Doctorate in Child Psychology Program Guide
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Do you have a passion for helping children and adolescents work through challenges related to mental health? A doctorate in child and adolescent psychology may be your ideal career path.
A doctorate in child and adolescent psychology (Ph.D. and Psy.D.) is a specialized degree that prepares you for research, academia, and clinical practice careers. This degree is also a requirement to become a licensed clinical psychologist in this subfield.
But what else do you need to know about a Ph.D. in child psychology, and how can you pursue this degree? Explore our guide to learn about the steps you can take to earn a doctorate and become a licensed child and adolescent psychologist.
What Is a Doctorate in Child and Adolescent Psychology?
To become a child and adolescent psychologist, you’ll need a doctoral degree — a Ph.D. or Psy.D. — in child and adolescent psychology. A Ph.D. or Psy.D. prepares you for licensure and careers in clinical, academic, and research settings.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
90-120
Required Credits
4-7 years (full-time)
Program Length
A Ph.D. in child and adolescent psychology is a specialized degree focusing on the mental and emotional development of children and adolescents. This program, also known as a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a child psychology track, emphasizes research and sets graduates up for licensure as psychologists.
Students develop expertise in assessment and intervention techniques through psychology coursework, research, and hands-on clinical training. They also build practical experience through internships or practicums. The program culminates in a dissertation involving original research.
Some programs offer online or hybrid course options, providing flexibility for working professionals. Fully online programs are rare and are unlikely to satisfy state licensure requirements.
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
90-120
Required Credits
4-6 years (full-time)
Program Length
Psy.D. programs in child and adolescent psychology train clinicians to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues in children and adolescents. These programs emphasize clinical practice and prepare graduates to become licensed psychologists.
Institutions may offer the Psy.D. program as a clinical psychology doctorate with a focus on child psychology. Advanced coursework covers topics such as child development, assessment techniques, and therapeutic interventions. All programs have internships or practicum placements, and some require a dissertation that addresses a clinical issue.
Some programs offer the flexibility of hybrid formats or online coursework. However, much like Ph.D. programs in this field, fully online programs are rare and, even if available, may not qualify you for licensure.
Interested in becoming a school psychologist? Check out our guide to school psychology programs.
What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Child Psychology?
A child and adolescent psychology doctorate opens doors to research, academia, and clinical practice. Graduates may become child psychologists, helping kids with mental health issues. Others might teach at colleges and focus on developmental psychology. Schools, hospitals, private practices, and research institutions often employ these roles.
Child and Adolescent Psychologist
Child and adolescent psychologists focus on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health issues in children and teens. They offer intervention, prevention, and consultation for specific problems. They also work with families. Child and adolescent psychologists work in various settings, such as schools, private practices, and hospitals.
Note: To work as a clinical child psychologist, you must graduate from a doctoral program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and become licensed in your state.
College Professor
A college professor teaches university courses, conducts research, and mentors students. They usually work at colleges or universities, creating course materials and evaluating how well students are doing. A college professor with a Ph.D. in child psychology might focus on how kids grow and develop, how they learn, and psychological theories.
How Much Can I Make With a Doctorate in Child Psych?
$105,000
Average salary for Ph.D. in Psych
$92,000
Average salary for Psy.D.
Average salaries for child psychologists with a doctorate vary. Payscale reports that a Ph.D. graduate earns an average of $105,000. In contrast, a Psy.D. graduate averages $92,000.
Several factors affect these salaries. Degree type, years of experience, location, and industry all play a role. For instance, psychologists in child daycare and home healthcare tend to earn more than those in outpatient care centers and junior colleges, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Oregon, Kentucky, and Washington are the highest-paying states for clinical and counseling psychologists, with an annual median wage of $132,550, $116,480, and $115,050, respectively, as of May 2024.
How Much Does a Doctorate in Child Psych Cost?
The average cost of a doctorate in child and adolescent psychology varies based on the program and institution type. On average, psychology Ph.D. programs cost around $9,000 less per year than Psy.D. programs. Public universities also usually charge lower tuition than private ones.
Without any financial aid, a doctoral program could set you back over $200,000. But luckily, financial aid options like assistantships and scholarships are common and can lower your expenses. However, Ph.D. programs in this field historically offer more funding options than Psy.D. programs.
How to Get Into a Child Psychology Doctoral Program
To be admitted to a child and adolescent psychology doctoral program, you need a combination of the following:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology or a related field
- Minimum GPA, often around 3.0 or higher
- Personal statement outlining career goals and interests
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources
- Relevant research experience in psychology
- GRE scores
Child psychology doctoral programs are very competitive and might only accept a handful of applicants each cycle. There are also differences in requirements for Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs. Some Ph.D. programs focus on research experience, while Psy.D. programs often value clinical experience more.
How to Choose Your Child Psychology Program
1. Identify your career goals.
Clarifying your career goals in child psychology is a good first step. Are you more interested in research or clinical practice? Narrowing down your career path will help you create a plan for your education and ensure you choose a program that’s right for you.
2. Check for accreditation.
Accreditation is key when searching for child psychology programs. Look for institutional accreditation, which shows the school meets high academic standards.
Depending on your career goals and where you want to work, check for programmatic accreditation from agencies like the APA, especially if you want to become a licensed psychologist. Note that the APA does not accredit any fully online doctoral programs.
3. Connect with faculty and alumni.
Connecting with the faculty and alumni of a program you’re interested in matters for a few reasons. Faculty connections can help you find research mentors, learn about the program, and ensure your interests align. Alums can offer firsthand accounts of their experiences and allow you to assess a program’s strengths and weaknesses.
4. Consider program format, length, and location.
Choosing a program that works for your schedule and needs is crucial. Consider whether a full-time, in-person program or a part-time or hybrid model works best for you. Some programs may require you to relocate, while others have flexible schedules. Consider what type of program will help you thrive.
5. Compare funding packages.
Once you get acceptance offers, compare funding packages, such as a teaching assistantship, research assistantship, or stipend. Pay attention to details like the length of the funding, stipulations, and the total value. This will help reduce the financial burden and allow you to focus on your studies and research.
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Beyond the Doctorate
After graduation, you must take a few more steps to become a licensed psychologist. First, you’ll need to complete supervised postdoctoral clinical experience, which usually takes 1-2 years. You must also pass both national and state-specific exams. You may have to meet additional educational and experience requirements.
To enhance your credentials, consider getting certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) or the American Board of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (ABCCAP). To pursue ABCCAP certification, you need at least three years of experience after your degree.
