30 Best Child and Adolescent Psychology Masters Online

By our rigorous metrics, the University of Minnesota has one of the best child and adolescent psychology programs in the country. To be specific, the University of Minnesota offers a Master of Arts in Applied Child and Adolescent Development. The 32-credit program offers three specialized tracks:

• Infant and early childhood mental health
• Child life
• Individualized studies

The classes students take in this program depend on their tracks. Some early childhood mental health courses are infant observation seminar and early childhood assessment. Students enrolled in the child life concentration take Therapeutic Play for Child Life Practice and Child Life Theory. Lastly, students in the individualized studies track take Introductory Statistical Methods and other classes that unite child development with policy, law, child welfare, and more.

This program is fantastic, and thus its requirements are slightly more rigorous than other options on this list. Applying students should have a 3.0 GPA, although they can compensate with a strong resume, high test scores, or excellent letters of reference.

The University of South Florida offers an excellent online Master of Science in child & adolescent behavioral health program. The program offers a thesis track and an applied track. The former is suitable for students who want to work in research or pursue a degree beyond a master’s. The applied track is best for students who wish to become practitioners immediately after graduation.

In this program, students take fascinating classes that build on the latest research in the field. Some of the core classes are:

• Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health
• Cultural Competency in Children’s Mental Health
• Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Policy

Students in the applied track are required to gain 270 hours of field experience, which students can take in or near their city of residence. In the 270 hours, students can observe clinicians, work alongside social workers, or support local community programs. Students in the thesis track complete a paper that’s built on original research. Note that if you want to apply to the thesis track, you must turn in your GRE scores, which isn’t required otherwise.

Our childhood and adolescence are perhaps the two most important times of our lives. Still, though, we never finish developing. Texas Tech University’s Master of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences focuses on the development and interpersonal relationships from childhood to old age. Graduates from this program have become:

• family counselors
• renowned researchers
• child advocates
• leaders in the social service sector

Students enrolled in the Texas Tech program can receive substantial benefits as a student. According to the program’s website, 87% of students receive assistantships, and 80% receive scholarships or fellowships. In a world where most students graduate with almost insurmountable debt, 94% of Texas Tech students say the department met their financial needs. 

The online degree program offers two concentrations: youth development and gerontology. In the former concentration, students take 28 credits of coursework and an eight-credit practicum. In the latter track, students combine eight core classes and four electives. 

Arizona State University offers one of the best Master of Science in Family & Human Development programs in the nation. The 30-credit program comprises excellent classes built on the foundations of the field and the latest research. This program suits those who don’t want to spend years enrolled in university. Students can finish this program in as few as 15 months.

Some classes students take are:

• Social Statistics
• Theoretical Issues in Child Development
• Research Methods
• Leadership and Social Justice

As you can see, many of the program’s courses focus on social science as the hard psychological science that you may expect. 

To apply to this program, students need a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of their undergraduate work. Additionally, students must submit official transcripts, an updated resume, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and graduate essays. Note that ASU does not ask its students to submit GRE scores.

Rutgers University offers a fascinating Master of Education in Learning, Cognition & Development. This program caters to people who want to work within an educational institution, whether that’s university or kindergarten. Chiefly, this Rutgers program imparts the theories and research that explain how the human mind works and develops. Using that knowledge, graduates can become leading researchers, professors, and educators.

Students enrolled in the learning, cognition & development program take courses like:

• Psychology of Learning
• Motivation in the Classroom
• Language Acquisition
• Cognitive Development

The online program directly mirrors the on-campus program. Students take the same classes from the same acclaimed faculty members, with the same resources as on-campus students.

To apply to this program, students must submit three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs. While Rutgers University does not have a GPA requirement, this program is somewhat competitive, and students should have a 3.0 or higher GPA.

School counselors are hidden heroes of the education system. They act as guides, listeners, and advisors so students who are struggling with school or other aspects of life. Texas A&M University’s Master of Education in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in School Counseling prepares students to be those hidden heroes.

The program comprises fantastic classes taught by nationally acclaimed faculty members, many of whom are leading researchers in the field. Some notable classes in this program are:

• Multicultural Counseling in Schools
• Techniques of Research
• Counseling Techniques for School Counselors

Besides online coursework, admitted students must intern with counselors in a public or private school setting for two semesters.

Prospective students must turn in a completed application, including three letters of recommendation and official transcripts. Texas A&M doesn’t have specific GPA requirements, but it highly recommends that applying students have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Additionally, the program recommends that students have at least two years of experience as a K-12 teacher.

