Online Child Psychology Degrees

Earning an online bachelor's degree in child psychology can lead to new and exciting career opportunities. Read on to learn about the top online programs.

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Updated April 10, 2023

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Online Child Psychology Degrees

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Child Psychology Online Degrees

Psychologists specialize in topics such as forensic psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, or rehabilitation psychology. Other professionals work solely with a specific age group, such as children.

Also known as developmental psychology, child psychology concerns the biological and social forces affecting children's cognitive, social, and physical development. Child psychologists' training and experience allow them to treat developmental disorders. Doing so promotes positive outcomes for children and their families.

Professionals need more than a child psychology bachelor's degree to practice. State licensure requirements include a doctorate in psychology. A doctorate may take up to eight years, depending on the type of degree students earn. States also require supervised training and passing one or more exams.

Recent high school graduates and nontraditional learners interested in this career path should consider a child psychology degree online program at the bachelor's level. A psychology degree exposes students to different psychology subfields while preparing them for graduate school.

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Featured Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Child Psychology Degree Questions


How do I become a child psychologist?

Child psychologists must possess either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. Other licensure requirements vary by state but may include an exam, criminal background check, and supervised experience.

How much money does a child psychologist make?

Psychologists in the United States earn a median $80,370 annual salary. Factors affecting salary include years of professional experience, geographic location, and employer.

What can you do with a child psychology degree?

Potential careers for graduates with a bachelor's degree include social worker and art therapist. Some related jobs, such as middle or high school teacher, may require additional training.

What is the difference between child psychology and child development?

Child psychologists study the numerous biological and social factors affecting children's mental development. Child development experts also study mental development but focus solely on learning's role.

What Are the Requirements for a Child Psychology Degree?

Child psychology degrees require a high school or GED diploma for admission. Schools may recommend standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and an essay. Most colleges and universities require FAFSA results for financial aid purposes. Incoming students should speak with an academic or enrollment counselor before signing up for courses.

Child psychology programs feature unique graduation requirements such as experiential learning and an internship. Experiential learning involves developing hands-on skills and setting short-term and long-term career goals. In an internship, students spend at least 150 hours working at one or more job sites serving children and families.

Accreditation for Child Psychology Degrees

Schools offering child psychology programs need two forms of accreditation. Six regional accrediting agencies use U.S. Department of Education standards to evaluate the United States' postsecondary institutions. Please avoid colleges and universities without regional accreditation, as graduates may experience difficulty attaining employment or admission to another academic program.

Colleges and universities awarding online degrees also need national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Online learners attending a DEAC-accredited school receive the same educational experience as their on-campus peers.

Private agencies and organizations confer programmatic accreditation on exemplary degree-granting programs. Although child psychology degrees at the bachelor's level cannot attain programmatic accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA), reputable doctoral programs must possess it. Many states' licensure requirements include graduating from an APA-accredited doctorate in psychology program.

Certifications and Licensure for Child Psychology

Although licensure requirements vary by state, candidates must possess a doctorate in psychology, work under a licensed psychologist for at least 2,000 hours, and pass the Examination for the Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards developed this exam and provides licensure candidates with guides and other test-preparation materials.

California requires the EPPP and the California Psychology Law and Ethics Exam. Other states require a similar exam covering relevant laws and regulations. Licensure candidates also submit to a criminal background check and provide work references. The California Board of Psychology contacts references to determine if candidates possess at least 3,000 hours of supervised work experience.

Like other states, California requires psychologists to complete continuing education (CE) to renew their license. Professionals must attain at least 36 CE credits every two years, 25 of which they may complete through online coursework.

Child Psychology Specializations

Child psychology degrees allow students to customize their education in different ways, such as through electives, minors, and study abroad experiences. Another option involves specializations. Also known as concentrations or tracks, specializations feature in-depth coursework in a single psychology topic. Students choose a specialization after exploring different psychology subfields during their first and second years.

Not all colleges and universities offer the specializations below. Students earning a child psychology degree online without specializations achieve the same result through electives on a single topic. Degree-seekers work with an academic advisor to choose courses aligning with their education and professional goals.

