Best PhD Programs in Developmental Psychology

Applications and admissions requirements vary from developmental psychology program to program. Most schools have at least one application that students need to submit with the required fee. Some programs require students to take the GRE and others that do not require psychology students to take the exam. Usually, specific score benchmarks are not required. It is common for applications to these PhD programs to ask students for a range of supplemental materials. Students may be required to submit their transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, and/or a personal statement. Some programs also require students to submit a writing sample that demonstrates their academic writing abilities. Depending on the program, there may be an interview process before admission is granted.

Educational and professional prerequisites for developmental psychology doctoral programs also vary by program. However, most require applicants to hold at least a bachelor's degree. Some may prefer those with a master's. Typically, these degrees need to be in psychology or a closely related field, such as counseling or another social science. This allows students to easily move into advanced psychology courses that are required for the program. Some programs encourage applicants to reach out to various research labs in the department before admission to see if they are accepting new students. This also gives students a chance to ask questions about potential research labs and help them narrow down their research interests.

Regional accreditation is common for schools that offer PhD programs in developmental psychology. These institutions may be accredited by groups such as the Higher Learning Commission, which means that the school has applied for accreditation of their various programs and gained approval from the organization. Some programs in different fields will also carry program-level accreditation that is more specific to the subject area. Although most PhD in developmental psychology programs do not carry this level of accreditation, other doctoral programs in psychology do. For example, many doctoral programs in clinical psychology will be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). This program-level accreditation is important because it pertains specifically to the program and could be preferred by employers as an indication for preparation to work in the field.

Many PhD in developmental psychology programs expect students to earn their degree in 4 to 6 years. Most of these programs are designed to be full-time programs and provide students with a degree pathway to keep them on track. Typically, the first 3 years of these programs are dedicated to completing coursework for the program. The last 1 to 3 years is spent collecting research and writing one's dissertation. The speed at which students complete and defend their dissertation is often a determining factor of how quickly students will earn their PhD.

Developmental psychology degree requirements can vary from doctoral program to doctoral program. Some of these degree programs require between 39 and 84 credits of coursework. Typically, students take some core courses in the field, some research-based courses, and dissertation credits. Some programs also include electives and/or breadth requirements where students explore particular areas of interest. Core courses in developmental psychology may include topics in lifespan development, cognitive development, theories of development, issues in child development, and emotional development for example. The research courses are meant to equip students with the necessary skills for conducting not only their dissertation but future research in the field of developmental psychology. Typically these programs are also very statistics-heavy and may include topics in research design, advanced qualitative methods and different statistical and data analysis approaches used, for example, probability, regression analysis and multivariate data analysis. Depending on the program, some programs conclude the coursework portion of the program with a practicum experience for hands-on learning, while others may offer elective courses. In elective courses or breadth courses, students may be able to explore different subfields of developmental psychology, such as the biological or cognitive basis of behavior.

Preparing Your Developmental Psychology Dissertation

The dissertation process for developmental psychology programs are usually similar, but can still have some unique requirements based on the institution. For example, there are some doctoral programs in the field that require students to complete additional research projects leading up to the dissertation. These programs may require students to conduct and present an independent research project during the first couple of years of the program and/or complete some research papers before the dissertation proposal. In general, students complete their coursework, pass their comprehensive exam for candidacy, and then begin working on their dissertation proposal. Some programs may have students demonstrate readiness for the proposal by completing a portfolio that compiles papers, conference posters, and other evidence of research experience. The dissertation proposal offers the student's dissertation committee the chance to provide feedback concerning the dissertation topic and research methods the student has chosen. Once the proposal is approved, students spend a large amount of time collecting information, analyzing research and data, and writing their dissertation. Dissertations must then be defended before the student's committee.

Although programs specifically in developmental psychology are not commonly available at the associate degree level, general psychology degree programs are widely available. Degrees in developmental psychology are more common at the bachelor's level and above and are often offered in flexible formats for working professionals or other busy students. Each psychology program helps prepare students for the next level of study, as most psychologists need to have a doctoral degree. However, students can find other related careers for each level of degree that they earn. Explore some psychology degree options below.

Developmental Psychology Associate Degrees

Associate degree programs are typically only offered in general psychology and not in specific specializations, such as developmental psychology. These programs are available as Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees and can be offered online. Many of these 2-year programs are designed as transfer degrees and offer direct pathways to earning a 4-year bachelor's degree at an institution with a transfer agreement. Students in these programs receive an overview of psychology and begin building the foundational knowledge of theories and concepts in the field.

Developmental Psychology Bachelor's Degrees

There are some bachelor's degree programs available specifically in developmental psychology. These are usually offered as Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees and some are offered online. These programs begin to explore the specialization of developmental psychology and can help prepare graduates for a range of entry-level careers in psychology, as well as various careers working with children and older adults that may benefit from knowledge about this specific field. Typically, students take around 120 credits of coursework in 4 years, but some programs may allow students to finish in a short time or if they hold an associate degree in as little as 2 years.

Developmental Psychology Master's Degrees

Master degree programs in developmental psychology are widely available and may be offered as Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degrees. These programs are usually highly customizable to help students align their studies with their specific areas of interest. Some programs offer additional areas of specialization, such as adult development and gerontology or child and adolescent development. Many of these programs include hands-on learning opportunities through practicum experiences or special projects. Some programs are also available online.