Do you envision a future in higher education, business, or government in a position that puts you to work with children and families? If so, Florida State University’s Master’s in Human Development and Family Science program is one of the best avenues to get there. The program has a thesis and a non-thesis track. All admitted students begin with the non-thesis track, but they may switch after the first semester of school.

Some courses in the thesis track are:

• Grant Writing in FCS
• Theories of Family Science
• Advanced Family Studies
• Practicum in Child Development

Students dedicate their research toward a thesis and thesis defense. Students in the non-thesis track substitute the thesis and defense with Methods of Research and a special research project. 

One unique aspect of Florida State University is the availability of a combined master’s and doctoral program. Students can enroll in this program after completing a bachelor’s degree, taking 90 credits to work directly toward a doctoral degree. 

Michigan State University offers an excellent Master of Science in youth development. While many of these programs are focused on social services and soft science, this program concentrates on approaches to achieving positive outcomes for youth.

Students in this program take courses like:

• Foundations of Youth Development
• Adolescents and Their Families
• Contemporary Youth Issues

To gain admission, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. GRE scores are also required. Additionally, applying students must submit three letters of reference and an updated resume.

Missouri State University has one of the most customizable programs of any of the universities on this list. Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Early Childhood and Family Development program choose one-third of their classes. Between the online platform and adjustable curriculum, this program is perfect for students who may not mesh well with traditional university programs.

Students in this program choose between a three-semester, four-semester, and accelerated master’s program. Students in the accelerated master’s program can begin earning graduate credits during their third or fourth year of undergraduate school. If you read this post too late to start the accelerated program, you can still opt for the speedy three or four-semester program option.

Some classes that students take at Missouri State are:

• Advanced Human Development Studies
• Educational Research Methodology
• Proposal Development
• Seminar in Early Childhood and Family Development

Students supplement these core courses with their choice of elective credits, some of which are The Educational Role of Play and Literacy in Early Childhood. 

Southern New Hampshire University’s masters in child psychology online is quick, flexible, affordable, and accessible. It is one of the best programs on this list for students who may not get into more stringent programs. While the program is perhaps easier to get into than other programs, it is just as good.

Prospective online master’s in child psychology students should note the dynamic nature of this program. Students have access to their classes through an online platform available 24/7. So whether you’re working or busy with your family, the classes will wait for you. 

Students take courses like:

• Social Psychology
• Cognitive Processes
• Ethical Practice in Psychology
• Child and Developmental Psychology Seminar

Southern New Hampshire University’s program follows a schedule that includes two courses per ten-week-term. If you keep up with your studies, you can finish this program in as few as 15 months.

The City University of New York employs some of the best professors in the world. Think about it: Who else would get hired in the capital of the planet? The program’s online Master of Arts in Psychology program prepares students for a variety of exciting careers working in roles like:

• counselor
• human resource manager
• psychologist
• social service leader

To gain admission to this program, students must have a 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and a resume showing relevant experience.

This program includes two concentrations: industrial/organizational psychology and developmental psychology. The former category focuses on human behavior in the workplace. The latter category focuses on the cognitive and emotional development of the human body throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. 

Students in both programs take core classes like:

• Social Behavior
• Theories of Personality
• Psychopathology
• Biological Foundations of Behavior

Courses for the developmental psychology concentration are:

• Perspectives on Developmental Psychology
• Adult Development
• Child and Adolescent Development

Children are empty slates. Every experience, conversation, and school class provides children with an opportunity to grow and gain a worldview. California State University-Sacramento’s Master of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development program focuses on the study of developmental theory and psychology of children and youth. Students in this program have gone on to work in:

• research
• professorship
• program administration
• organizational leadership

To gain admission into this program, students should have a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA in child development or a related field. It serves as a big plus if applying students have professional experience working with children in schools, human services, or other areas. Finally, students must prove their written and communication skills.

Some classes that students in this program take are:

• Quantitative Research Methods
• Seminar in Social Development
• Theoretical Approaches to Child Development
• Language Processes in Development

Students finish their studies with Culminating Experience in Child Development: Thesis or Project, demonstrating the skills they gained throughout the course.

The availability of online classes has transformed our educational landscape. Fifteen years ago, when online universities emerged, few of the programs were reputable. Now, though, online classes reflect the best of on-campus programs. Western Kentucky University’s Master of Science in Child and Family Studies program fits into the category of the highest-quality online programs.

