Master's in Child Psychology & Development

Program Overview

Southern New Hampshire University's online Master's in Child Psychology and Development prepares individuals to assess, evaluate, and treat children and adolescents. The program provides a strong foundation in research, psychology, and intervention strategies, preparing graduates for careers in child welfare, education, healthcare, and more. With a flexible curriculum and experienced faculty, students can progress at their own pace and gain the skills needed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and adolescents.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master's in Child Psychology and Development program at Southern New Hampshire University is designed for individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and adolescents. This online MS prepares students to assess, evaluate, and treat the unique needs of children and their families. The program provides a strong foundation in research methodologies, cognitive psychology, social psychology, personality, and learning theory. Students will also gain valuable experience in ethical practices in psychology and intervention strategies. While the child psychology master's program does not lead to state licensure, it can help prepare students for doctoral studies or a career working with children and adolescents.

Outline:

Core Courses

• Research Methods in Psychology I
• Research Methods in Psychology II
• Social Psychology
• Cognitive Processes
• Measurement and Assessment
• Theories of Personality
• Ethical Practice in Psychology

Concentration Courses

• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Neuropsychology
• Intervention Strategies
• Child and Developmental Psychology Seminar
Each course in the program incorporates key transferable skills, such as written and oral communication, statistics, and research methods. The program culminates in a capstone course, allowing students to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning. Coursework assignments, such as essays, research papers, and presentations, are used to assess student understanding of the course material. Students will also be required to complete a final project in the capstone course, demonstrating their proficiency in the program's core competencies.

Teaching:

The Master's in Child Psychology and Development program is taught by experienced faculty who are actively engaged in the field. Instructors use a variety of teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles, including online lectures, discussions, group projects, and case studies. The program's curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to progress at their own pace and access course materials 24/7.

Careers:

Graduates of the child and adolescent developmental psychology program are prepared for careers in various settings. Common career paths include:

• Child welfare agencies
• Schools
• Group homes
• Parenting programs
• Healthcare facilities
• Research institutions
• Non-profit organizations
The median salary for psychologists across all specialties was $85,330 in 2023. With a projected 6% growth in job outlook for psychologists between 2022 and 2032, career prospects for graduates are promising.