Developmental Psychology Graduate Certificates

There are many behavioral science graduate certificate programs available, including those in developmental psychology or the psychology of human development. Some of these programs are offered in conjunction with a degree in psychology, while others are stand-alone certificates that may require around 18 credits of coursework. Financial assistance can usually not be used for these programs, but students may be able to add credits from the certificate towards a graduate degree if they decide to earn one at a later stage. Online certificate programs are common for working professionals.

Students who are wondering what you can do with a PhD in Developmental Psychology will be happy to know that there is a range of potential career options for graduates. Many students may go on to work as a developmental psychologist where their job duties and salary vary according to the position they hold. Other graduates may decide to work in an educational or counseling setting and work with people of varying ages. Graduates who are more interested in research or teaching may consider a career as a postsecondary educator or researcher for various organizations. Below, we discuss a few career options in more detail.

Become a Developmental Psychologist

Most psychologists need to have a doctoral degree, including those in developmental psychology. It is also important for psychologists to have some hands-on experience in the field, which is usually completed through internships or practicum experiences. Typically, states require professional psychologists to hold a license or certification to use the title 'psychologist'. Requirements vary by state, but students usually need to pass an exam for initial licensure and complete continuing education to maintain their license.

The job duties of developmental psychologists vary by position, but in general, these scientists study the psychological processes that take place across the lifespan. Some of these professionals may specialize in a particular age group, such as older adults or adolescents. In general, developmental psychologists may observe and study behavior and find ways to better understand and address developmental issues. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) did not report salaries for developmental psychologists, the median annual salary for psychologists in general, as of 2020, was $82,180.

Become a School or Career Counselor or Advisor

Graduates of developmental psychology who are sure they want to work with school-aged children or young adults may decide to become a school or career counselor. It is common for these positions to require at least a master's degree and students usually need to have a background in counseling or psychology. Most public school counselors are required to have licensure or certification in the field, although some states also require career counselors to hold a license.. There is often an expectation that school counselors may also need to have prior teaching experience or licensure.

School counselors can work with students of various ages in the elementary, middle, or high school settings. There are also college advisors who work with college students. These counselors address behavioral and academic challenges and help prepare students for success. Career counselors focus on helping students find a career that matches their interests and abilities. According to the BLS, the median annual salary of school and career counselors was $58,120, as of 2020.

Become a Postsecondary Teacher

Developmental psychology graduates may also qualify to teach a range of postsecondary courses in the field of psychology. Most postsecondary teachers are required to hold a doctoral degree in the field, but some positions or schools may accept a master's degree. It may be beneficial or required that these professionals hold industry certification or licensure in their given field and have some hands-on experience to share with students.

Most postsecondary teachers are responsible for teaching multiple courses in their subject area and conducting research for their institution. They may also oversee and advise undergraduate and/or graduate students and sit on various school-related committees. It is important for these teachers to stay updated on developments in their field and incorporate current methods and information into the courses they teach. As of 2020, the median annual salary for psychology teachers at the postsecondary level was $78,180, per the BLS.

While there are not many professional organizations available specifically in developmental psychology, students in the field can participate in a wide range of psychology-based groups, as well as organizations related to various settings they may work in, such as education. These professional organizations work to help professionals further develop their skills and advance their careers through professional development opportunities and access to resources. Events and conferences that are hosted by these organizations are also a great way for professionals to network and connect with others in their field. Two influential professional organizations that developmental psychologists can join include:

• The American Psychological Association- The APA is one of the primary organizations for any psychology professional. This group offers membership and access to publications, databases, and news in the field. They have an entire education and career center that is focused on assisting professionals to reach their goals.
• The American Educational Research Association- The AERA may be a good fit for developmental psychologists working in a school setting. The group is highly involved in research, advocacy, and policy development in the field of education. Professionals can participate in the group's events and professional advancement opportunities.

The total cost of earning a PhD in developmental psychology varies and is affected by many different factors, including each school's set tuition rates. Some schools may charge tuition by the credit hour and depending on the program, the total cost of the program may be near $50,000. There are also typically some additional fees, such as books and supplies, health insurance, student service fees, or graduate school activity fees. Students also need to consider the cost of living, meals, transportation, and other additional expenses.

For many students, the total cost of earning a PhD in developmental psychology without financial assistance is out of reach. Students can pursue several different forms of funding to minimize the total cost that they are responsible for. For example, federal loans may be available for students who use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some schools may also be a great resource for funding. For example, there are several schools with PhD programs in developmental psychology that offer assistantships or fellowships. Students who earn assistantships may help with research or teaching responsibilities in exchange for tuition waivers or discounts and a stipend. Some schools may also offer funds for summer and research stipends. Fellowships typically cover tuition and may provide a stipend and other benefits. Finally, students can apply to a range of scholarships offered by their school of choice or professional organizations associated with psychology. For instance, the APA offers a range of scholarships, including those in developmental psychology, see for example the Dissertation Award in Development Psychology or the Dissertation Research Grant in Developmental Psychology.