An online master’s in child and adolescent psychology is an excellent option for those looking to advance their education while benefiting from the flexibility of online learning. These programs focus on cultivating skills in developmental psychology, mental health assessment, and therapeutic techniques for working with children and adolescents. Graduates are prepared for careers such as mental health counselors, with a median salary of $53,710, or school counselors, earning a median salary of $61,710. Many programs also serve as a foundation for further education, like doctoral studies, where students can prepare for licensure as practicing psychologists.
On average, these programs cost $20,513 per year in tuition and can be completed in 18 months to three years, depending on full- or part-time enrollment.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology Program
Choose your area of study
While child and adolescent psychology is already a specialized field, you can further tailor your education by considering your specific career goals. Ask yourself:
- What age group or population am I most enthusiastic about working with?
- Do I want to focus on research or clinical practice?
- What type of work setting — such as schools, private practice, or hospitals — appeals to me?
Potential focus areas may include developmental disorders, trauma therapy, or school-based counseling. Specializing in these areas can prepare you for careers as school counselors or child therapists, aligning your education with your professional objectives.
Research schools and programs
Now that you have a better idea of your area of study, you can begin researching schools and programs in earnest. Consider using the following questions to guide your research:
- Is the program accredited, and does it meet licensure requirements?
- Does the curriculum offer specialized courses in my chosen area of study?
- What types of practicum or internship opportunities are available?
- What are the program’s faculty credentials and expertise?
- How flexible is the schedule for my existing commitments?
You can find this information on school websites, by attending a virtual open house, or by contacting an admissions counselor directly. Many students also benefit from using forums like LinkedIn or Reddit to gain insider perspectives from current students and alumni.
Prepare for tests and applications
Once you have a short list of programs, it’s essential to prepare your application materials early.
Request official transcripts and letters of recommendation well in advance to avoid delays. At the same time, start drafting your personal statement, ensuring it illustrates your enthusiasm for child and adolescent psychology and your career goals. You’ll also want to update your resume to reflect relevant experience, such as internships, volunteer work, or research.
If your top schools require the GRE, consider enrolling in a GRE prep program to strengthen your test-taking skills and improve your scores.
Select your program
After receiving acceptance letters, you may have a big decision to make. Fortunately, you can simplify this by revisiting your initial research criteria, focusing on what matters most – whether it’s curriculum relevance, the faculty you’ll learn from, or practicum opportunities. This is also an ideal time to reassess the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and materials, and compare those figures with any financial aid offers.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
For many students, financing their degree with minimal to no debt is a top priority. If you’re in a similar situation, prioritize scholarships and grants, as these don’t require repayment. Next, explore assistantship opportunities, which may offer tuition waivers or stipends in return for research or teaching responsibilities. Employer tuition reimbursement programs are another excellent option, especially if you plan to continue working while studying.
If loans are necessary, you’ll want to prioritize federal loans, as they often have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best online master’s in child and adolescent psychology programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online master’s in child and adolescent psychology programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Online Master’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology Program?
An online master’s in child and adolescent psychology provides students with a significant understanding of developmental stages, behavioral patterns, and mental health issues in young people. By enrolling in one of these programs, you’ll learn development theories, intervention strategies, and therapeutic techniques, preparing you to work with children, adolescents, and families.
Most programs require a thesis and a supervised practicum, providing hands-on experience essential for future counseling roles or further studies. Upon graduation, you can pursue licensure as a counselor or continue toward a doctorate to become a licensed psychologist.
These programs typically take 18 months to three years to complete, depending on part- or full-time enrollment.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in child and adolescent psychology program
- Critical Theories of Child and Adolescent Development: This fundamental course explores foundational and contemporary psychological, cognitive, and emotional development theories in children and adolescents. As a student, you’ll analyze critical developmental milestones and how different factors, like culture and environment, shape behavior.
- Assessment of Mental Health Across the Lifespan: In this course, using standardized tools, you’ll learn to assess mental health disorders from childhood through adulthood. Lessons focus on diagnostic techniques, clinical evaluations, and the importance of early identification of mental health issues in children.
- Foundations of Play Therapy with Young Children: Here, you’ll be introduced to play therapy techniques designed to help young children express emotions and resolve psychological conflicts. It focuses on using play as a therapeutic tool to support emotional and social development.
- Multisystemic Work: Social Work Practice and Advocacy with Families: This upper-level course teaches students how to engage in multisystemic work by collaborating with families, schools, and communities to address child and adolescent challenges. Many curriculums also explore advocacy strategies to support family well-being.
- Planning and Program Development: In this class, you’ll learn to design and implement programs that address mental health needs in children and adolescents. Lessons cover strategic planning, resource allocation, and evidence-based interventions tailored to the needs of different communities.
Online Master’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master's in child and adolescent psychology degree program?
You’ll want to review specific program requirements to apply for these programs, as they may vary by institution. However, most programs will request the following:
- A bachelor’s degree, preferably in psychology or a related field
- Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- GRE scores, if required
Don’t hesitate to reach out to an admissions counselor before applying — they can help clarify program expectations, discuss career goals, and ensure you submit a competitive application.
How much does an online master's in child and adolescent psychology degree cost?
The average tuition cost of a master’s degree is $20,513 per year. However, you’ll also want to budget for additional expenses like technology fees, course materials, and textbooks. If you plan to study full-time, you may need to account for reduced work hours, potentially impacting your living expenses. Some programs also have fees for practicum placements.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in child and adolescent psychology degree?
Obtaining this degree typically takes 18 months to three years. Full-time students may complete the program in as little as 18 months, while part-time students often take up to three years. Full-time learning can be attractive for those seeking a faster path to graduation, especially if they can dedicate significant time to their studies. Part-time enrollment may be ideal for those balancing their education with other responsibilities — like a full-time job or caretaking.
Be sure to double-check the total credit requirements for each program, as these can vary and impact the overall completion timeline.