What a Child Psychology Degree Teaches You - Updated Guide

A child psychology degree covers development from prenatal stages through adolescence and trains you in cognitive, social and emotional growth. BA degrees lean toward liberal-arts and applied careers; BS degrees emphasize science, research methods and lab/practicum work. Undergraduate programs combine coursework with field placements. Careers range from education and youth services to research assistance; clinical practice requires graduate study and licensure. When choosing programs - on-campus or online - prioritize accreditation, practicum support, faculty expertise and clear outcomes.

Why study child psychology?

A child psychology degree trains you to understand development from the prenatal period through adolescence. You study cognitive growth, language, learning, perception, emotion and social behavior. Programs stress both theory and real-world observation so you can interpret children's behavior in homes, schools and clinics.

BA vs. BS: what's the difference?

A Bachelor of Arts usually emphasizes broad liberal-arts coursework - humanities, social sciences and applied topics - and can pair well with teaching, social work or policy. A Bachelor of Science tends to emphasize research methods, statistics, biology and laboratory work. BS programs often include more required science courses and practical research or practicum hours.

What you'll do in the program

Expect coursework in developmental psychology, abnormal child psychology, learning and language development. Most programs require field experience: classroom placements, clinic practicum, lab-based studies or community internships. These applied components let you practice assessment, observation and basic intervention under supervision.

Career paths and next steps

Undergraduate training opens paths in early childhood education, behavioral support, case management, research assistance, youth services and program coordination. If you want to diagnose or treat disorders as a psychologist, you'll need graduate training (a master's for some roles; a PhD or PsyD plus supervised hours and state licensure for clinical practice).

Other careers that value the degree include speech-language pathology, pediatric healthcare, school counseling (often requires additional credentialing), and roles in nonprofit or government programs that serve children and families.

Online degrees and program selection

Many accredited colleges offer online bachelor's or master's degrees in psychology or child development. Online formats vary: some combine recorded lectures with live seminars; others use cohort models. If you choose online study, confirm how the program arranges local practicum or internships and whether faculty maintain active research or clinical work.

Key selection criteria: accreditation, practicum requirements, faculty expertise in developmental topics, internship placement support, and program outcomes (graduation, licensure passage, job placement). Apply to several programs and compare course lists and field-placement options before you commit.

Final advice

A child-focused degree gives you a solid foundation in how children grow and learn. Match the degree type (BA vs. BS) and program features (on-campus labs, practicum support, online delivery) to your career goals. If you plan to provide clinical services, research the graduate and licensure path early so your undergraduate choices support that route.