school, or community college, or as a counseling child psychologist in a hospital, or community agency. Child psychologists can also choose to work for a school district or go into private practice. A child psychologist must have a master's or, preferably, a doctoral (PhD.) degree to be a practicing psychologist.

How much money can someone make in the field of psychology?

Child psychologists are considered specialized psychologists and they usually make somewhere between $64,600 and $85,200 a year, depending on their experience and location. Child psychologists that work within schools have a salary range between $36,000 and $70,000. A private practice child psychologist can have a salary dramatically higher than those employed by an agency because they can charge their own rates and decide how much they want to work.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Child Psychology?