Online Master’s Degrees in Child (Pediatric) Psychology
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“As you learn about child development, keep in mind that there are some traditional child-rearing practices that are well-intentioned, but are not supported by evidence.”
Dana Donohue, PhD, Child Psychology Professor, Southern New Hampshire University
Online master’s degrees in child (pediatric) psychology can take several forms. Most offer a foundational, graduate-level study of psychology, combined with a suite of electives that focus on the unique developmental processes of children and adolescents. These programs explore research methodologies, interventional strategies, and theories of personality.
It’s important to note that online master’s degrees in child psychology are currently not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Furthermore, in order to work as a child psychologist, candidates will require a more advanced degree. Careers in child behavioral therapy and school counseling also generally call for more advanced study, hands-on experience, and state licensure.
That said, online master’s degrees in child psychology will give one a broad understanding of the area and can act as a stepping stone into the field. And online master’s degrees in child psychology are a major asset to any professional who works with children.
To learn more about online master’s degrees in child psychology, read on.
Ask the Expert: Dana Donohue, PhD
Dr. Dana Donohue teaches child psychology at the master’s level at Southern New Hampshire University. She earned her PhD from Georgia State University and completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. A developmental psychologist, her research has focused on factors that influence positive academic achievement outcomes, including cultural values.
Dr. Donohue has worked at SNHU since January 2015 and has taught various courses, including introduction to psychology, lifespan development, statistics, and research methods.
CounselingSchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about child psychology?
Dr. Donohue: Even during infancy, humans are complex and multifaceted beings. To ensure that children have the best development possible, it is important to attend to all parts of the child including their physical and mental health, social-emotional development, and their cognitive development.
In particular, from zero to five years of age is extremely important for development because children’s bodies and brains are growing rapidly during this time. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse or neglect, can have lasting effects on children, continuing to affect them in adolescence and adulthood. Given this, ACEs should be avoided and enriched experiences should be maximized throughout life, but especially during childhood.
CounselingSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in child psychology?
Dr. Donohue: Child psychology is more than common sense; it is a science that is based on research and evidence. As you learn about child development, keep in mind that there are some traditional child-rearing practices that are well-intentioned, but are not supported by evidence. Therefore, as aspiring students in child psychology, my advice is to pay attention to current research to inform what you believe is best parenting, teaching, and clinical practices for children.
Related to this, be open to learning about different cultural practices; in some cases, child development may look very different simply due to the country and culture in which a child was born. Being aware of cultural similarities can help the aspiring child psychology student understand what constitutes culturally competent care.
CounselingSchools.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?
Dr. Donohue: The future of child psychology will include attention to more diverse cultural contexts and incorporation of technology into teaching, research, and clinical practice. For example, teletherapy makes services more accessible to the masses and will likely continue to increase in popularity over the coming years. Apps and tools like virtual reality may be important tools to promote children’s cognitive, academic, and social development. Lastly, artificial intelligence will likely play an important role in research and diagnoses in the coming years.
Typical Admissions Requirements for Online Master’s Degrees in Child (Pediatric) Psychology
Applicants to online master’s programs in child or pediatric psychology will generally need the following: a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; a competitive undergraduate GPA (3.0 or greater); a personal statement; and letters of recommendation.
Some programs may also ask applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores (though this has become less common in recent years). While it is not a strict requirement that one’s undergraduate degree be in psychology, it is expected that applicants will have completed some foundational coursework in psychology, statistics, and research methodology.
Courses in Online Master’s Degrees in Child (Pediatric) Psychology
Online master’s programs in child (pediatric) psychology typically include coursework in both general psychology and child and adolescent psychology. Courses in these programs can include:
- Child psychology and neurological development
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Intervention strategies
- Psychopathology in early childhood
- Theories of personality
- Ethical practice in psychology
- Research methods in psychology
Supervised Clinical Hour Requirements & Internships in Online Master’s Degrees in Child (Pediatric) Psychology
Traditionally, on-campus terminal master’s programs required graduates to complete supervised clinical hours and/or internships. While this remains true, many online master’s programs now also incorporate practical experience components to better prepare students for professional roles.
It’s important to note that a master’s degree in child psychology alone does not typically qualify graduates for licensure as clinical or counseling psychologists. Licensure usually requires a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), supervised clinical hours, and passing licensure exams. However, a master’s degree can prepare you for related roles or serve as a stepping stone to a doctoral program.
