10 Best Developmental Psychology Degrees Online 2025

Developmental psychologists study human growth and development across the lifespan. Students short on time and money can pursue affordable developmental psychology degrees online.

Psychology is one of the best online degrees you can choose. Whether you're looking for the top online bachelor's degrees in developmental psychology or master's degrees, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover the best online developmental psychology programs.

Top Online Developmental Psychology Degree Programs

A handful of colleges and universities across the U.S. offer top online psychology degrees, including degrees specifically in developmental psychology. Many more offer programs in the broad field of human development. We've highlighted some of our top pics for these programs below.

1. Bay Path University

Bay Path University is a private institution in Longmeadow, MA. It offers an online Master of Science (MS) in developmental psychology that covers topics like:

• counseling theory and practice
• human lifespan development
• psychopathology and diagnosis
• trauma and crisis intervention

This program teaches students to listen with empathy, read an environment with emotional intelligence, establish a connection, and learn to be in the moment. At least 160 hours of community-based fieldwork is required.

2. Charter Oak State College

At Charter Oak State College, students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in psychology with a concentration in lifespan development. The program covers human behavior, normal and abnormal, across the lifespan.

Charter Oak, a public online college, is based in New Britain, CT. It offers a flexible online schedule and six start dates each year.

3. California State University, East Bay

An online bachelor's degree in human development is available through California State University, East Bay. The program offers five concentrations:

• early childhood development
• childhood development
• adolescent development
• adult development and gerontology
• women's development

The program teaches students about developmental processes across the lifespan and prepares them for roles in various settings. Cal State University is a public university in Hayward, CA.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University offers both a bachelor's and a master's in psychology with a specialization in developmental psychology. The conservative evangelical university is located in Lynchburg, VA.

The bachelor's degree teaches students how to address behavioral, psychological, and sociological problems rooted in children's early developmental years. Core courses cover abnormal psychology, social psychology, and child psychology.

In the master's program, students explore the advanced concepts of social and cognitive psychology. They'll gain an understanding of how a person handles stress, life events, biological changes, and social interactions as they grow through stages of life.

5. National University

National University is a private institution in San Diego that primarily serves adult and nontraditional learners. It offers an online Master of Science in child and adolescent developmental psychology.

This program takes an in-depth look at developmental stages and explores how the impacts of family, school, peers, society, and culture intertwine and affect the development of children and adolescents. Students conclude the degree with their choice of an internship or capstone project in child and adolescent development.

6. Oregon State University

Students at Oregon State University can earn a BS in human development and family sciences online. This program explores how individuals develop and become resilient over time, particularly within the contexts of family, school, work, community, and society.

OSU, a public research institution, is based in Corvallis, OR. Students are taught by the university's world-class faculty known for their research, expertise, and innovation.

7. PennState World Campus

An online BS in human development and family studies is available through PennState World Campus. The World Campus is the online branch of the public Pennsylvania State University System.

The degree studies a range of human services and diverse populations to help students gain an understanding of human development across the lifespan. Courses cover infant and child development, research methods, family relationships, and aging.

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers both a bachelor's and master's in psychology with a specialization in child development. SNHU, a private institution in Manchester, NH, is well known for its online programs.

In the bachelor's program, students explore emotional and cognitive development throughout the lifespan. The program concludes with a capstone project focused on current issues in child developmental psychology.

The MS studies research methods, personality, learning theory, and more. This program also concludes with a capstone course, which prepares students to apply the scientific method and critical thinking throughout their careers.

9. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University is a private Jewish institution based in New York City. It offers an online master's degree in psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent development.

The program helps students develop an understanding of concepts and theories relevant to the growth and development of children and adolescents in a psychological context. It explores problem-solving skills, cognitive and emotional development, behavioral issues, trauma and loss, and health-related problems among infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents.

10. Utah State University

Through Utah State University, students can earn a BS in human development and family studies online. The human development concentration provides students with real-world opportunities to engage with individuals and families to address their developmental needs.

USU, based in Logan, UT, is a public research institution. Its human development program includes coursework on parenting, research methods, families, and more.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the online developmental psychology degrees listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools listed above are regionally accredited.
• School Type: We only selected public or nonprofit private schools to provide the best educational options.
• Online Programs: Each school listed above offers a robust online learning department with a variety of program options for students.

How To Choose an Accredited Online Developmental Psychology Program

When trying to select the right developmental psychology or human development program, there are a few things you should consider. These include:

• Accreditation: Whatever school you choose must be accredited, and regional accreditation is preferred (and most common).
• Focus: Do you want a program with a broader focus on human development or a more narrow focus on developmental psychology? Human development courses often explore more social science topics.
• Specializations: Programs may offer specializations or allow you to choose from a range of elective courses so you can tailor your online program to your career goals.
• Schedule: Some programs offer full-time and part-time learning options, and many online programs have an accelerated course schedule.
• Financial Aid: What financial aid programs are available to you at this school?

Scholarships for Developmental Psychology Students

Multiple scholarships are available to students studying psychology. We've highlighted a few of these below. Note that some may require you to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); all programs listed above are from online colleges that accept FAFSA>

Ann-Marie Ogletree Child Development Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,000 minimum

Application Deadline: March 12, 2025

The Ann-Marie Ogletree Child Development Scholarship is a scholarship offered to residents of the Greater Cleveland area who are pursuing a degree in the field of child development. Preference is given to applicants with the greatest financial need.

Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarship

Award Amount: $3,000

Application Deadline: June 30, 2025

The Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology offers eight scholarships to members each year. To qualify, students must be undergraduates studying psychology.

Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships

Award Amount: $5,500

Application Deadline: July 10, 2025

The Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships are offered through the American Psychological Foundation (APF). Eight scholarships are available to undergraduate psychology students who demonstrate financial need.

FAQs About Online Developmental Psychology

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about online developmental psychology degrees.

Is an Online Developmental Psychology Degree Worth It?

For many students, an online developmental psychology degree is worth it. The psychology courses included in these programs teach students about development across the lifespan. The flexible format of these programs makes them much more convenient than on-campus degrees.

With a degree in developmental psychology, you'll be prepared to address the mental health and well-being of patients in clinical, criminal justice, educational, healthcare, and social work settings. A master's degree may qualify you for licensure in your state, increasing your career opportunities.

How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online Developmental Psychology Degree?

Bachelor's degrees typically require 120 credits, which takes about four years of full-time study. Some schools offer accelerated online developmental psychology degrees, which allow students with transfer credits to finish faster.

Master's degrees usually take about two years to complete. Doctoral degrees can vary but often take anywhere between three and seven years.

How Much Does a Degree in Developmental Psychology Cost Online?

Of the developmental psychology programs listed above, bachelor's degrees have a tuition rate ranging from $329 to $400 per credit hour, and master's range from $500 to $925. However, the final amount you pay for your higher education will depend on many different factors, including the financial aid you qualify for.

Discover Online Programs and Enroll Today

Find the perfect online developmental psychology program by exploring the accredited degrees featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to request info on admissions requirements, enrollment, and financial aid.