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Learn how kids grow and develop from birth through adolescence. Get the hands-on experience you need to work with young people in a variety of settings, from schools to clinics to hospitals. Prepare yourself to enter a competitive graduate program in psychology or the social sciences.
- Overview
- What is a child and adolescent psychology degree?
- What child and adolescent psychology degrees are available?
- Child and adolescent psychology coursework
- 9 jobs can you pursue with a degree in child and adolescent psychology
If you want to work with children, there are several career options that can be both mentally engaging and emotionally rewarding. One of these fields includes child and adolescent psychology. If you're interested in earning a child and adolescent psychology degree to pursue this field, it's important to understand the requirements and career options.
In this article, we discuss what a child and adolescent psychology degree is, list degrees that are available in the field, what each degree typically involves and share nine jobs you may qualify for with a child and adolescent psychology degree.
A child and adolescent psychology degree is an academic credential that can prepare you for a career evaluating, diagnosing, treating and supporting young people with mental health disorders. With this degree, you can choose from a variety of career paths that combine elements of research, child development and mental health. For example, it can be the first step in your career journey toward becoming a licensed psychologist, therapist, social worker or teacher.
Related: The Difference Between Adult and Child Psychologists
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's program in child and adolescent psychology is the first step toward pursuing a career in this field. While many universities offer four-year undergraduate degree programs in psychology, some allow you to specialize in a specific type of psychology, such as child psychology. Bachelor's programs in psychology usually require you to earn at least 120 credit hours and complete an internship that provides valuable on-the-job work experience. It's also common for students to work in research as lab assistants, assisting professors who conduct university-funded studies. Related: 37 Types of Bachelor's in Psychology Jobs To Consider
Master's degree
Many child psychology careers require a master's degree. Because graduate programs are more specialized, it's often easier to find a school that offers a master's program specifically in child and adolescent psychology rather than a bachelor's degree. A master's degree in child and adolescent psychology typically takes one to three years of full-time enrollment, which adds up to about 40 required credit hours. Many master's programs encourage you to decide whether you want to use your degree for a research or psychological practice career. Depending on the route you choose, you can complete either a research-based thesis or an internship. Related: 19 Different Types of Psychology Majors
Doctorate
If you're planning to become a licensed psychologist, consider a doctorate in child and adolescent psychology. You can earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) Here's an explanation of the two degrees: •Ph.D. in child and adolescent psychology: This degree is well-suited for anyone looking to advance their career in child and adolescent psychology. A doctorate lets you work in research, academia or clinical settings. •Psy.D. in child and adolescent psychology: This degree suits candidates wanting to work in the clinical side of child psychology. This degree is shorter because it requires less research and instead focuses on diagnostic and treatment practices. Doctoral programs in child and adolescent psychology take about five to seven years to complete. The typical structure of these programs involves two to three years of coursework followed by two to four years working on a dissertation. Before graduation, it's a requirement to pass a comprehensive exam to evaluate your level of expertise in the field. You also conceptualize, research, write and defend your dissertation to a committee from your university's psychology department before graduation. Related: How Many Years Does It Take to Complete a Ph.D.? (With FAQs)
A degree in child and adolescent psychology involves multiple courses that prepare you for a career working as a researcher, therapist or psychologist. At the undergraduate level, coursework typically revolves around the foundations of psychology and often requires you to take classes on specific types of psychology.
At the graduate level, courses are more specialized and involve learning techniques and theories used to treat children and adolescents for mental health concerns. Here are some of the common classes you may encounter while pursuing a degree in child and adolescent psychology:
•General psychology
•Research methods
•Biology
•History of psychology
1. Behavioral therapist
National average salary: $38,272 per year Primary duties: A behavioral therapist is a trained individual who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral mental health issues. They work with patients of all ages to help them overcome disorders, including anxiety, phobias, addictions and any destructive coping mechanisms, such as self-destructive behaviors. They help their patients adjust their maladaptive behaviors through the use of psychological techniques and practices. Read more: Learn About Being a Behavioral Therapist
2. School guidance counselor
National average salary: $52,665 per year Primary duties: A school guidance counselor is a certified counselor who works as part of a school's faculty to help students succeed in their academic careers. Guidance counselors are available for students who want to express any concerns regarding their academic and social lives and provide subsequent resources to combat these concerns. Guidance counselors play an important role in the college application process for high school students and frequently write recommendations for students applying to schools or jobs. Read more: Learn About Being a Guidance Counselor
3. Social worker
National average salary: $56,170 per year Primary duties: Social workers are individuals who serve as advocates for children and families that need intervention or assistance. The duties of a social worker include assessing living conditions, regularly meeting with children and families, corresponding with teachers and school administration and connecting people to helpful resources that can help improve their situation. Clinical social workers can diagnose and treat mental illness and emotional issues, making this a valid career option for someone with a background in child psychology. Read more: Learn About Being a Social Worker
Make a difference in the lives of young people with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development at Southern New Hampshire University. This program will take you through key developmental stages, from birth through adolescence, to give you a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Aug 16, 2023 · Earning a bachelor's degree in child and adolescent psychology is a stepping stone toward these careers. A four-year degree, however, can qualify graduates for positions as behavioral disorder and mental health counselors. The BLS projects 23% job growth in these positions between 2020 and 2030.
Apr 16, 2024 · Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below. Our bachelor's in child and adolescent psychology program guide offers a comprehensive look into career opportunities, admission requirements, and how to choose a program.
- Admission requirements are often similar, if not the exact same, for on-campus and online bachelor's in child and adolescent psychology programs. I...
- The value of any degree is subjective and depends on the individual student. Nevertheless, an online bachelor's in child and adolescent psychology...
- Soon after graduating, bachelor's degree-holders in child and adolescent psychology can pursue careers as market research analysts. With additional...
- Yes. Between 2020 and 2030, the BLS projects 23% job growth for substance misuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. This rate near...
- Salary potential depends significantly on key factors like experience, location, employer, and industry. However, most bachelor's degree-holders in...
- The highest-paying job for graduates with a bachelor's in child and adolescent psychology is likely community and social service manager. According...
Explore Our BS in Psychology Child and Adolescent Development Concentration. Every day, children and adolescents deal with tough situations that can have a critical impact on their lives and development. The Child and Adolescent Development concentration explores the cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional development of school-age children ...
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A Bachelor’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology is worth it for the right person. If you’re passionate about understanding and working with young people, you can enjoy job opportunities in education, social services, and youth advocacy.