This program prepares students for all kinds of careers that focus on the family unit. That could be as a grant writer, social worker, community college instructor, and over a dozen other options. Students enrolled in Western Kentucky University’s program take classes like:

• Stress and Coping in Children
• Advanced Family Resource Management
• Stress and Coping in Children
• Qualitative Research in Education

To gain admission into this program, applying students must have a 2.75 or higher GPA from an accredited institution. Your chances of acceptance will be higher if your undergraduate major is in a relevant subject. Applying students must also submit a two-page professional statement and three letters of recommendation.

Unfortunately, children are some of the most vulnerable humans in the world. They are often harmed by physical and emotional abuse, but they lack the resources and knowledge to mend the situation. But child advocates work to that end. They help children gain a better life, whether that’s through family changes or therapy. Montclair State University’s online Master of Arts in Child Advocacy and Policy helps aspiring child advocates gain credentials and a voice.

Graduates from this program have worked in:

• child welfare agencies
• education advocacy groups
• supervised visitation programs
• child health services

Students take classes like:

• Child Abuse & Neglect
• Current Social Issues in Child Advocacy
• Forensic Interviewing of Children
• Culturally Competent Practice in Child Advocacy

Child advocacy professionals are some of the most critical figures in the social work sector. This program borrows from the leading theories, practices, and frameworks, giving students the knowledge to join and lead the field. 

Working with families requires a combination of natural and learned skills. The natural skills can only be gained through an affinity for conversing with families and working through difficult issues. The learned skills, however, must be obtained through education and experience. The University of Southern Mississippi’s online Master of Science in Child and Family Sciences program provides the skills for any child and family service career.

Students in this program enroll in classes like:

• Parenting Across the Lifespan
• Advanced Family Theories
• Theories in Child Development
• Educational Research: Interpretation and Applications

Students in this program can choose between a thesis and a non-thesis option. Either direction you choose, the 37-credit program is structured around a part-time schedule. As such, students can graduate in two years.

Graduates from this program have become:

• nonprofit program managers
• preschool directors
• substance abuse specialists
• early childhood educators

No matter your goals, USM will take you there.

Are you equally dedicated to psychology and the pursuit of Christian studies? As a rule, Liberty University is known for its high-quality programs that comprise the latest research in new fields and the Christian foundations of our worldview, spirituality, and society. And Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Applied Psychology is no exception to the rule. 

Enrolled students choose from a variety of specializations including industrial/organizational psychology and developmental psychology. Students in either program combine Christian-focused classes with core psychology courses and electives specific to your specialization. Students who choose the development psychology specialization take classes like:

• Adolescent Psychology
• Developmental Neuropsychology
• Intervention and Behavioral Support

The full program comprises 36 credit hours, which students complete in an average of a year-and-a-half. In more detail, students complete the program through one eight-week course at a time. This degree is an excellent and affordable steppingstone to a doctoral program in psychology or a social service career.

West Virginia University offers one of the most dynamic degrees on this list. The school’s Master of Arts in Educational Psychology with a concentration in child development and family studies program leads to dozens of potential outcomes. Among other things, graduates from this program have worked as directors of childcare programs, professors in major universities, and specialists in childhood development agencies.

Applying students should have a 3.0 or higher GPA in psychology, sociology, education, social work, or a similar program. Students with a major in a different program may still gain admittance, but they would have to demonstrate their strong penchant for psychology and relevant experience if possible.

Students in this program focus on the following subjects:

• family studies
• statistics
• research methods
• child development

Six of these credits are for a research-based thesis, which will show the research skills and knowledge you gained in the program.

Do you want to become a full-fledged psychologist? While all of the programs on this list work within or around the psychology field, not all of them prepare you for doctoral degrees or the career of psychology. Middle Tennessee State University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program prepares you directly to become a psychologist. And if you like the program enough, you can continue to MTSU’s online doctoral program in psychology to gain the required credentials. 

Students enroll in expertly designed courses like:

• Theories of Counseling
• Intellectual Assessment
• Objective Personality Assessment
• Interventions with Children and Adolescents

These classes act as a base for your doctoral degree and your future practices as a psychologist.

To gain admission into this program, students must complete the application, graduate with a 3.0 or higher GPA in a relevant field, submit GRE scores, fill out a supplemental application, and submit three letters of reference. As the program website says, having the base requirements doesn’t guarantee admission. If you want to join this program, focus on the quality of each part of your application. 

