Child Psychology Master's Degrees in California

<h2 id="section---SanFranciscoStateUniversity"> San Francisco State University</h2><p>Students are required to complete a minimum of 36 units of coursework through 11 different classes before they can earn their Master of Arts in Psychology degree with a specialization in developmental psychology from San Francisco State University. This program has a specific prerequisite that mandates students entering into the program must have previously completed both developmental psychology and basic statistics coursework as a part of their undergraduate education. </p><h2 id="section---AzusaPacificUniversity"> Azusa Pacific University</h2><p>Azusa Pacific University's Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program offers a specialization in children and adolescents that can be completed with 60 units of coursework, totaling to roughly 20 classes. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to apply for their Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor license, or the LPCC. </p><h2 id="section---ClaremontGraduateUniversity"> Claremont Graduate University</h2><p>Students will need to take a total of 48 units of coursework before they can graduate with their Master of Arts in Psychology degree in positive developmental psychology and evaluation, and this program typically takes around two years to complete. Of the required 48 units, 16 will come from core courses, 10 will come from elective courses, and the remaining 22 will be from applied methods and statistics classes. </p><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th> School Name </th><th> Programs Offered </th><th> Tuition (2018-2019)*</th></tr> <tr><td> Antioch University </td><td> Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology - Specialization in Child Psychology </td><td> $16,416</td></tr> <tr><td> San Francisco State University </td><td> Master of Arts in Psychology - Specialization in Developmental Psychology </td><td> In-State: $7,176<br/>Out-of-State: $16,680</td></tr> <tr><td> Azusa Pacific University </td><td> Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with Specialization in Children and Adolescents </td><td> $17,112</td></tr> <tr><td> Claremont Graduate University </td><td> Master of Arts in Psychology in Positive Developmental Psychology and Evaluation </td><td> $34,920</td></tr> </table><p><i>*Source: NCES</i> </p><h2 id="section---HowToEarnAMasterSDegreeInChildPsychology">How to Earn a Master's Degree in Child Psychology</h2><p>Earning a master's degree in child psychology can be done if students meet the necessary entrance requirements, such as holding a 3.0 GPA in previous coursework. Once admitted, this program can take around two years to complete, and some of the courses students may take include developmental psychology, psychopharmacology, and statistics. </p><h3 id="section---DevelopmentalPsychology">Developmental Psychology</h3><p>This course focuses on the different developmental issues that can occur throughout the different stages of a person's life. Students will learn about both the development and the origin of behavior, along with how different issues, such as social stress, abuse, neglect, and poverty impact overall development. Prior to the conclusion of the course, students will also be introduced to the different models of psychological development. </p><h3 id="section---Psychopharmacology">Psychopharmacology</h3><p>Psychopharmacology is the treatment and therapy of psychological conditions through the use of drugs. Some of the important topics covered in this course include common medications that are in use, issues related to medications, cultural issues, and when medications are used. The risks and benefits of different drug therapies will be presented, and students will discuss the different legal and ethical issues faced when working in this field. </p><h3 id="section---Statistics">Statistics</h3><p>A course like this will teach different statistical techniques that are important to research in behavioral sciences and psychology. There will be an emphasis on the scientific method, hypothesis testing, and statistical assumptions in this class. Students will also learn to analyze data, understand the data and other statistical findings, present the results of their research, and run different types of analyses. </p><h2 id="section---CommonRequirementsForAdmission"> Common Requirements for Admission</h2><p>For students to gain admission into a master's degree program for child psychology, applicants will need to submit their CV or resume, their previous transcripts, and at least two letters of recommendation. Some institutions may require a faculty interview or an essay in addition to the materials previously listed. All students must also hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited school as well. Typically colleges and universities with this program will require a minimum GPA of 3.0 in previous coursework and GRE exam scores are sometimes required as well. </p><p>Students in California can earn a master's degree in child or developmental psychology from a variety of schools in the state such as Claremont Graduate University, Antioch University, San Francisco State University, and Azusa Pacific University. Applicants will need to meet the admission requirements, like holding a 3.0 GPA, and take classes like developmental psychology, statistics, and psychopharmacology.</p>