Skip to main content
2 answers
2
Updated 1367 views

What are some good child psychology degree programs in the USA?

Planning to pursue a child psychology degree. Looking for colleges with good degree programs. #child-psychology #psychology #college #college-selection

Thx!

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

2

2 answers


1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Daniela’s Answer

Hi Martha!

School Overviews
Child psychology is a specialty that deals with the mental and social development of pre-adolescents. Many highly ranked public and private universities offer distinguished doctoral-level graduate programs in the field. Many highly ranked graduate schools offer child psychology programs across the nation, including the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Yale University in Connecticut, and Pennsylvania State University in University Park. Each of these schools offers a Ph.D. program in child psychology and was nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 2017.

University of Minnesota
The Department of Child Psychology, also called the Institute of Child Development, at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is one of the oldest centers for the study of child development in the country. It offers several graduate degree programs about and related to child psychology, such as social work and human development. In 2013, U.S. News and World Report ranked this as the best graduate school in the nation for developmental psychology. Graduate students can pursue a Ph.D. in Child Psychology in which students can select an area of focus, including psychology, educational psychology, and neuroscience. Most graduates obtain careers in research or academia related to child psychology.

Yale University
According to U.S. News and World Report's rankings in 2013, Yale University ranked 11 among graduate developmental psychology programs in the nation. Yale University's Department of Psychology offers graduate programs in developmental psychology, with topics in social development, moral cognition, and causal understanding. The developmental psychology graduate program is also closely linked to child psychology and pediatrics through the Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy, Haskin Laboratories, and the Child Study Center. The psychology department also has ties to numerous renowned research centers, such as the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and the Yale Parenting Center.

Pennsylvania State University
Graduate students who are interested in child psychology can choose between two relevant programs at Pennsylvania State University. The Ph.D. program in developmental psychology integrates theoretical studies with advanced training and research focused on the developmental changes between birth and adolescence. Concentration areas include perceptual and cognitive development, gender and ecology of development, among others. Alternatively, students who are more interested in practice can enroll in the clinical psychology Ph.D. program and choose the child clinical track, which includes a combination of developmental psychology research and clinical experience in the field. A minor in developmental psychology is also available. Students have access to the Child Study Center, which supports five research facilities and a federally funded graduate training program. In 2013, U.S. News & World Report ranked the school as tied for #5 on the list of the top grad schools for developmental psychology.

Other Top Graduate Programs
There are other schools that offer notable, top-notch child and/or developmental psychology programs. See in:

https://study.com/top_ranking_child_psychology_graduate_schools.html

Good luck in your decision!
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Lorraine’s Answer

Great question! There are many programs across the United States that are great. I am currently in a post degree program at Regis University in Denver, Colorado for a post grad certificate program. They have two masters level programs - personal counselor and marriage and family therapy. If you plan is to work with children, I strongly recommend the marriage and family therapist track because if you are treating children, you are treating families as well. At Regis, They have an amazing therapy office where you can practice therapy while you are learning. It is geared toward children and they have multiple play rooms and sand trays. It is an amazing set up! They also offer a certificate in Counseling Children and Adolescents that is three extra classes I believe that gives you all the training you need for your Registered Play Therapist certification. Great opportunity at Regis !
0