Developmental Counseling Psychology Degrees

Developmental Psychology is a degree focus that seeks to further educate learners on the social, emotional, and behavioral development of people over a lifespan. This type of degree program can be beneficial for students seeking entry into a wide variety of fields since it covers so many different stages of life throughout the program.

Beginning at infancy, this field investigates the influence of biology and the environment in order to draw conclusions about how and why individuals develop unique personalities, behaviors, and practices. Studies in this program continue throughout adolescence, adulthood, and old age in order to show how the human psyche changes over time.

Most programs offering this specialty can allow you to investigate the common developmental milestones of human throughout different stages of the life cycle. In addition to exploring these common stages, you can also take a look at some abnormal experiences, dysfunction, and developmental interruptions that can influence later development.

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This degree program can be found at multiple degree levels at a wide range of universities across the U.S. Depending on the type of career you plan to seek after graduation, one or more of these programs may be the right fit for you.

Our team of educational experts has reviewed this incredible degree program and its resulting careers in order to provide you with more information about what to expect. Read more in our guide below to learn about different degree programs and what they can do for you in the future.

Online Degrees in Developmental Counseling Psychology

If you are considering enrollment into Developmental Counseling Psychology degree programs but cannot make the time to attend classes in person, online degree programs may be the option you want to consider. Online Developmental Psychology programs can provide you with the same level of quality in education as traditional alternatives, while offering you the flexibility you need to manage a busy schedule.

What is Learning Online Like?

Online degree programs are accessible options for learners that must maintain a full-time work schedule while enrolled. In today's society, it may be more and more common to see learners that need to balance work with education in order to continue living the same quality of life.

Many online learners are adults seeking better career opportunities that come from diverse walks of life. New high school graduates can also choose online programs as a way to begin working in the field while pursuing a college degree.

When you first enroll into online courses, you might notice that they resemble traditional courses in their layout and expectations. You can still complete common assignments like research papers, quizzes, and discussions while enrolled in these programs, with the only difference being virtual submission.

If you do not have experience learning in the online setting, most universities offer helpful tutorials and guides to help you learn the online platform. Online courses are typically user friendly and allow learners to receive guidance from a university support team when needed.

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Campus Based Degrees

While online degree programs may be growing in popularity, many students still prefer to take the traditional route towards their educational degree. Campus-based programs in Developmental Psychology can allow you to engage in in-person learning opportunities at varying times of the day or evening.

There Are Part Time and Full Time Options Even On Campus

One university offering a campus-based Developmental Psychology programs offers students the opportunity to pursue their degree at a full-time or part-time rate. Part-time programs could be great for busy learners that are managing a busy schedule or simply seeking a slow entry into higher education programs.

Students choosing traditional degree programs can also take advantage of morning, evening, or weekend classes as they progress through their program. Some universities may also offer classes that take place once a week, 2 days a week, or daily.

Campus-based degree programs may be most inviting to students that are just graduating from high school or those that live near the school they wish to enroll in. These advantages can allow the pursuit of traditional degrees without the added stress of managing long commutes and busy work schedules.

Bachelors in Developmental Counseling Psychology

At the undergraduate level, students can choose to pursue general Bachelors in Psychology programs or Bachelors in Developmental Psychology. Since the bachelors is an introductory degree in this field, many of the same topics may be discussed in both options.

The Bachelors in Developmental Psychology can include a blend of both psychology-based and general education courses. If you have spent some time reviewing bachelors-level degree programs, you may notice that all degree options contain similar general education courses in subjects such as English and Algebra.

What to Expect

During the first 2 years of your program, you can work to complete these added courses alongside introductory courses like Introduction to Psychology, Human Behavior and the Environment, and Psychology Throughout the Lifespan. Each of these courses can allow you to explore psychological development from multiple perspectives within the life cycle.

Completion of a bachelors degree can set you on track for pursuing entry-level positions in a wide variety of fields. Many fields such as social services, mental health, education, and business may invite psychology degree holders to apply for their lower level positions.

A degree in Developmental Psychology can help you to become a knowledgeable and efficient customer service representative, case manager, or family advocate. Most bachelors degree programs in this field can take around 4 years to complete for full-time learners.

Masters in Developmental Counseling Psychology

The Masters in Developmental Psychology can be a great resource for learners that are interested in pursuing higher tier careers in multiple human service fields. Since many licensure options for psychologists begin at the doctoral level, students may utilize this degree as a stepping stone towards doctoral degree programs in the future.

Expect Challenging Coursework

When entering into a Masters in Developmental Psychology, students may engage in learning about normal and abnormal development of behavior, emotions, and intellectual ability. These skills can help upcoming professionals better determine accurate methods for therapeutic intervention and even assist in the development of educational support tools for learners with diverse needs.

At the onset of your masters program, you may take courses that are related to the biological and environmental factors at play during psychological growth. Some students may take courses in sociology and neuropsychology as a means for diversifying their understanding of this specialized area.

Learning in masters programs can include the standard lecture format, which may entail note-taking, quizzes, and open discussions. At this level, you may also be required to plan and develop your own research projects on a developmental topic of your choice.