Counseling psychology is the sector of psychology that is perhaps most familiar to you. Counseling psychologists work with children, families, couples, and adults to improve emotional well-being. National University’s Master of Arts program in counseling psychology focuses on helping students develop the psychological and therapeutic skills required in the field.

In this program, students take classes like:

• Lifespan Development
• Perspectives on Psychology
• Family Therapy
• Couples Therapy
• Psychology of Trauma

These classes prepare students to work with patients of all ages from diverse cultural, educational, and spiritual backgrounds. 

Prospective students should note that this program is only valid for residents of California. If you live elsewhere, the credentials you earn in this program will probably not be valid. This program prepares students for doctoral programs, all of which require a master’s degree. If moving toward a doctoral degree immediately doesn’t sound right to you, though, this master’s program will give you the skills for several careers in family and children services.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Master of Arts in Applied Psychology program offers a child and adolescent focus. Part-time students can complete their degree in two years while full-time students can finish in one year.

Some classes that students in this program take are:

• Evidence-Based Programs for Children and Adolescents
• Social Media and Cyberbullying
• Gender and Leadership Style

While many programs on this list require students to complete a research-based thesis, The Chicago School instead requires students to complete an applied research project. This project requires students to demonstrate what they’ve learned around a single cohesive project.

To gain admission to this program, students must complete the online application, which requires students to declare why they’re choosing the school’s psychology program. In the essay, students should profess their commitment to the profession and the particular school. Additionally, students must complete an updated resume and official transcripts. 

Psychology is a specific kind of therapy. Therapists and counselors exist in many fields, and not all of them have therapist or counselor in their professional title. One of the best examples of unofficial therapy are teachers, who dedicate their lives to the intellectual and emotional development of children. The University of La Verne’s Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Development program caters to current or aspiring teachers. 

In this program, students develop an understanding of the cognitive and emotional development of children. Doing so, they learn how leading teaching methodologies apply to the classroom. Additionally, teachers learn how to teach students of all cultural and intellectual backgrounds. Some notable classes in this program are:

• Methods of Research
• Studies in Attachment
• Educational Psychology
• Developmental Curriculum

Are you interested in joining this program? Applying students must have a GPA of 2.75 or above with a GPA of 3.0 or above in the last 60 semester hours. Additionally, students must submit:

• a statement of purpose
• a writing assessment
• an interview with the program chair

Antioch University offers an excellent Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with a Child Studies Specialization. This program believes that becoming a child psychologist requires far more than an understanding of a child’s psychology. Thus, the program seeks to help students understand everything from the family unit to the environmental factors in child development.

Some notable courses in this program are:

• Child Advocacy and Social Policy
• Cross-Cultural Infant Observation
• Developmental Psychopathology II: Intervention; and Brain and Behavior

These classes analyze everything from biological to cultural and psychological factors in a child’s development. 

Applying students must submit official transcripts, complete the admissions essay, participate in a group interview, and submit the $50 application fee. Note that this program provides the requirements for credentials specific to California. If you live elsewhere, we recommend that you opt for a different program unless you plan to practice in the state of California. 

Capella University’s Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration on Child & Adolescent Development caters to aspiring child psychologists.

Some courses that online child psychology masters students take are:

• Topics in Child and Adolescent Development
• Human Prenatal Development
• Child Psychology
• Lifespan Development

These classes may help prepare students for a doctoral program in psychology and several related professional fields, including child protective services, professorship, intervention advocacy, research, and more.

Capella University offers multiple financial opportunities for students. Military members receive a 10% tuition discount, while any student can apply for a $2,500 Capella Progress Award to help fund their degree. Additionally, students can transfer credits from other graduate programs. If you’re looking for an affordable and high-quality option, consider Capella University.

Do you have an affinity for working with humans facing challenging times? If so, consider Southeastern University’s Master of Arts in Human Services. Students can complete this 100% online 36-credit program in as little as one year, but most students finish within two years. If students have already completed graduate coursework in another program, they can transfer up to nine credits to Southeastern University.

Students choose from one of three concentrations:

• Administrative
• Children and Family
• Christian ministries
• Crisis Resiliency

Some core classes that all students take are:

• Contemporary and Historical Issues in Human Services
• Program Planning and Evaluations
• Human Services and The Community

Students in the most relevant specialization to this list—children and family—take courses like At-Risk Children, Parent and Child Relationship, and Child Development Ages 0-18. 

