Best Master's Degrees in Developmental Psychology

A typical degree path for those pursuing careers in developmental psychology begins with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Science (BS) in Psychology, Behavioral Science or related fields. In addition to imparting proficiency in interpreting human behavior, an understanding of theory and knowledge of core psychological concepts, undergraduate psychology programs aim to teach students the fundamentals of scientific inquiry and ethical standards. Developing these competencies should leave students equipped to apply and expand their skillet via a specialized graduate curriculum.

At minimum, a bachelor's degree in psychology or a social science field is required for admittance to most developmental psychology master's programs, though some make exceptions for students who demonstrate high proficiency in the field via professional experience or other means. Some institutions may require submission of GRE scores; for others, GREs remain optional or not required. Programs often require that applicants whose native language is not English take the TOEFL, IELTS or other English language proficiency exam. Other common application contents include letters of recommendation, a statement of academic purpose and college transcripts. GPA requirements vary by program, with some mandating a minimum of 2.5.

Individuals who enjoy both problem-solving and caregiving might find fulfillment working with patients or conducting research in health care, education or assisted living. Future job seekers in developmental psychology may also have the advantage of entering a field with faster-than-average job growth. An aging population and greater need for science expertise is predicted to grow employment in life, physical and social science by 5% between 2019 and 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While a doctoral degree is usually required to practice psychology, many master's programs are designed to provide the framework needed for matriculation to doctoral studies.

When choosing a master's program, students should consider whether an institution's approach to developmental psychology suits their career goals. For instance, a student looking to work as a child counselor may be well-served at a school offering a research focus on childhood development. Picking a program administered by faculty that share a student's research interest may be beneficial as well.

A program's cost, location, class sizes and whether it allows a flexible course load are also important considerations at this level, as many students are working professionals. Making the choice in the context of available budget, travel options and time constraints will help ensure students avoid potential issues. Certain programs are offered as a hybrid in-person/online model, while some schools offer online developmental psychology degrees. Either could be viable options for students at high risk of COVID-19 complications.

Course offerings in developmental psychology vary by institution. Some programs offer courses tailored for specific outcomes, such as gaining the research acumen and credentials needed for PhD program admission. A few institutions allow students to craft an individualized curriculum according to their career objectives, which can involve selecting an area of research focus in developmental science, such as Creativity and Cognition or Policy for Children and Families. Programs generally require 30 to 36 credits for completion, split between basic courses, electives and specialist practicum. Degrees are typically completed after 1 to 1.5 years, with many programs culminating in an empirical study, literature review or other graduate thesis.

Developmental Psychology Foundational Courses

Nearly all developmental psychology programs offer core courses that equip students with the skills needed for careers in the field or doctoral study. These courses aim to provide students advanced knowledge of typical and atypical human development. They cover key developmental theories and their modern application and impart the analytic ability needed for diagnosis of mental conditions according to medical models. Students also gain an understanding of data production and evaluation methods needed to interpret research or design experiments.

Individual courses might cover the following topics:

• Psychopathology
• Human Growth and Development
• Statistics
• Cognitive Psychology
• Child/Adolescent/Adult Psychology

Developmental Psychology Specialist & Elective Courses

Most developmental psychology master's programs require completion of clinical hours or another practicum to graduate. To that end, specialized courses generally consist of fieldwork, both guided and independent, in a setting that corresponds with students' area of focus, such as a research lab, healthcare facility or correctional institution. Such courses aid students in applying theory to produce empirical studies or other forms of novel inquiry, often as a culminating thesis.

More research-intensive programs may also require the study of advanced statistical techniques. In accordance with career objectives, some programs offer the option to pursue courses focusing on specific facets of human cognition or behavior, such as spatial thinking or psycholinguistics. Specialized courses may also teach students to examine how society and culture influence psychological growth. Electives aren't offered by every program, but some let students take 3 to 6 credits of elective courses outside the program, chosen by students in conversation with advisors.

Licensure & Certification in Developmental Psychology

To practice as a developmental psychologist, individuals will need to gain licensure through their state's board. State rules typically require a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program, as well as anywhere from 1,500 to 6,000 hours of supervised work experience, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Regardless of state, applicants will also need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), as well as any state-specific tests, to be approved for licensure.

Licensed developmental psychologists seeking further credentialing in their area of expertise can opt for specialty certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). Psychologists earn certification if they can prove expertise in one of the ABPP's 15 recognized specialty areas, which include clinical child and adolescent psychology, and geropsychology.

It is common for master's graduates to matriculate in a developmental psychology doctoral degree program. Students taking this path often choose master's programs that allow an area of focus, with the professional goal of conducting research that applies a developmental perspective to a subset of psychology, such as educational psychology. Developmental psychologists looking to work in clinical practice also typically pursue a doctoral degree. A few PhD programs offer a specialized degree path that includes earning a master's before progressing to doctoral study.

Developmental psychologists may consider membership in several professional organizations. Depending on the size and relative prestige of the organization, members can enjoy increased opportunities for networking and eligibility for awards and grants, among other benefits. Below are some of developmental psychology's most prominent professional organizations.