The blended learning format in Masters in Developmental Psychology programs can provide students with the opportunity to test their knowledge and understanding of the material through independent projects and research. These skills can prove valuable when working on independent projects in the career field.

Graduates of masters degree programs can move on to pursue leadership positions in multiple fields including social services and mental health. In some cases, graduates in this programs may also pursue careers in psychological research and academia.

Doctorate Degrees

Since psychological licensure typically begins at the doctorate level, this level of degree may be one of the most popular for incoming learners. The pursuit of a Doctorate in Developmental Psychology can be a stepping stone towards careers in psychology practice, education, and multiple fields of research.

If this is your first experience in researching doctoral level programs in this field, you may be pleased to learn that this degree program utilizes what you have learned in earlier degree programs through independent research on different topics in the field.

Terminal Degree with Singular Focus

The Doctorate in Developmental Psychology was designed to educate learners on multiple forms of research, exploration of specific topics, and further learning in the field. In addition to advanced topics in psychology, students may also take courses related to research development, ethics, and thesis development.

The goal of this program is to test your knowledge of this field as well as your ability to effectively construct intervention programs based upon what you know. A large portion of this program may be dedicated to your final thesis project.

In some programs, students may be required to engage in field practice under the supervision of a licensed psychological professional. Different institutions have varying requirements for their doctoral programs, so you are encouraged to find a program that suits your personal scheduled.

Doctorate in Developmental Psychology programs generally last around 4 years for learners that are entering from the undergraduate level. If you have completed a masters degree prior to entering, you could shorten the length of your program to 2-3 years depending on prerequisite course requirements.

Top 5 Courses for Developmental Psychology

  • Cognitive Processes: Cognitive Psychology can be a directly influential aspect during the exploration of normal and abnormal psychological development. This course can allow learners to explore common cognitive processes such as memory, perception, language development, and learning. Students may also explore the concept of attention, as well as the internal process of decision-making. Learning within this class can provide you with a foundation of cognitive understanding for application in later research.
  • Child Developmental Psychology: A large portion of psychological development learning may be dedicated to exploring early childhood years. This course can provide you with insight into how personality, behavior, and attachment develop from birth through adolescence. Within this class, you can explore some of the common milestones for children, as well as some interfering factors that may be at play during abnormal development. Students may also explore biological and genetic psychological disorders during this course.
  • Ethical Psychological Practice: This class can allow learners to review and practice common ethical guidelines in psychological practice. Client confidentiality, consent, and standards of professional conduct may be some topics explored within this class. Students enrolled can also participate in case studies that seek to educate them further on applying ethical principles to different client scenarios. In addition to practice, students may also explore the psychology of ethical behavior in the professional environment.
  • Developmental Psychology: The science of Developmental Psychology includes learning in several different applicable areas in this field. Some of the topics that students can explore in this class include normal development from conception to adolescence, cognitive development, personality science, and emotions. This course may also include studies into various psychological theories pertaining to behavior, attachment, and neuropsychological growth throughout the life cycle. Common psychological disorders and illnesses may also be explored during this class.
  • Cognitive Neuropsychology: In an effort to help students better understand the brain’s role in behavior and emotion, this course can provide you with insight into how these actions manifest. Students can explore the numerous techniques and imaging options available for studying the brain, as well as the countless studies and experiments completed over time. The purpose of this course is to further educate learners on the processes within the brain that result in normal and abnormal cognitive functions.

Outcomes, Careers, & Salaries in Counseling Psychology

Some of the most fascinating career options in psychology can potentially be obtained through the pursuits of a Developmental Psychology degree program. Depending on the degree level you achieve, you may have access to varying career options in multiple fields.

Early Childhood Ed

Many graduates in Developmental Psychology move on to pursue careers in Early Childhood Education at the undergraduate level. In some cases, you could even lead or direct early childhood or childcare centers within your area.

These professionals can earn around $47,940 per year on average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The amount that you earn can vary depending on the area in which you work and the demand for these services within your community.

Graduate Degrees Can Earn A Bit More

Graduate level degrees in Developmental Psychology can also help you qualify for positions in post-secondary educational institutions in your area. The BLS reports that instructors in psychology can earn a salary of $88,490 per year on average in the U.S.

Students that move on to pursue doctoral level degrees in Developmental Psychology may qualify for in-demand positions in psychological research and program development. Professionals in this field can be beneficial when developing a new curriculum for diverse learners or even when implementing new social programs for local communities.

Licensure

Learners that are interested in pursuing licensure within their state may be required to engage in additional training under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. Our team recommends reviewing your state’s requirements for psychological professionals to ensure that you comply with all practice guidelines prior to choosing an experience location.

List of Programs

Capella University 🗹 Online

BS in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis
Capella University is HLC Accredited

Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate

Capella University 🗹 Online Doctorate

PsyD in School Psychology
Capella University is HLC Accredited

Pepperdine University 🗹 Online

Pepperdine University 🗹 Online

Pepperdine University 🗹 Online

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online

National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly

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