Therefore, prospective students should carefully review each program’s curriculum and state licensure requirements to ensure alignment with their career objectives.
Program Accreditation for Online Master’s Degrees in Child (Pediatric) Psychology
As of February 2025, the American Psychological Association (APA) has expanded its accreditation to include certain master’s programs in psychology, specifically in clinical, counseling, and school psychology. However, the APA does not accredit master’s programs in child psychology.
For students pursuing online master’s degrees in child psychology, it’s essential to ensure that their chosen program is offered by an institution with regional accreditation. Regional accreditation is granted by agencies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation ensures that the institution meets established standards of academic quality and rigor.
The primary regional accrediting organizations include:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Enrolling in a regionally accredited program is crucial, as it affects credit transferability, eligibility for federal financial aid, and ensures that the education provided meets recognized academic standards.
Featured Online Master’s Degrees in Child (Pediatric) Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University
The online master of science (MS) in child psychology program at SNHU teaches students how to develop, assess, and treat the unique psychological needs of children and their families. The coursework covers developmental psychology, cognitive neuropsychology, and intervention strategies. Students will hone their research methods and learn intervention strategies, culminating in a capstone course. The program consists of 36 credits.
- Location: Manchester, NH
- Duration: One to two years
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The online master of arts (MA) in psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology can be taken with a child and adolescent concentration. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including trauma and crisis intervention, addictive disorders, evaluation and treatment of juvenile offenders, and evidence-based programs for youth.
Students will take 21 credits in foundational psychology, nine credits in child and adolescent psychology, and six credits in an applied research project focused on children or adolescents.
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Duration: One to two years
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
CUNY School of Professional Studies
The online master of arts (MA) in psychology program at CUNY School of Professional Studies prepares students for employment opportunities in the field, and advanced studies in psychology. Students can choose to specialize in developmental psychology, which focuses on the study of human growth throughout the lifespan, from infancy to adulthood. Coursework includes topics such as developmental psychology and child and adolescent development. The program consists of 36 credits.
- Location: New York, NY
- Duration: One to two years
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
The online master’s in psychology program at the University of Oregon emphasizes the knowledge and skills that working professionals can use to enhance the services they provide to their communities. While not explicitly focused on child psychology, the coursework does include topics such as translational neuroscience in early childhood. Several faculty members also have child psychology expertise. The program consists of 54 credits.
- Location: Eugene, Oregon
- Duration: One to two years
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Northcentral University’s online master of science (MS) in child and adolescent developmental psychology program gives students a deep understanding of the social, economic, physical, and emotional components which influence child and adolescent development. Students will learn how to appraise research methods and interventional strategies, and then apply them in the context of real-world settings. At the culmination of the program, students have the option of completing a 100-hour internship in the field. The program consists of 30 credits.
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Duration: One to two years
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Child (Pediatric) Psychology?
A master’s in child psychology is an asset to anyone working with issues related to children and adolescents, whether in an academic or organizational setting. It can also act as a stepping stone to advanced study. In combination with additional training and education, a master’s in child psychology can help one progress into work as a school counselor, child psychologist, or child behavioral therapist.
Become a School Counselor
School counselors work with children of all ages in public and private school settings. They’ll help develop students’ socioemotional skills, develop programs to help boost an individual student’s performance, offer workshops to teachers, and arrange school-wide initiatives to help meet the needs of the community.
Become a Child Psychologist
Child psychologists study the mental, behavioral, and emotional development of children. Further subspecialties include abnormal child psychology, adolescent psychology, and pediatric psychology. This is an advanced profession requiring significant training and licensure requirements, but many child psychologists earn master’s degrees before going on to doctoral study.
Become a Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapist
Child (pediatric) behavioral therapists are mental health counselors or marriage and family therapists who specialize in the treatment of children and adolescents. These therapists will develop individualized treatment plans that consider the whole child, as well as their family dynamics. While there is no specific licensure for child behavioral therapists, most are certified counselors or therapists in their state.
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2020, he’s written extensively about how counselors and other behavioral health professionals are working to address the nation’s mental health and substance use crises, with a particular focus on community-driven and interdisciplinary approaches. His articles have included detailed interviews with leaders and subject matter experts from the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Mental Health Counselor Association (AMHCA), the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).