Best Online Master’s in Child Psychology of 2025
- Best Online Child Psychology Degrees
- Why Get Your Child Psych Degree Online?
- Choosing a Child Psych Program
- Child Psych Careers
- Child Psych Professional Organizations
- FAQ
If you’re passionate about supporting children’s development and mental health, earning a master’s in child psychology may be the first step toward a meaningful career. This degree program prepares you to treat mental health conditions in children and adolescents, qualifying you for a career as a school psychologist, counselor, or social worker.
Online child psych programs are flexible pathways to earn your graduate degree, and many allow you to complete clinical requirements at a school or facility close to home. This guide highlights and ranks the best online master’s programs in child and adolescent psychology.
5 Best Online Master’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology Programs
Bay Path University
- Longmeadow, MA
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Bay Path University's online master of science in developmental psychology prepares you to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families. Coursework includes counseling theory and practice, trauma and crisis intervention, and family systems. You'll also have the chance to gain experience through fieldwork or an internship.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 36
- Leads to Licensure: No
Things We Love:
- You can attend full time or part time to fit coursework around your other life commitments.
- You'll have access to the same support services as on-campus students, including mentoring, tutoring, library resources, academic resources, and career services.
- Bay Path alumni may be eligible to receive 20% off full graduate tuition.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You can request an on-demand info session to better understand program details and determine whether it's a good fit for you
- All students pay the same tuition rate of $925 per credit, regardless of where you live.
78%
$19,235
70%
$19,235
- Acceptance Rate
- 76%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,465
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
The University of Minnesota's online master of arts in applied child and adolescent development offers three tracks: infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH), child life, and individualized studies. Completing the IECMH track can prepare you for licensure as a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), and completing the child life track can prepare you for certification as a certified child life specialist.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 32
- Leads to Licensure and/or Certification: Yes
Things We Love:
- If you reside in Minnesota and complete the IECMH track, you have the option to complete LPCC licensure requirements concurrently with your master's degree program.
- Completing the child life track makes you eligible to take the exam for the certified child life specialist credential.
- There are no on-campus components, but you can opt to take on-campus courses if you choose.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- At $1,665 per credit for tuition, the total program costs over $50,000.
- On the IECMH track, you will need to take 28 additional credits to complete the LPCC licensure application requirements.
- UMN prefers a GPA of at least 3.0 for admission, but you don't need to submit GRE scores.
37%
$18,468
91%
$28,578
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,890
- Institution Type
- Public
What Is a Child and Adolescent Psychology Degree?
A master’s in child psychology program teaches you the skills necessary to research, assess, and treat children’s mental health. This degree can prepare you for doctoral studies in child psychology, which is required to become a child psychologist. To apply, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.
Why Get Your Child and Adolescent Psychology Degree Online?
Earning your master’s in child and adolescent online offers several advantages. Online programs let you earn your degree on your own schedule, save money on tuition, and study without needing to relocate.
- Learn on Your Schedule: Many online programs allow you to watch lectures and complete assignments at your own pace, making it easier to balance school with work and family responsibilities.
- Balance: You can continue working full time while studying, allowing you to meet financial obligations as you earn your degree.
- Save: Online master’s programs often cost less than traditional, in-person programs, with lower tuition and fewer expenses, such as housing or transportation.
- No Relocation: You can take classes from anywhere without relocating, and many programs let you complete clinical requirements locally.
Choosing an Online Master’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology Program
Which child psychology graduate program should you pick? It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your educational journey. First, check the program’s tuition, discounts for in-state or online students, and credit requirements. Then, look into specializations, advisors, and field experience requirements.
Look for top psychology programs with child and adolescent specializations that match your interests. You may also want to consider whether the program has practicum opportunities near you. Finally, ensure the program is accredited and meets the licensure requirements for your state.
1. Accreditation
Be sure to only consider accredited institutions. Accredited schools have met quality standards for education, including student outcomes, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements.
A degree from an accredited institution is necessary for state licensure and entry into doctoral programs.
