Child psychology careers range from entry-level support roles to licensed clinical psychologist and behavior analyst positions. Typical paths begin with a bachelor's degree and progress to a master's or doctorate depending on the role. Licensure, supervised clinical hours, and program accreditation determine practice scope. Early volunteer or practicum experience helps build a career-focused resume.

Many people are drawn to working with children - whether as volunteers, teachers, clinicians, or researchers. Child psychology combines an interest in development with practical skills to support children's emotional, behavioral, and learning needs.

Common education paths

  • Bachelor's degree: A BA or BS in psychology, child development, or a related field prepares you for entry-level roles (e.g., therapeutic support staff, paraprofessional roles in schools, research assistant). Many people also use a bachelor's as the stepping stone to graduate training.
  • Master's degree: Required for many clinical and counseling roles. Programs in counseling, social work (MSW), or marriage and family therapy typically include practicum hours and lead to state licensure as an LPC, LCSW, or MFT after supervised post-graduate experience.
  • Doctorate (PhD or PsyD): A doctoral degree in clinical or school psychology prepares you for independent practice as a licensed psychologist, research, or university teaching. Doctoral training typically includes a clinical internship and postdoctoral supervised experience before full licensure.

Credentials and certifications

Licensure rules vary by state, so check your state board early in training. Common credentials include:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) / Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Psychologist (PhD/PsyD)
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for applied behavior analysis work with autism and behavior disorders
  • Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for paraprofessional ABA delivery
Each credential combines required coursework, supervised clinical hours, and an exam. Supervised-hour requirements differ across jurisdictions and credential types .

Where you can work

Graduates work in private practice, schools, hospitals, community mental health centers, early intervention programs, and research settings. Some clinicians offer telehealth services; many training programs now include online coursework but still require in-person clinical practica.

Practical steps to get started

  1. Identify the role you want (therapist, school psychologist, BCBA, researcher).
  1. Check state licensure requirements and program accreditation (for example, APA or CACREP for some programs) before you apply 1.
  1. Seek undergraduate internships, volunteer roles, or research assistantships with children to build experience.
  1. Choose graduate programs with clear practicum/internship placements and supervision plans.
  1. Plan for supervised post-graduate hours and licensure exams.
Working with children is rewarding and offers diverse career routes. The specific degree and credential you need depends on the setting and scope of practice you want. Start by matching your career goal to required education and state licensure rules, then build relevant experience early in your training.
  1. Confirm typical supervised post-graduate hour ranges required for major credentials (LPC, LCSW, licensed psychologist) in various U.S. states.
  2. Verify current accreditation scopes: which program types are accredited by APA and CACREP as of 2025.
  3. Confirm specific BCBA academic prerequisites and whether master's degree remains required for BCBA certification as of 2025.

FAQs about Child Psychology Education

Do I need a doctorate to work with children clinically?
Not always. Many clinical roles - such as licensed counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists - require a master's plus supervised experience. A doctorate (PhD or PsyD) is usually required to be a licensed psychologist, provide certain assessments, or pursue university-level research and teaching.
What is the difference between a child psychologist and a child psychiatrist?
A child psychologist typically holds a PhD or PsyD and provides therapy and psychological testing. A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who can prescribe medication and combines medical and psychiatric treatment.
Can I complete child psychology training online?
Many accredited programs offer online coursework, but clinical training (practicum, internship, supervised hours) must be completed in person or via supervised telehealth placements that meet state and accreditor requirements.
What is a BCBA and when should I consider it?
A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) is a credential for professionals who design and oversee applied behavior analysis (ABA) interventions, commonly used for autism and behavior disorders. Consider it if you want to specialize in behavioral interventions.
How should I choose a graduate program?
Match the program's degree and clinical training to your career goal, confirm accreditation, review practicum/internship placements, and check that graduates meet your state's licensure requirements.