[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in child psychology can open doors to many rewarding careers in counseling and therapy, where you can help kids dealing with developmental issues, behavioral problems, or mental health conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many online colleges offer psychology graduate programs. In addition to child psychology, you can specialize in educational or school psychology. This guide ranks the best online master’s programs in child and adolescent psychology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Online Master’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability, so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list has been updated for 2025. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Choosing an Online Master’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Which child [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/psychology/graduate-programs/”]psychology graduate program[/hen-ui-link] should you pick? Start by [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/paying-for-college/”]checking the program’s tuition[/hen-ui-link], discounts for in-state or online students, and credit requirements. Then, look into specializations, advisors, and field experience requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Look for [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-psychology/”]top psychology programs[/hen-ui-link] with a child and adolescent specialization that match your interests. You may also want to consider whether the program has practicum opportunities near you. Finally, ensure the program is accredited and meets the licensure requirements for your state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Be sure to only consider [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]accredited institutions[/hen-ui-link]. Accredited schools have met quality standards for education, including student outcomes, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A degree from an accredited institution is key for state licensure and entry into doctoral programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Degree Type[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-psychology/”]master’s in psychology programs[/hen-ui-link] offer MA and MS degrees. Master of arts (MA) and master of science (MS) degrees in child and adolescent psychology train you to assess and treat mental health disorders in children.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both programs also emphasize psychology research and experiential training. However, an MA focuses more on counseling approaches, while an MS emphasizes research.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Child and Adolescent Psychology Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/psychology-degree-jobs/”]careers with a psychology degree[/hen-ui-link] draw on the analytical, counseling, and treatment skills gained during a master’s in child psychology degree. With a master’s degree, professionals work in psychology research, school psychology, school counseling, and behavior therapy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some career paths, including becoming a psychologist, require a doctorate. A master’s degree can prepare graduates for doctoral-level study in child psychology. [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/psychology-degree-jobs/”]Psychiatry, which is different from psychology,[/hen-ui-link] requires an MD.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This table introduces common career paths and salaries for individuals with a graduate degree in child and adolescent psychology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Child Psychology Careers and Salaries[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Child Psychology Careers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (May 2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]School Counselor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Child Psychology Careers”]$65,140[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]School Psychologist[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Child Psychology Careers”]$86,930[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Clinical Child Psychologist*[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Child Psychology Careers”]$95,830[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Postsecondary Psychology Professor*[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Child Psychology Careers”]$80,330[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Research Psychologist[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Child Psychology Careers”]$117,580[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Child and Adolescent Psychology Professional Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professional associations help child psychology students enter the workforce and advance their training. These organizations host conferences and events with networking opportunities. They also offer professional development tools, educational resources, and career advice, including job boards.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacap.org/” target=”_blank”]American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]AACAP advocates for child and adolescent psychiatrists. The academy hosts a clinical practice center with resources, an education center to build skills, and resources for early career psychiatrists.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.counseling.org/” target=”_blank”]American Counseling Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ACA provides professional development, advocacy, and a comprehensive code of ethics for counselors. The association publishes books, journals, and a monthly magazine on counseling. It also hosts a yearly conference.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/divisions” target=”_blank”]American Psychological Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APA includes several divisions focusing on child psychology, including the Society of Clinical and Adolescent Psychology, the Society of Pediatric Psychology, and the Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice. These societies encourage professional practice, offer training opportunities, and promote public policies that improve children’s mental health and welfare.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.psychologicalscience.org/” target=”_blank”]Association for Psychological Science[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APS supports scientific psychology, including those who specialize in research, teaching, or applied psychology. The association publishes research and encourages networking opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Child Psychology Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Where do child psychologists make the most money?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The top-paying industries for psychologists were government ($126,990); hospitals; state, local, and private ($96,060), and ambulatory healthcare services ($96,960), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top-paying states for clinical and counseling psychologists were Oregon ($132,550), Kentucky ($116,480), and Washington ($115,050).[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you become a child psychologist with a master’s degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No. Child psychologists need a doctorate in psychology and a state-issued license. However, several research-focused psychology careers and school psychology careers in many states only require a master’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does It take to get a degree in child psychology?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s in child psychology typically takes two years for full-time students. Part-time students may take 2-4 years to complete their degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many years does it take to become a child psychologist?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can expect to spend at least five years in graduate school to complete a doctorate and apply for licensure as a psychologist.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest degree in child psychology?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The top degree in child psychology is a doctoral degree. Specifically, child psychologists can earn a Ph.D. in child psychology or something similar, such as a Ph.D. in child and adolescent development.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”1449,350,1363″][/hen-ui-article-row]