American Psychological Association

Boasting over 122,000 members, the APA is the largest and most recognized organization of psychology professionals in the U.S., as well as the world. Through public advocacy and the issuance of policy statements, the APA pursues its stated goal of promoting knowledge of psychology to improve public wellbeing. The APA is also the primary accrediting body for psychology's doctoral programs and clinical and counseling internships in the U.S. Many state licensing boards require applicants to earn an APA-accredited doctoral degree as a term of licensure.

Full membership in the APA requires a doctoral degree, but master's degree recipients can join as associate members. Members enjoy numerous benefits, such as career support, exclusive training and networking opportunities, and discounted access to the APA's over 90 published journals, including Developmental Psychology.

APA Division 7

Division 7 is an APA-affiliated group for developmental psychology professionals. It is one of APA's 54 sections, each of which offers membership to psychology professionals of a specific concentration. Through membership, developmental psychology professionals can nominate for or receive early career and dissertation grants, have a say in national policy and grant priorities, and network among likeminded researchers and professionals with similar interests. Division 7 also publishes a member-exclusive biannual newsletter. Membership in the APA is not necessary for Division 7 membership, which is open to professionals and students in the field.

American Counseling Association

The ACA represents over 55,000 counselors in a variety of fields, making it the largest counseling organization in the world. Its objective is to aid in the professional development of members and enhance the counseling field through advocacy and ensuring ethical practice. Members gain access to career advancement and continuing education opportunities, insurance and travel reimbursements, ACA publications, and an expanded network of fellow professionals. Top tier membership is reserved for individuals with an accredited master's degree or higher, but those without academic credentials can join as regular members.

Careers for master's graduates in developmental psychology are available in numerous fields. Graduates may find counseling work treating patients with emotional or learning disabilities in schools and community organizations, or helping aging populations manage developmental diseases. Opportunities are available to work with organizations that advocate for public policy, as well as consulting for governmental agencies that create policy. Positions advancing psychological knowledge via laboratory research or fieldwork are another common career path. Education and childcare facilities also have need for developmental expertise in recognizing and treating disorders.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Developmental Psychology

The job outlook for master's graduates in developmental psychology ranges from average to extremely strong for several prominent professions.

BLS estimates that job growth for all types of psychologists will remain around 3% from 2019 through 2029, around the national average for all jobs, with clinical, counseling and school psychologists seeing the most growth. Individuals seeking aid, including veterans, an aging population and individuals with autism and other developmental disorders will create new job opportunities in the field.

On the other hand, school counselors, who are not classified professionally as psychologists and thus may require only a master's degree to be licensed, are expected to experience a growth rate of 8% between 2019 and 2029, as school enrollment is projected to rise in the coming years.

Among the strongest is the job outlook in counseling for substance abuse, behavioral disorders and mental health. For this field, BLS estimates a 25% growth rate from 2019 through 2029. Some growth will likely occur as more individuals seek to cope with a pandemic-fueled rise in mental health issues. A shift in how states deal with drug offenders will also add to growth, with more states seeking rehabilitation and counseling options over incarceration.

How to Become a Developmental Psychologist

Master's graduates aiming to work as developmental psychologists need to earn a doctoral degree and complete supervised fieldwork to meet state licensing requirements. Postdoctoral positions or internships are potential options for doctoral students to accrue clinical hours. Master's recipients can gain practical skills in patient interaction and onsite assessment of developmental issues working as psychologist assistants in clinics, or research institutions.

Developmental psychologists earn an average salary of $67,985, according to PayScale.com, with top earners in the field making an average of around $81,000 per year. Common work environments can vary from childcare agencies, schools and universities to assisted living homes, mental health facilities and correctional institutions. Job duties range widely and may involve providing consultation services to advocates or policymakers, teaching in academia, conducting experiments and research, and providing clinical care to children, adolescents or the elderly.

How to Become a Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselors use a variety of therapeutic strategies to treat psychological distress. They develop treatment plans, interview patients and document care progress. Becoming a licensed counselor generally requires earning a master's degree in psychology, counseling or similar fields and 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised work. Because licensing standards for counseling require less education than licensure for psychologists, mental health counselors generally treat patients with less serious disorders and may refer severely ill patients to clinical psychologists. Counselors specializing in developmental psychology may choose to work with patients of a particular age group, such as early childhood or the elderly. They may work in various settings, such as hospitals, elder care facilities, family service centers, or schools.

Annual earnings for mental health counselors average $43,518, according to PayScale.com, with the top 10% making about $62,000.

Students in need of financial aid can apply for federal loans, grants and scholarships by filling out their annual FAFSA form, provided they meet eligibility criteria. To qualify for federal aid, students must be U.S. citizens (or legal non-citizens), enroll in a degree program, have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, and be able to demonstrate financial need, among other basic aid requirements. Some federal aid programs may have additional qualifying criteria.

One scholarship that may be of interest to developmental psychology students is the APA's Division 53 student achievement award, which honors both undergraduate and graduate students for contributing to the field of child and adolescent psychology. Recipients are given a $1,000 prize, and their relevant work is recognized on the website for the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology.

Another award for developmental psychology is the Kenneth B. and Mamie P. Clark Fund. The Fund is granted to graduate students and psychologists whose research explores the relationship between identity and educational achievement, focusing on children in grades K-8. Funds are awarded to research that demonstrates innovation, potential for positive impact and quality of contribution to the field.