3 answers
Sadie
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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what classes should I take if I want to be a child psychologist?
I am in 11th grade. I want to be a child psychologist and work with children.
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3 answers
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
62
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
In high school, the best classes are those that help you improve reading, writing, and social skills. Psychology is a great choice if your school has it, especially AP Psychology, because it gives you a good look at how the field works. Biology is also key since psychology is a science, so take the highest level you can manage. If available, classes like health, child development, sociology, or human development are really useful too. Don’t overlook English classes, as psychologists do a lot of reading, writing, and documenting.
Math and statistics might not sound fun, but they are important. Statistics is used a lot in psychology for research and data, so if your school offers it, that's a smart pick. Outside of classes, working with kids is super helpful. Volunteering, tutoring, babysitting, working at camps, or helping younger students gives you real experience and helps you see if this is what you enjoy.
It's good to know that becoming a child psychologist means going to college and grad school. Most people study psychology in college, then continue with a master’s or doctoral program. But don’t worry about that now. Focus on doing well in your classes, gaining experience with kids, and building good study habits. By doing this, you'll be on the right track for this career path.
Math and statistics might not sound fun, but they are important. Statistics is used a lot in psychology for research and data, so if your school offers it, that's a smart pick. Outside of classes, working with kids is super helpful. Volunteering, tutoring, babysitting, working at camps, or helping younger students gives you real experience and helps you see if this is what you enjoy.
It's good to know that becoming a child psychologist means going to college and grad school. Most people study psychology in college, then continue with a master’s or doctoral program. But don’t worry about that now. Focus on doing well in your classes, gaining experience with kids, and building good study habits. By doing this, you'll be on the right track for this career path.
Soni Bae
Management Consulting
9
Answers
Fairfax, Virginia
Updated
Soni’s Answer
Hi Sadie,
I would recommend taking psychology if your school offers it, along with any science or humanities electives. Biology is a useful basic science course, and English classes like AP Language and AP Literature are foundational for any career. If available, a communication elective would also be valuable for developing key skills needed as a child psychologist.
Since high school options are limited, I would encourage you to study on your own too. You can find many books and research articles on child psychology to stay informed about the latest discoveries in the field and expand your knowledge.
I would recommend taking psychology if your school offers it, along with any science or humanities electives. Biology is a useful basic science course, and English classes like AP Language and AP Literature are foundational for any career. If available, a communication elective would also be valuable for developing key skills needed as a child psychologist.
Since high school options are limited, I would encourage you to study on your own too. You can find many books and research articles on child psychology to stay informed about the latest discoveries in the field and expand your knowledge.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1205
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Sadie,
Great question! It's nice that you're considering this beforehand. The good news is that you don't have to have everything sorted out in the eleventh grade to be on the right track if you want to work with children and promote their mental and emotional development.
The best courses you can take at this point are ones that lay a solid foundation rather than ones that force you into a narrow path too soon. If psychology is offered at your school, it is the most important course since it teaches you about behavior, emotions, growth, and how the mind functions. Sociology and human development courses, if your institution offers them, are also extremely helpful since they help you understand families, communities, and how kids develop in different environments.
Another important subject is biology. Knowing the brain, nervous system, and basic genetics will help you in college because child psychology is still a science-based subject. Even when they concentrate on helping people, psychologists work with research and data, so taking math or statistics coursework is helpful.
Many students are unaware of how important writing-based and English lessons are. Child psychologists produce reports, read a lot, and interact with educators, parents, and other professionals. Your profession will benefit from having strong communication, writing, and reading skills. Literature, social studies, and even debating classes can be surprisingly valuable.
If you have the chance to work with kids outside of the classroom, such as tutoring, coaching, mentoring, or assisting at community centers, that experience is as important. It develops sensitivity and practical skills while assisting you to determine whether you genuinely enjoy working with children.
Lastly, keep in mind that high school is about preparation rather than pressure because being a child psychologist needs graduate school and college. Give yourself time to develop, concentrate on performing well in your primary subjects, and maintain your desire to learn about people and behavior. By asking this question, you're already making a solid first move.
Best wishes!
Great question! It's nice that you're considering this beforehand. The good news is that you don't have to have everything sorted out in the eleventh grade to be on the right track if you want to work with children and promote their mental and emotional development.
The best courses you can take at this point are ones that lay a solid foundation rather than ones that force you into a narrow path too soon. If psychology is offered at your school, it is the most important course since it teaches you about behavior, emotions, growth, and how the mind functions. Sociology and human development courses, if your institution offers them, are also extremely helpful since they help you understand families, communities, and how kids develop in different environments.
Another important subject is biology. Knowing the brain, nervous system, and basic genetics will help you in college because child psychology is still a science-based subject. Even when they concentrate on helping people, psychologists work with research and data, so taking math or statistics coursework is helpful.
Many students are unaware of how important writing-based and English lessons are. Child psychologists produce reports, read a lot, and interact with educators, parents, and other professionals. Your profession will benefit from having strong communication, writing, and reading skills. Literature, social studies, and even debating classes can be surprisingly valuable.
If you have the chance to work with kids outside of the classroom, such as tutoring, coaching, mentoring, or assisting at community centers, that experience is as important. It develops sensitivity and practical skills while assisting you to determine whether you genuinely enjoy working with children.
Lastly, keep in mind that high school is about preparation rather than pressure because being a child psychologist needs graduate school and college. Give yourself time to develop, concentrate on performing well in your primary subjects, and maintain your desire to learn about people and behavior. By asking this question, you're already making a solid first move.
Best wishes!