2. Cost
A graduate degree is a major investment, and cost is a key factor. In 2023–2024, full-time graduate students at public institutions paid an average of $11,827 in tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Looking for schools that cost less than this average can be one strategy for finding an affordable program.
Online programs often charge lower tuition rates. However, costs vary by institution type (public or private), study pace (full- or part-time), and residency (in-state or out-of-state). They also cut costs like housing and transportation. Some institutions charge the same tuition for all students, regardless of their residency status or study pace, although policies vary by school and program.
3. Degree Type
Most master’s in psychology programs offer MA and MS degrees. Master of arts (MA) and master of science (MS) degrees in child and adolescent psychology train you to assess and treat mental health disorders in children.
Both programs also emphasize psychology research and experiential training. However, an MA focuses more on counseling approaches, while an MS emphasizes research.
MA vs. MS in Child and Adolescent Psychology
MA in Child and Adolescent Psychology
Focuses on:
Counseling and therapy skills. An MA program typically focuses on treatment approaches rather than psychological research and methodologies.
Graduates can pursue doctoral degrees in psychology, particularly those that emphasize clinical work.
Best for these career paths:
- School counselor
- Child and adolescent therapist
MS in Child and Adolescent Psychology
Focuses on:
Research and the scientific approach to psychology. An MS program generally emphasizes research methods, behavioral studies, and human development.
The degree prepares students for research-focused doctoral programs in psychology.
Best for these career paths:
- Postsecondary psychology teacher
- Psychology research assistant
4. Dual Degree and Pathway Options
A dual degree or doctoral pathway program can be ideal if you want to become a licensed child psychologist, since a doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) is typically required for licensure. Choosing a master’s program that includes a dual degree or direct pathway option can save you time and money by reducing overlapping credits, potentially shortening the overall timeline, and keeping you within the same institution as you advance toward your doctorate.
Child and Adolescent Psychology Careers
Many psychology degree careers draw on the analytical, counseling, and treatment skills gained during a master’s in child psychology program. With a master’s degree, you can work in psychology research, school psychology, school counseling, and behavioral therapy.
Some career paths, including becoming a psychologist, require a doctorate. A master’s degree can prepare you for doctoral-level study in child psychology. Psychiatry, which is different from psychology, requires an MD.
This table covers common career paths and salaries for individuals with a graduate degree in child and adolescent psychology.
| Child Psychology Careers | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Projected Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| School Counselor | $65,140 | 4% |
| School Psychologist | $86,930 | 1% |
| Clinical Child Psychologist | $95,830 | 11% |
| Postsecondary Psychology Professor | $80,330 | 4% |
| Research Psychologist | $117,580 | 4% |
Child and Adolescent Psychology Professional Organizations
Professional associations can help you enter the workforce and advance your training. These organizations host conferences and events with networking opportunities. They may also offer professional development tools, educational resources, job boards, and career advice.
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
AACAP advocates for child and adolescent psychiatrists. The academy hosts a clinical practice center with resources, an education center to build skills, and resources for early-career psychiatrists.American Counseling Association
ACA provides professional development, advocacy, and a comprehensive code of ethics for counselors. The association publishes books, journals, and a monthly magazine on counseling. It also hosts a yearly conference.American Psychological Association
APA includes several divisions focusing on child psychology, including the Society of Clinical and Adolescent Psychology, the Society of Pediatric Psychology, and the Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice. These societies encourage professional practice, offer training opportunities, and promote public policies that improve children’s mental health and welfare.Association for Psychological Science
APS supports professionals in scientific psychology, including those who specialize in research, teaching, or applied psychology. The association publishes research and encourages networking opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Psychology Degrees
In 2024, the top-paying industries for psychologists were government ($126,990), state, local, and private hospitals ($96,060), and ambulatory healthcare services ($96,960), according to the BLS. The top-paying states for clinical and counseling psychologists were Oregon ($132,550), Kentucky ($116,480), and Washington ($115,050).