Best Online Child Psychology Degrees

#1 Online Child Psychology Degrees

The University of Alabama

  • Tuscaloosa, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its Tuscaloosa campus, The University of Alabama enrolls students in an online child psychology program, one of the best of its kind. The public institution enrolls learners in traditional, hybrid, and online programs. Students in the Ph.D. in clinical child psychology program train for entry-level careers in child psychology.

The distance learning format benefits working professionals and other busy students. Online courses focus on discipline-specific knowledge and skills. Faculty advisors help degree-seekers create a customized course of study. The online school also supports distance learners through academic advising, experiential learning opportunities, and career services.

Online students can pay for school with scholarships, grants, and federal aid programs like the Pell Grant.

The University of Alabama Facts:

Online Student Enrollment: 5,041

Online Bachelor's Programs: 11

Online Master's Programs: 23

Admission Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 71%

Transfer Credits Accepted: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
38,100
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
13% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Online Child Psychology Degrees

University of Saint Joseph

  • West Hartford, CT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Degree-seekers at the University of Saint Joseph can pursue 67 academic programs, including in-person and online programs. After completing general education classes, learners in the BA in child study program take major classes relevant to the field.

Degree-seekers can transfer credits to complete a bachelor’s in 18-36 months. Undergraduates pay $38,482 for in-state tuition for bachelor’s degrees. Online learners can earn a master’s degree in two years. Completing a doctoral degree may take more than four years. Graduate degrees cost $14,202 for in-state tuition.

Applicants submit school transcripts. Student support services, including tutoring and career counseling, help learners succeed academically and professionally. The institution's website provides details about how to earn credit for hands-on learning experiences. The University of Saint Joseph has been accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, an independent accrediting agency.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$38,482
Out-of-state
$38,482
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,202
Out-of-state
$14,202
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
2,398
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
21% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#3 Online Child Psychology Degrees

University of Kansas

  • Lawrence, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Lawrence, the University of Kansas offers multiple online programs, including a top-ranked doctoral degree in clinical child psychology. The public institution enrolls learners in traditional, hybrid, and online programs. The clinical child psychology program builds the skills and knowledge required for high-level child psychology careers.

The online learning format helps working professionals and busy students make time for their coursework. The program's major courses and general education requirements strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills. Majors work closely with faculty advisors to customize their course of study. Student support services like academic advising and career counseling help degree-seekers complete the program and transition into the workforce.

Students pay for their degree with scholarships, grants, and loans, including federal programs like the Pell Grant.

University of Kansas Facts:

Online Student Enrollment: 8,005

Online Bachelor's Programs: 8

Online Master's Programs: 13

Admission Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 67%

Awards Transfer Credits: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,092
Out-of-state
$26,960
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,989
Out-of-state
$23,951
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
27,552
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
29% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Online Child Psychology Degrees

Central Michigan University

  • Mount Pleasant, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University offers multiple online programs, including a top-ranked child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship. Degree-seekers take classes online and in-person at the public institution. The fellowship program trains students for careers in child psychology.

Busy students benefit from the program's distance learning format, which makes it easier to balance school with other responsibilities. The online curriculum emphasizes career-focused knowledge and skills. Faculty advisors work with students to create an individualized degree plan based on their career goals. The school's online student services include experiential learning opportunities, academic advising, and career counseling.

Distance learners can qualify for scholarships, grants, and loans, including Pell Grants and federal loans.

Central Michigan University Numbers:

Online Student Enrollment: 7,657

Online Bachelor's Programs: 10

Online Master's Programs: 24

Admission Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 61%

Permits Transfer Credits: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,383
Out-of-state
$22,881
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,700
Out-of-state
$16,700
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
19,362
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
40% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Online Child Psychology Degrees

University of North Florida

  • Jacksonville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of North Florida is a leader in distance learning. The school maintains an admission rate of 72%.

University of North Florida at a Glance:

Average Price With Aid: $9,857

Percentage of Students Awarded Aid: 84%

Students Awarded Loans: 32%

Permits Transfer Credits: No

The school’s multiple start dates provide enrollment flexibility. Distance learners can expect a 72% admission rate. Virtual learners submit school transcripts for admission. Students can use test scores to bolster their application. The University of North Florida holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting agency.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,996
Out-of-state
$16,799
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,978
Out-of-state
$20,517
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
72%
Students Enrolled
17,117
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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