Do you want to apply to Southeastern University? If so, you must have a 3.0 or higher GPA in a relevant field from an accredited university. Additionally, you must submit:

• a personal statement
• three references
• a completed online application

Students enrolled in Bay Path University’s Master of Science in Developmental Psychology can take classes 100% online or in a hybrid format. Students can begin the master’s program in February, June, or October. The school’s flexible start dates are one of the many benefits of Bay Path’s program. Another quality of the program is the availability of a full-time or part-time option. 

The program combines twelve traditional online classes with 160 hours of fieldwork in your community. Some courses that students take are:

• Applied Research Methods and Program Evaluation
• Psychopathology and the Diagnostic Process
• Psychological Assessment in Counseling
• Career Development: Theory and Practice

Bay Path University requires its students to have a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA in psychology or a related field. Students must also have:

• a current resume
• two recommendations
• a completed application
• all undergraduate and graduate transcripts

Admitted Bay Path students can access several financial aid, scholarship, and loan options. 

For too long, our country overlooked mental health in veterans, children, and everyone in between. Finally, we are addressing the mental health needs of millions of Americans, especially those who face a mental disorder. Grand Canyon University offers an excellent online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Childhood and Adolescence Disorders.

Students take classes to become ethical psychologists with empathy, care, and the scientific knowledge required of child and adolescent psychologists. Some classes that students in this program take are:

• Counseling Skills
• Research Methods and Program Evaluation
• Developmental Disabilities
• Principles of Psychopharmacology

Students supplement their traditional study with two internships and a practicum. Each of the internships requires students to spend 300 hours observing and participating in counseling-related activities. The practicum is similar, requiring students to engage in counseling-related activities for at least 100 hours. If you seek an affordable, high-quality, and nationally acclaimed program, you can’t go wrong with Grand Canyon University. 

Developmental psychology is a flourishing profession. Every day, counselors and researchers make new advances in the field. It has been ignored for so long, but finally, people are noticing the potential and necessity of psychology in the development of children. And now, some of the excellent programs teaching the science of developmental psychology are online. 

Northcentral University’s online masters in developmental psychology offers excellent classes taught by reputable faculty. Some of the classes in this program are:

• Research Design
• ADHD and Autism Spectrum
• Ethics in Developmental Psychology
• Child and Adolescent Gender Development

Most students complete the ten-course program in 16 months. Then, students can apply for a doctoral program or gain experience in the field. Conveniently, the program has start dates every Monday. No matter when you want to begin, you’ll only have to wait a matter of days rather than months. This program is convenient, affordable, and fantastic, and we highly recommend it. 

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an excellent Master of Family and Child Development. There are two concentrations within this program, which are:

• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Master of Education in Child and Family Studies

Each of these sub-programs is excellent, but we will primarily focus on the latter program concentration.

Some of the core classes for all students are:

• Advanced Studies in Infant and Child Develoment
• Child and Family Advocacy
• Family Theory and Research

Students will apply the knowledge they gain in the classroom to a community-based setting in order to build their skills. All students complete a master’s project or thesis depending on their professional goals.

Mental health counselors are often literal lifesavers, working on the front end in our war on mental illness. With sensitivity, grace, ethics, and a penchant for working with people who struggle with emotional difficulties, mental health counselors do an excellent service to the world. Lewis University’s excellent Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares graduates for the psychology field.

There are three concentrations within this program:

• Adult Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Child and Adolescent Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Child and Adolescent Distinction (embedded in the Child and Adolescent Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration)

The program has an additional course of study option in addiction studies, which is another problem that faces America. Some of the classes in the addiction studies track are Introduction to Addictions and Special Populations in Addictions.

This program is notable for its flexibility in course and concentration offerings. If you want an excellent stepping stone toward your mental health counseling career, consider Lewis University. 

While Touro University Worldwide may be the lowest ranking on our list, readers should note that it still beats out hundreds of programs around the country. Thus, you shouldn’t pay any less attention to Touro’s Master of Arts in Psychology. If you want to work in the areas of child welfare, healthcare, or education, Touro’s program will suit you well. 

Students in this 36 credit-hour program choose between a part-time and full-time program. The full-time program requires one to two years of study, while the part-time program takes two years or more. The child and adolescent developmental psychology program includes courses like:

• Infant, Child, and Adolescent Development
• Multicultural Issues in Child and Adolescent Development
• Psychological Aspects of Child and Adolescent Development

Touro features 100% online courses and affordable tuition. There are no residency requirements and no GRE required for admission. With six start dates throughout the year, students can get started on their degree when it is most convenient.