Child Psychologist Career Information and Education Requirements
The field of child psychology involves treating children with a spectrum of issues and disorders. Child psychology professionals might administer tests or conduct research in psychology or child development. They also conduct individual or group sessions with children. Child psychologists must have a doctoral degree and a license.
Child Psychology Career Information
Child psychologists work with minors who have emotional, mental or behavioral issues. Typically, these professionals meet one-on-one with a child, although sometimes the child's family can be involved in therapy sessions. Child psychologists are trained to administer tests that help them evaluate, assess and diagnose children's issues. Some conduct extensive research projects in academic, government or private institutions. Child psychologists coordinate care with parents, educators or social workers. These professionals can be found working in private practices, schools, hospitals and government agencies.
Employment Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected a 12% growth in employment for psychologists for the period of 2008-2018. There is a growing demand for school psychologists due to increased sensitivity to child development and mental health. The BLS has also indicated that in May 2008, the median salary for school psychologists was $64,140, with ranges from $37,900 to well over $100,000 a year. In 2008, approximately 34% of psychologists held a private practice.
Child Psychology Education Requirements
A Ph.D. is required to work as child psychologist. Doctoral degree programs might include coursework in assessment and testing, psychopathology, developmental psychology and behavior therapy. All doctoral programs require completion of a dissertation project, a clinical practicum at a professional facility and an internship. Emphasis is placed on research methods and clinical practices. A doctoral degree program in child psychology prepares graduates for state licensure.
Licensing Information
Child psychologists are required to be licensed by the state in which they practice. Licensing requirements vary by state. Common requirements for licensing include a degree from a doctoral program that has been accredited both regionally and by the American Psychology Association (APA). Applicants must also complete a minimum number of clocked hours of supervised practicum or fieldwork. Additionally, individuals must take and pass the Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP). Some states might require continuing education courses for license renewal.
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22 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
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Doctorate
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- Ph.D. in Psychology - Educational Psychology
- Ph.D. in Psychology - General
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Master
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- MS in Psychology - Educational Psychology
- MS in Psychology - General
- MS in Mental Health Counseling - General
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- MS in Psychology - Applied Psychology
- MS in Psychology - Social Psychology
- MS in Mental Health Counseling - Trauma and Crisis Counseling
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- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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- Arkansas (2 campuses)
- Arizona (6)
- California (26)
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- Georgia (5)
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Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Master
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- MS in Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- MS in Psychology - Industrial Organizational Psychology
- MS in Psychology - Behavioral Health
- Bachelor
- Associate
- Non-Degree
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Doctorate
- Master
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Master
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Master
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- MS in Psychology
- MS in Psychology - Child and Developmental Psychology
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- MS in Psychology - Industrial Organizational Psychology
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- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Doctorate
- Master
- Non-Degree
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 22 years of age or older
School locations:
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Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (1 campus)
- California (5)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (2)
- Georgia (1)
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Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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Online Programs
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Bachelor
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- BS in General Psychology
- BS in Psychology
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- BS in Applied Psychology
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